Poor judgment and impulse control, frequent mood swings, irritability, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, and other common symptoms of the manic phases of bipolar disorder all affect your ability to perform your job and interact with others.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense mood episodes, which can interfere with work. You're not obligated to tell your boss or human resources department about your bipolar disorder diagnosis. You may be entitled to workplace accommodations and medical leave.
Many people with bipolar disorder hold down jobs—although they may suffer emotionally. Some also work very hard to monitor their thoughts and moods. People with bipolar use a type of thinking known as overgeneralization.
Many people with bipolar work best with a regular, stable routine that helps with mood balance. Experts recommend avoiding any shift work or jobs that disrupt a regular sleep pattern.
Both the ADA and SSA consider bipolar disorder a disability. That qualifies you to get extra protection and benefits under the law. To start the process, talk with your doctor. You will need documents to prove to the government that bipolar disorder affects your ability to work.
Yes. Assuming that you work for a covered employer and are eligible for FMLA leave, you may take leave for treatment visits and therapy sessions for the condition.
Telling your manager and work colleagues about your illness is a personal decision, but you have to ensure you remain within the law and your contract of employment. If, for example, your employer specifically asks about any illnesses then you should disclose if you have a diagnosis of bipolar.
The employment rate among people with bipolar disorder has been estimated to be 40%–60%7 and among people with schizophrenia 10%–30%.
Generally, SSDI payments can range from an average of $800 and $1800 per month, although those amounts can be more or less depending upon your particular circumstances.
People living with or caring for someone with bipolar disorder can have a tough time. During episodes of illness, the personalities of people with bipolar disorder may change, and they may become abusive or even violent. Sometimes social workers and the police may become involved.
You really don't need to tell anyone at work that you have bipolar disorder. But in certain circumstances, it can be helpful to have a conversation with your supervisor, such as when you need to take off from work for lots of appointments.
Bipolar disorder is included in the Social Security Listings of Impairments, which means that if your illness has been diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner and is severe enough to keep you from working, you are eligible to receive disability benefits.
Applying for family and medical leave act (FMLA): FMLA allows eligible employees to take an unpaid leave of absence from work for medical reasons. You are eligible for up to twelve weeks (in a 12-month period) if you are deemed unable to work due to your mental illness.
Do Mental Illnesses Appear on Background Checks? Typically, no. Diagnosed mental illnesses are a part of a person's medical record and, as such, are protected under law. Doctors are sworn to confidentiality and could risk losing their jobs if they expose any information without a person's explicit consent.
The Social Security Administration will automatically grant disability benefits for depression or bipolar disorder if you can show you have the symptoms and limitations listed in its official disability listing for depression or bipolar disorder.
Absolutely. In fact, bipolar disorder is considered to be one of the few mental health conditions that is highly likely to cause a significant and long-term psychosocial disability.
Bipolar disorder and driving
If you have bipolar disorder, you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as it may affect your driving.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
Mood Regulation
Manic episodes are characterized by feelings of euphoria, high energy, talkativeness, and poor decision-making abilities. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, are defined by feelings of sadness or hopelessness, disinterest in life activities, a lack of energy, and the inability to concentrate.
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
Bipolar disorder, however, is a much more entrenched disorder that can consist of many weeks of depression followed by episodes of mania, or vice versa. These episodes can be quite debilitating, and without treatment, can significantly increase the risk of suicide.
What's more, many people with bipolar disorder report memory loss and or difficulty remembering things. These individuals may have trouble with short and long-term memory, struggle to think things through at a quick speed, and have difficulty thinking outside of the so-called box.