7 answers
Samantha
Student
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
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is there any career choices for a bipolar person
i was wondering is there any way of a bipolar person get a job and if there's any choice what would be it #career-choice #career #job
7 answers
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Of course there are! I personally know people who have bipolar disorder that are professional engineers, entrepreneurs, construction managers, scientists, health advocates, yoga teachers, and in other professions. I'm sure I know many others, too, but I just don't happen to know their diagnosis :)
With those I have know personally, they have found a balance in their treatment to manage their condition in a way that works for them with the assistance of their doctors/health care providers. With their condition well managed, one really wouldn't know about their disorder unless/until they choose to disclose it. Many of them explained to me that they struggled initially (especially in their late teens/early 20s) to find that balance and some of them have had to tweak their treatment plans over the years as their lives, situations and stress factors change (e.g., having children).
I suggest you look into the job protections offered in your country for people with bipolar disorder. For instance, in the U.S. we have a law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires employers make "reasonable accommodations" to address employees disclosed medical conditions that might require workplace accommodations. Of course, that information only needs to be shared with people at the company who have a "need to know" (typically, Human Resources and the manager). It requires the employees to take the first step - to inform their employer of their disability and to request whatever "reasonable accommodation" is required. However, it is not necessary required to be disclosed during the job interview process. You should research want applies in your country. Perhaps your doctors can point you to local resources/social worker who can help you understand what might apply to your specific situation.
Ask your medical team for referrals to people/resources who can help you navigate career planning/employment
Research what legal protections are available and how/when to invoke them
With those I have know personally, they have found a balance in their treatment to manage their condition in a way that works for them with the assistance of their doctors/health care providers. With their condition well managed, one really wouldn't know about their disorder unless/until they choose to disclose it. Many of them explained to me that they struggled initially (especially in their late teens/early 20s) to find that balance and some of them have had to tweak their treatment plans over the years as their lives, situations and stress factors change (e.g., having children).
I suggest you look into the job protections offered in your country for people with bipolar disorder. For instance, in the U.S. we have a law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires employers make "reasonable accommodations" to address employees disclosed medical conditions that might require workplace accommodations. Of course, that information only needs to be shared with people at the company who have a "need to know" (typically, Human Resources and the manager). It requires the employees to take the first step - to inform their employer of their disability and to request whatever "reasonable accommodation" is required. However, it is not necessary required to be disclosed during the job interview process. You should research want applies in your country. Perhaps your doctors can point you to local resources/social worker who can help you understand what might apply to your specific situation.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
hi desiree thank you so much for your answer i have asked around but because im battling with my mental health and my did alot of people have rejected me and started giving up but ur reply ggiven mme hope and i try to not shut it down and its hard since im matric and need the money for college but thank you
Samantha
Good luck, Samantha! I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to find your balance, pursue your education and earn money. Know that other people have managed it successfully and try to draw inspiration from them. There really is reason to be hopeful. It can be hard to admit you need help and to ask for it, but please don't hesitate. Talk to anyone you can -- doctors, teachers, social workers, school counselors -- about finding tools to help you navigate all this. There may be resources out there that you don't know about that could be really helpful. I hope that you can find role models and resources to make this a little easier for you. You have my best wishes!!!
Desiree Giler Mann
Jerome Levy
81
Answers
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Lots of people with bipolar disorder are successful in their fields. A lot of that depends on what you can offer a prospective employer:
- Are you under treatment and taking care of yourself -- including (if applicable) staying on your medication schedule?
- What specific skills do you have? Can they be applied to, for example, working in a capacity that would allow you to take off when necessary?
- Are you interested and able to work in a field that can provided some sort of contract or piece work that would accommodate your cycles?
Be up-front with interviewers. Let them know that you bring serious talent and ability but may require some accommodations, and stress that you're doing everything possible to stay on track and take care of yourself. You may find that companies are willing to work with you as long as you can provide them with tangible advantages, and the fact that you're asking this question at all seems to indicate that you're willing and able to do so.
Best of luck!!!
- Are you under treatment and taking care of yourself -- including (if applicable) staying on your medication schedule?
- What specific skills do you have? Can they be applied to, for example, working in a capacity that would allow you to take off when necessary?
- Are you interested and able to work in a field that can provided some sort of contract or piece work that would accommodate your cycles?
Be up-front with interviewers. Let them know that you bring serious talent and ability but may require some accommodations, and stress that you're doing everything possible to stay on track and take care of yourself. You may find that companies are willing to work with you as long as you can provide them with tangible advantages, and the fact that you're asking this question at all seems to indicate that you're willing and able to do so.
Best of luck!!!
I'd be sure to research local employment law protections before volunteering medical information in the job interview.
