In need of some sort of advice

[regababy]

Well, i'm a full-time nursing student, tring to pursue a master's degree in nursing. I plan on being a mid-wife within the next 5 years. For the last past 3 years, periodically, I would feel depressed. I thought I was depressed because I'm a nursing student, with two kids and very little support. Just recently I knew that I had to seek help at some point of my life. Not even a month ago, I had two sessions with a pyscologist. Two weeks later, i've meet with a thearpist and was dignose as "mild bipolar", which I guess is biopolar type one. Because I was expecting for the him to tell me I was depressed, I was in a state of sook. Since then I've been doing major reasearch on bipolar. I have very few symptoms of these disorder. However I don't have any major symptoms that interfers with school, my kids, my husband or when dealing with the public. I am a very caring and amiable person that doesn't want to be look at in a different light because of my illness. Everyone that know's me can't belive i'm bipolar; that's how much it doesn't show. My family suggest that I get a second opinon because they think I was missed dignosed. I don't think I was miss diagnosed because only I know how I feel.If you didn't know me, you would never know I'm bipolar.I deal with the public very well. However, the following are questions I need the answers to. Do you think that because i'm bipolar, my desease will effect my carrer? Will I get hired anywhere? Are there any nurses or nursing students in this country that suffer mental health issues or am I alone? If my disorder is under control ,will I still have to tell my employer i'm bipolar, or will they find out on their own? Is it illegal for a nurse to work if they are bipolar?

[allthingsbright]

HI! Well first of all, I want to give you a :icon_hug: !!

Secondly, I think it's a good idea to get a second opinion, no matter what you are diagnosed with! If it does turn out you are bipolar, it seems to me that this is YOUR health and YOUR business, not an employers. You will need to work with your therapist on deciding what is best for you in terms of your career. Do check your state's Board on N. for laws regarding mental health disorders and liscensing. Call and ask them on a confidential basis your questions and you should get some good answers.

Best wishes to you--whatever you do, take care of yourself, ok?

[speedykicks]

A second opinion is a good idea. But if you do have a diagnosable mental illness, it is really no big deal. It is just like learning to live with any chronic condition that must be managed - diabetes, arthritis, etc. My partner has a mental illness, and we just deal with it. We have a great therapist who we trust and we manage just fine. There is a lot of stigma around mental illness - but trust me friend - most all of us have some mental thing that can be "diagnosed" at one time or another.

[regababy]

Thanks guys! I'm soo pleased that someone out of the bunch took the time to give me some advice.I feel 100% better. Once again thanks.