Why I Had to Quit My Job Because of Bipolar | My Bipolar Journey & Career Struggles

[@reneemartin5208]

Well, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 and I had a terrible time in the nursing field… I wanted to be a nurse but it was just so demanding and staff was not understanding to my needs… it was ruining me, now I’m trying to do something else with my life. I’m going to do something that I love, I’m going to work with avians and exotic animals as an assistant zookeeper. Being with animals has always been so therapeutic to me, it’s what makes me happy. I may not be in the medical field, but at least I’m happy. Please wish me luck! I hope things get better and that you find your path 💛

[@ourbipolar]

Good luck with zookeeping! That sounds like an amazing field to be in. I don’t think I could work in the nursing field either. My mom was a nurse, and like you said, it is an extremely demanding career. Plus working night turn would be very detrimental for those of us with bipolar. I wish you every success! 🤍

[@courtneyritter1285]

Best wishes on your path forward

[@allthingsrbeautiful6480]

Hey hows your avian thing going...did it work?

[@mariahconklin4150]

That is such an amazing idea. Zoo's are very quiet I've noticed depending on what day you go. I'm afraid of animals though having to go into those cages scares me. I love animals but they can snap anytime. lol! I'd just have to be properly trained. Like you I can't do caregiving anymore it's so exhausting and I also really shouldn't work in fast food that is the worst out of all of them.

[@shi.l3571]

Thanks for your sharing and it's encouraging to me. I'm diagnosed with Bipolar II and have been working as a nurse for years as well, however, after years of trying to adapt to the fast-paced and demanding environment, I'm not sure it's still a good career choice for me.

[@AlexaNicole1186]

Thanks for sharing. I’m a nurse and I was recently diagnosed as bipolar type 2. I had worked night for a majority of my career and had so many ups and downs without realizing I had a disorder. I couldn’t stay in one position more than 1-2 years. I felt so much relief when I finally was diagnosed. I’m still a nurse, and just changed jobs again. My last job had a schedule a lot like yours. I worked 5 days a week 8 hr shifts and could be “mandated” or held over to work a 16 hour shift. And due to covid and short staffing, it happened a lot! Now I’m back to 12 hr shifts 3 days a week day shift, no mandatory overtime. It’s still such a challenging job, but I’m doing my best to make it work while trialing medication, going to therapy, sticking to a routine and prioritizing sleep. I usually start a new job strong, then nose dive into a deep depression. I’m hoping I can manage my symptoms. I love my job and am very good at it, but If this doesn’t work out, I’m walking away with grace knowing I did my best, made a difference and will be moving toward something more creative or work with animals. Thanks again for sharing your story. I feel less alone in feeling this way about work and dealing with this disorder.

[@ourbipolar]

I’m so glad that you’re on day shift now and working a regular schedule! My mom was a nurse, so I know a little bit about how difficult it is to be in that field. I appreciate you! I think all we can do is try our best to stay healthy, and if our job becomes a reason we can’t do that, we have to make a change. Good luck!

[@christyklein]

You’re a wonderful woman! Don’t ever think that you’re less than that. This mental illness is so difficult to treat and cope with. Continue to stay strong!

[@leafyveins4985]

I have quit and lost so many jobs because of my disorder. I'm 29 and I've had 22 different jobs. I feel horroble guilt for every job that I've screwed up, but I try not to focus on that because if I do then I'll end up calling off a bunch and losing the job I have now. So I just try to keep moving forward, accepting my limits, and applying at jobs that I like. Working with plants is my passion. I've worked for the local Parks department and at a nursery and I hope I'll be able to get another job doing so and I hope I dont screw it up. I wish that people knew we're not lazy and we do care about working. We just get so depressed and manic/hypomanic it becomes impossible to work. It's Hell.

[@ourbipolar]

There have been many times that I thought I couldn’t keep working and might need to go on disability. It’s so hard to keep going sometimes. I love that you love working with plants! That sounds like a really fun profession. I hope it works out for you! ❤️

[@tinaromo8065]

@leafyveins4985 I am so sorry you have to go through this. My son who is 25 can't seem to keep a job and he's had so many in the last 5 yrs. I strongly feel he could have BP or BPD but he refuses to get help. I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@Christ_Is_Life10-10]

That’s a lot f jobs. At least you were hired.min have bad references and couldn’t even get a minimum wage job until recently because they didn’t ask for reference. I love it and struggling to keep up to the fast pace.can only work 4 hr shifts.

