As you can see, I went awhile without posting. My goal is to post every few days- but the past week was a tough one work wise. I am now working full time for the first time in my life. It’s a true dream come true. If you go to the categories list to the right and click on the work tab, you can read all about my struggles.
Time management is now my focus. In the past, I had to spend so much time managing the illness- now I have more time to manage work! I know that there are many people in the world who wish they never had to work again- my dream for life is to work as much as I want.
Thus, I got behind on my blogs. I love work. I have not been able to say that in over 15 years- working daily to manage this illness pays off- it just takes a darn long time to see the result you want! I gave up a lot- and still give up a lot to be able to work- but for now, it’s worth it.
How are you work wise? Can you work the amount you want to work?
Julie
Related posts: Bipolar Disorder and Work Schedules: A new office! | Cherise asks: how can I manage bipolar illness and also go to work and school? | Work and Bipolar Disorder: It has been nine years! Why do I keep thinking this illness is going to change? |
Glad to see you back! I was getting a bit worried, although I was also wondering if you were neck-deep in a new writing project.
I’m finding work is MUCH easier to manage with the right medications. My new psychiatrist spent well over an hour with me during the first visit and has adjusted my meds a bit. What a difference I feel! Now I’m also planning to begin work on my master’s degree in January, so we’ll really see how things go!
Take care!
Sandra
Hi Julie!
I’m in about the opposite situation. I have had a number of things happen that have caused my prescriber and employer to limit my hours at work to 25 a week and only 2 – 6 hour days are at the office, the rest is strictly at home. I know it’s in my best interest but it is hard to accept such limitations. I’m also on a very strict med and bed time schedule to control my Bipolar and my Sleep Apnea as I was in an accident where I blacked out (sleep deprived they believe) and sideswiped another car on the highway. So my driving has been taken away as well as my work. I’m trying to be accepting but I feel like kicking and screaming. Any insights that might help?
Thanks for being so great!
- Melissa -
Hi Melissa
I believe we have to stop our triggers completely- get better and then add things back slowly to see what we can handle. I am SO happy you can work- even if it’s part time. I am glad you have such faithful and competent health care professionals. But it does suck in many ways- pardon my language!
I could not work much from 1995-1999- after I started the Health Cards I as able to work some. Then part time. For the past seven years I was only able to work part time or I got quite sick. I didn’t want to give up on my goal of full time work so I kept removing triggers- bad relationships- family arguing, messing with my sleep, etc.
And it worked! I do live a bit like a monk, but that is ok for now. What you are going through is a process towards mental stability. I heard a funny quote: The easy road always goes through the junk yard! Also, have you tried a dental devise for your apnea. I know it has changed lives.
Keep on going! Things will be different in a year and you will be able to decide how much you want to work! Jullie
Also, Provigil is a medication that is prescribed to combat excessive daytime sleepiness associated w/sleep apnea & other conditions. I’ve been taking it for about 15 yrs. & don’t think I could survive without it.
It is not addictive (I’ve been on the same dosage for all these yrs.) & it doesn’t make me feel jittery or anything.
I also fell asleep when driving & the only thing that saved me was when I veered off the road the shoulder had gravel & the sound of the tires hitting the gravel woke me up. I was about 5 min. from home & struggled to stay awake to get home. When I got in the front door, I just laid down on the entry way floor & basically “passed out” due to the exhaustion that had overcome me. Very scary.
I have just read a couple of your blogs, mainly about staying at work. I have an 19 yr old, who struggles with his work. Loves his job, but sometimes has too many days off. I understand, he needs them sometimes, etc. My question to you. How can a 19 year old see the benefits of what you are saying. He is young, has really good intentions, but is ill at times, and actually can not see what is good for him. We have bought your books and health care cards and slowly trying to put some things together. He knows he should get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, don’t stay out late, especially work nights. the list goes on and on. I can see what you are trying to explain, but how can a young person, without those years of experience and maturity keep pulling them selves back and forceing them selves to focus. I hope eventually he might, he has ADD as well as generalized anxiety, and also many symptoms of Aspergers syndrone, and more. Cluster I think they call it. He has a high paying job, but works long hours and when unwell of course can’t see that it’s not good for him.we have just done a health card for money, he has agreed to what he wants and needs to do, but he had an option to refuse the help also. this is a good choice for him and I know this card will help in future instances. Hope you can help answer these couple things. thanks and thank you for such a informative resource. I know feel that somebody actually knows what I am talking about and I not just a drama queen.!!! cheers.
Hi Julie,
this is the first time I’ve written. I used your cards back in ’01-02 when I was severely depressed. My depression continued until finally I was able to get out of bed and land a full time job. Considering what I went through I did very well at the job. At that time I was finally diagnosed as Bi-Polar-2. I’ve been on the same meds since ’03 and I feel really great. I have what I call, “evened-out” I no longer get manic, nor depressed. I’m no longer scared of the world and of people. I now work part time selling on ebay and the other time as a substitue custodian for a school district. Love the work, it’s quiet at night and I can bring a radio to listen to.Thank you, Julie for being available to all of us. God Bless you!!
Best,
Jeff
Hi Melissa,
it must be hard for you getting used to the new lifestyle that was ‘ imposed’ on you….
I do think though that structure and a little more balance in several area’s can be be very helpfull. Having dealt with apnea your body is probebly exhausted. Give yourself some time to ‘get back on our feet again’… it maybe feels like ‘STANDING STILL’ at the moment.
I know that I need all those things to function well but actually have an aversion to structure. Very contradicting.
I just try to spend my “extra’ time on reorganizing my house, enlarging my social network spend extra time with my son, so when things are back on track again i will have used my time well and will benefit of it.
i can imagine you feel kind of like being punished by the restrictions you’ve got. Try to see it as a challenge to get through this.
Daun
I also can”t as work as much as i would want to, have been having serious sleeping problems since 12 weeks or so.
Hi Melissa,
it must be hard for you getting used to the new lifestyle that was ‘ imposed’ on you….
I do think though that structure and a little more balance in several area’s can be be very helpfull. Having dealt with apnea your body is probebly exhausted. Give yourself some time to ‘get back on our feet again’… it maybe feels like ‘STANDING STILL’ at the moment.
I know that I need all those things to function well but actually have an aversion to structure. Very contradicting.
I just try to spend my “extra’ time on reorganizing my house, enlarging my social network spend extra time with my son, so when things are back on track again i will have used my time well and will benefit of it.
i can imagine you feel kind of like being punished by the restrictions you’ve got. Try to see it as a challenge to get through this.
Daun
I also can”t as work as much as i would want to, have been having serious sleeping problems since 12 weeks or so.
Which is in fact worse, not reaching or never trying?
Hi, this is Julie. I think that never trying is much more of a problem than not reaching. I don’t reach a large majority of my goals- especially if they are made when manic! Depression can make it difficult to try anything- so being hard on yourself when you’re depressed doesn’t help- but lying in bed all day doesn’t help either. Just tying your shoes when you’re super depressed is trying. It’s a true accomplishment that can lead to another accomplishment.
It’s interesting for me to read the post that led to your comment. It was written in 2009. It’s 2011 and I have the exact same problems with work. Wow. That is what bipolar does- it makes you think YOU are the problem. It just means the illness has to be treated daily for those of us who keep having mood swings!
Thanks for your question. I’m interested to hear what people think of my posts and I always appreciate comments.
julie