Where do I even begin? Managing Bipolar Disorder and the Workplace
You’re not obligated to tell your boss or human resources department about your bipolar disorder diagnosis. But you may be eligible for workplace accommodations and medical leave. If you have bipolar disorder, you may cycle between periods of high moods, known as mania or hypomania, and periods of low moods, known as depression. Bipolar disorder may also affect your cognitive function, such as your: attention memory learning These symptoms can make working challenging, especially if they affect your day-to-day functioning. A 2022 review found that people with moderate to severe symptoms of bipolar disorder were less likely than those with mild symptoms to be employed. Working with bipolar disorder can pose significant challenges, but the right job can also provide benefits. Those benefits extend beyond employment income. Working a supportive and rewarding job may also help improve your self-esteem, give you a sense of purpose, and offer opportunities for personal growth and