I’ve had a lot of work stress lately- maybe you have too! I am sure you’re laughing- all people with bipolar have work stress- either the work is too much, too little or not at all. There is a good chance that if you care about someone with bipolar disorder, you have supported them financially at some time in the past. My former partner Ivan supported me off and on from 1995-2001. Wow, that is kindness.

I just finished the amazing book Electroboy and was struck by a scene in the book that is all too familiar for many of us. After Andy Behrman, the author went through a series of ECT treatments, a vocational rehab counselor suggested that he try, ‘Volunteering.. or a bookstore.”

I had to laugh at that- So many of us with bipolar disorder have heard this suggestion- “Ok, you’re not well enough to do the high powered, creative and stimulating job you want to do.. So how about volunteering?”

As though that is ANY substitute for not being able to work the way we want to. There is nothing wrong with volunteering- but most people do it by choice and often as a adjunct to a regular job- when you’ve been sick and want to work but can’t, volunteering can be a bit of a letdown. I know-  I did it for years when I was too sick to handle a job.

And then there are the bookstores- Why do so many people think that working at a bookstore is so easy and that all of us who just came out of the hospital or a major mood swing would love to work there?

Ha ha. I have a friend who works at Barnes and Noble and there is nothing any more relaxing about a bookstore than many other jobs!

The real problem is that people with bipolar desperately want to be productive and make MONEY. Thus, volunteering is helpful, but not always the help many vocational rehab specialists think it is.

I get so fired up thinking about this! I am 44 and for the first time in my life I’m working like a ‘normal’ person. By normal I mean that I can work for more than 20 hours a week- sometimes I can work 25! I have used the Health Cards for so long, I have them memorized- they help me get through the tough work days- like today when stress is giving me a stomach ache. I have so much work to do it feels impossible that I will get it done. But I will. I’m finally stable enough to WORK. It’s a privilege and I’m thankful.

If you have the Health Cards, a work card is really helpful. It took me a few years to see what I could and couldn’t handle- so give it plenty of time. Your future can be a lot more successful work wise if you do.

PS: I interviewed Andy Behrman for my last radio show. He was amazing!

Julie

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