Desiree Giler Mann
Good point. However, you don't want to withhold information either -- that's a direct bus to career failure. If you want accommodations, then somewhere along the line you'll need to tell them why. It's a fine line to walk, and Desiree's right; check with your local disability office or other agency before deciding what you want to disclose.
Jerome Levy
I was in a disability honor society in college and a lawyer came to speak about ADA. He was very firm that one should wait until after receiving the job before discussing disability. He explained that you’re not “withholding” any info relevant to a hiring decision since your resume/references demonstrated your ability to perform the job. Plus, if disability is not something you can legally use as a factor in hiring, it cannot be characterized as “withheld”. Now I’m not sure what comparable protections South Africa has, so look into that as Desiree suggested. If you find yourself drowning In legalese, get in touch with a trusted source to get a straight interpretation - disability rights advocacy orgs, legal nonprofits, a lawyer (who specializes in disability rights), etc.
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
"As long as your resume/references demonstrated your ability to perform the job" then there is in fact no reason to disclose. My point was simply that if you believe you can perform the job BUT may require accommodations to do so, it might be a good idea to get that out on the table up front. Your mileage may well vary. This is a tricky topic to navigate and I think we've got some good discussion here.
Jerome Levy
Definitely a tricky topic to navigate. Like Desiree and Alexandra, I would also lean toward waiting until after receiving the job before discussing disability.
Sandra Merino
Richelle Chandler
Safety
8
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Richelle’s Answer
Absolutely, Samantha. You can choose the career path of your choice. Just keep under control with your treatments/medication and you should be fine. Good luck,
Suvebah Sharif
15
Answers
Updated
Suvebah’s Answer
The best advise would be to find a career that interests you but is generally considered low-stress. Bipolar disorder is manageable. If you have a job that has a defined set of tasks and do not vary greatly on a daily basis, the overall stress will be low. The environment around you can also be a trigger. You want to work in a calm quiet environment where you have the ability to take break.
Stephanie Prentis-Washington
Consult/Facilitate
7
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Indeed there are! I have both family members and friends who have thriving careers with bipolar disorder and so can you. I think it would be important to know what your identified strengths and weaknesses are in order to ensure you find the right balance and fit for you. I career that is known to be a highly stressful environment could possibly create major imbalance and that would definitely cause a negative experience with regard to how well you perform and grow in your role. There are others things that should be considered like flexibility, scheduling, workplace environment, leadership and support just to name a few.
Just put your best foot forward, invest in yourself and find that perfect fit for you.
Just put your best foot forward, invest in yourself and find that perfect fit for you.
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Of course there is Samantha! If you make sure to manage symptoms as best you can, with the help of a professional, you can do any job that I would be able to think of. If it is a question of stress or the severity of your symptoms, I would definitely connect with a good mental health professional (professional counselor, professional therapist, or psychologist along with perhaps a team with a psychiatrist) to help you efficiently manage your symptoms as best as possible. Good luck!
Sandra Merino
Clinical Pediatric Pharmacist
6
Answers
Lake Forest, California
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
There are absolutely many ways in which someone with bipolar disorder can get a job! People with bipolar work in a variety of fields, even in high-powered fields such as doctors, lawyers, and nurses. To be successful, you need to be able to recognize your own warning signs early, work with your psychiatrist to find medication(s) that work well for you, find a therapist that's a good fit for you, put in the time and effort to grow from therapy, and invest in your mental health. Speak with your treatment team (psychiatrist and therapist) to discuss your concerns about career paths. Some people with bipolar disorder benefit from a low-stress job. Structure and routine is often recommended as well. A regular sleep routine with good sleep hygiene, staying off devices right before bed, going to bed at the same time every day, and getting out of bed at the same time every day are very important for managing bipolar. Don't let bipolar disorder hold you back from fulfilling your life's goals. You may not know what your goals are yet, but for most people a bipolar diagnosis does not need to limit their career choices.
In the U.S., you do not need to disclose your diagnosis to your employer. By law, your doctor can write for certain accommodations for you if needed, and your employer does not have the right to pry. You have the OPTION to disclose your diagnosis with your employer if you trust them and think it would be helpful.
Now, some people with bipolar disorder have a hard time managing it. They may need to work a reduced schedule or some other career pivot. Other people with bipolar maybe unemployed and/or on disability, but this is not the majority.
Best of luck to you as you think about your future career.
In the U.S., you do not need to disclose your diagnosis to your employer. By law, your doctor can write for certain accommodations for you if needed, and your employer does not have the right to pry. You have the OPTION to disclose your diagnosis with your employer if you trust them and think it would be helpful.
Now, some people with bipolar disorder have a hard time managing it. They may need to work a reduced schedule or some other career pivot. Other people with bipolar maybe unemployed and/or on disability, but this is not the majority.
Best of luck to you as you think about your future career.
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