[@dhane4830]

Yeah.. I quit my job too because of my mental health condition. It's hard to concentrate :/ and getting up is such a hard thing to do :/

[@malgorzatamaher9700]

I work at McDonald's, it is the most stressful job I have ever had and done, I have a bipolar 1 and I think about quitting this job every time I am there. It is not good for me, because the stressful level is so high. I also have a university degree and a college certificate, in total 5 years of education. Many times I ask myself why do I work at McDonald's, a job I literally despise! ? Thank you for sharing your story, It gives me a lot to think about and change my life for better: different job, less stress etc.

[@ourbipolar]

I hope you will find a less stressful job. I know it takes time. Hang in there. ❤️

[@blessed-are-the-broken7068]

I'm having the hardest time staying at my job. I'm good at masking the symptoms at work, and then I fall apart as soon as I get in my car to go home

[@peterdonovan]

Holding down a job is so hard remember to make time for yourself

[@blessed-are-the-broken7068]

@@peterdonovan thanks so much for that😊

[@peterdonovan]

@@blessed-are-the-broken7068 you are welcome, I think taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too. Give yourself a pat on the back for staying at your job despite the symptoms, you deserve it.

[@peterdonovan]

@@blessed-are-the-broken7068 you are welcome, I think taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too. Give yourself a pat on the back for staying at your job despite the symptoms, you deserve it.

[@ourbipolar]

I have definitely had many days like that. Sometimes working and having a home life is really easy, and other times I can’t understand how I will work until I retire. In those times I try to keep going through the motions and eventually things do get better. ♥️

[@richardrosario9945]

My career as a public school teacher ended due to bipolar. I had not been diagnosed. I did not act out in the workplace, but my symptoms led me to leave as well. It started with insomnia from the pressures of the job, but after I left it developed into full-blown mania. I was hospitalized that summer and was never able to return.

[@ourbipolar]

I’m sorry that happened to you. My husband is a public school teacher. I would never be able to have that career. ❤️

[@jakethecutsnake2360]

Thyroid and bipolar, what a complex interplay. I quit my job as a psych nurse. Was hypomanic at the time.

[@ourbipolar]

That would be such a tough career even while stable. 🤍 I actually had hypothyroidism before going on lithium, but I guess it probably would’ve gotten me somehow. 🙃

[@arnita_sur]

Thank you for sharing so honestly❤

[@sallybush6454]

I've always worked with bipolar adhd but now I'm done with working...I have my dad with parkinsons dementia who stays with me sun till Fri I have osteoarthritis in both hips and knees also my hands...I've been so stressed and my partner had oesophagus cancer...he's great now and bk at work but I'm truly overwhelmed...the guilt I feel is so extreme giving up work...but I'm putting my notice in Fri...I'm going to do it ...keep strong and fo whats right for u ...im not winging life no more...im going to start being honest x

[@ourbipolar]

It sounds to me like you are still working by taking care of your dad. What a blessing you are to him. ❤

[@simonbelmont1986]

I quit my job because of discrimination from management. Getting a lawyer is gonna be fun.

[@tanyajackson372]

So glad I found your channel...I have cyclothymia..soft bipolar... It all got triggered by a traumatic abusive relationship in my early 20s...a 63 year old man forced me to have an abortion...it still effected me till this day.. I seen a psychiatrist in 2016...he wasn't sure if I had adhd.. soft bipolar or if it was a result of trauma...I had also dealth with an eating disorder in my teens.... I'm working witg my naturopath and he encouraged me to take lithium orotate..NAC...and a high grade omega 3 supplement....eating less sugar... I got diagnosed as having histadelia...undermethylation.... It's taken a while for the nutritional supplements to work...I don't think I can live without the lithium....it helps my stress... surprisingly from what im learning lithium is required for human nutrition.... I'm applying for a job this week ..can only work up to 25 hours a week but that's ok as i don't cope well with high demands... I was a carer for 15 years...got terminated as i refused the covid jab but now Australia changed regulations and I can get back to work now as a carer as i love helping people with various disabilities...sleep also a problem for me but so far I take magnesium in afternoon to help me relax....it has helped my sleep quality.... My naturopath did iridolgy on me...he said i have the ring of freedom in my iris...meaning I have a very highly wired nervous system...always have to be on go :-( But finding meditation helping as i feel I never do enough in my church... I used to get panic attacks but now I'm rarely getting them... But if I ever happen to get worse I might need Meds but so far I'm getting my life back slowly.. Your channel is a Godsend...u are so honest and open about things...

[@ourbipolar]

So glad you’re here! I hope you continue to do better and better. ❤️

[@byebyeforever4]

thank you for sharing your experience!

[@ourbipolar]

TNX

[@sm12hus]

So did I. About twenty times. Here’s to the next! Keep trucking!

[@TheVopz]

I am scared of meds. manic, depressed and I have ptsd

[@ourbipolar]

I don’t blame you. My life is so much better on meds that work for me, but finding those meds can be precarious.

[@Christ_Is_Life10-10]

I never understood why people just “decide” to stop taking meds without consulting with doctor. If symptoms persist how can Dr help if you don’t tell them? I was DX with ADHD and bipolar depression last year and I would never consider stopping my meds. I trust my doctor and would consult with her if break through symptoms were affecting my functioning.

[@ourbipolar]

Some people have symptoms so severe that stopping their meds seems like the right choice. Some people try many different doctors and don’t trust any of them because the meds they prescribe hurt them instead of help them. There’s lots of reasons people stop their meds. I’m glad you haven’t felt the need to stop yours.

[@dmariebella6309]

I have Bipolar 2, ADHD, BPD and Autism. My doc put me on Sodium Valproate for the BP 2. It only helps for the mania but not the depression. I will only take the sodium when I'm really bad. The psychiatrist prescribed to me risperidone but there's no way I'm taking that sht. I was on pharmacy prescription Melatonin Circadian for 2 and 1/2 years, that helped since I had chronic insomnia, night terrors. And the doc also had me on Effexor which did jack sht but make me fat and make the other conditions worse. I went cold turkey on all drugs and so now I changed up my diet, exercise, cut back on work hours and it's helped so much.

[@smartreikiandtarot]

I absolutely don’t trust doctors.

[@thinkingjohn2099]

I to quit my job because of bipolar actually I had a minor relapse at the time I walked away and took an early retirement I was planning to work only for a few months so no real loss, my major bipolar episode happened in 2007 for which I was hospitalised for, anyway since then the 4 minor short relapses I have had I just go on the meds for 1 month then go of them so I act as soon as the symptoms occur fortunately this approach has worked for me

[@ourbipolar]

I’m glad you found an approach that works for you. Personally I could never be off meds and do that well, but bipolar presents itself differently for everyone. Congrats on retirement!

[@smartreikiandtarot]

I have hosimoto’s and a new therapist after 2 visits thinks I’m bipolar, however I don’t think I am. I truly believe it’s my thyroid. I’m definitely not going to go on meds. I am watching all of these videos to see if I relate. 🤷‍♀️ Do you have any videos about your thyroid and bipolar?

[@ourbipolar]

I don’t have any videos about bipolar and thyroid, sorry. It’s not a topic I know much about. If you can get your thyroid function under control, that might tell you more. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jonesilvasilva]

Congratulations on your video! You are to be commended. You know, I have bipolar disorder type 2. I used lithium before and it made me gain weight. That was 4 years ago. So, I switched to Depakote, but it wasn't good for me, so I took other medications. Now, my new doctor reintroduced lithium here in Brazil under the name Carbolithium CR 450. I take two every night for a year and I haven't gained weight. But why haven't I gained weight? Because my new doctor advised me to see a nutritionist to eat properly, and I also drink at least 2 and a half liters of water every day. I also exercise; in my case, I walk five times a week for 40 minutes. I don't drink coffee, I don't use alcohol. So, I haven't gained weight and I'm doing well with this medication. The good thing about having lithium is that it's the only medication that protects our brain from dementia in the future. I'm not saying we will have dementia, but lithium protects the brain and stabilizes us, that's what my doctor said. So, it's been a year since I've been fine: I study, work, and have plans for the future. Yes, it is possible to be whatever we want in life; we have to face and fight with positivity. I forgot to mention that I have a psychologist I see every week. You are young and intelligent. Never give up. Hugs from Brazil!

[@ourbipolar]

Thank you for the lovely comment! I’m so glad you’re doing well. I also take lithium and it saved my life. ❤️

[@jonesilvasilva]

@@ourbipolar I thoroughly enjoyed your channel; it has quickly become one of my favorites. I intend to watch all of your videos. Your dedication is truly admirable, and your work undoubtedly impacts many individuals worldwide. It's incredible to think that I'm here, watching you from over 11,000 kilometers away in South America, Brazil. Thank you sincerely for creating such valuable content. Please always remember the profound impact you have as a person. And special that you are, your videos bring relief and help many people. It's good to know that we are not alone and that we can always win

[@ourbipolar]

@jonesilvasilva Thank you so much! I really appreciate what you said and having you part of this community.

[@klarney1]

Hi, why did you not apply to be medically boarded?

[@ourbipolar]

Probably because I don’t know what it means to be medically boarded. Can you explain?

[@andreav318]

It’s pretty amazing that you have times of no bipolar symptoms. Also, being successful in a career is atypical. What diagnosis do you have?

[@ourbipolar]

Bipolar 1. Time between symptoms is common, but it’s different for everyone. Right now it has been over a year for me with no symptoms, but I’ve never gone that long before.

[@deansultani5433]

Thank you for sharing. I took a 30k paycut to exit an employer and line of work. It’s been almost 10 months, and with working medications on board, it is going well. I am much more stable, and the new job doesn’t knock me off my center as much - if at all. A job is just a job, and it’s not worth your health.

[@ourbipolar]

@@deansultani5433 I completely agree. Your health comes first. 🤍

[@Yaa7700]

Cycling every month? Have you considered pmdd was part of it

[@ourbipolar]

It was a part of it but not close to all of it. I now take continuous birth control to help with hormonal cycling and hormonal migraine flares.

[@TJ45223]

Marijuana works great

[@ourbipolar]

It works great in bringing on psychosis for me and many with bipolar.

[@VlogginTherapy]

@@ourbipolarYou’re right. I smoked marijuana in my early 20s….And auditory hallucinations and I was seeing things….Never again. 😢

[@ourbipolar]

Yeah totally not worth it for me either 👎🏼

[@sexymayagreen9202]

Greetings from Israel! I just found your channel, you are such an Interesing person! I deal with bipolar 2

[@khadraazzam216]

I was taking Depakote and ability, then they switched to tomprimat,.. and now they are planning on prescribing me Zoloft or Wellbutrin… idk I get so scared just letting someone have full control of my life like this

[@ourbipolar]

I know what you mean. 🤍 I was never able to take an antidepressant without it bringing on mania.

[@amphetaminebunny]

Could you talk about having kids while bipolar? I always worry about passing down my illness to my kids should I decide to have them.

[@ourbipolar]

When I was considering having a child, the chances of passing down the bipolar genes were thought to be 10%. Then soon after I had my daughter, new studies came out suggesting it was closer to 20% (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2HXqqqpg8eola8). It was definitely a blow. However, if my daughter has the bipolar genes (80% likelihood she doesn’t 🙌🏼), I feel much better knowing my experience with the disorder can steer her away from things that could trigger bipolar, like antidepressants or marijuana.

[@chibiveggie]

I never would have thought that me taking Zoloft for depression as well as Lamotrigine and Abilify would cause me so many issues. I've been cycling through mania and depression for about 2 months now. It is such a struggle. In less than two months, I have quit my job and moved cities (with my spouse), started two part time jobs, and quit the two part time jobs. I have also went on numerous spending sprees. No health insurance and no doctor in the new city yet. What has my life come to...?

[@ourbipolar]

I’m so sorry to hear that. Maybe your dr can recommend a med change. ❤️

[@theotherway1639]

The mindfulness book "30 Days to Reduce Depression" by Harper Daniels is a good resource.