Anyone Bipolar???

[phoenix72]

I was wondering if anyone is, or knows of any successful bipolar nurses. I am non-medicated but cope with my symptoms via behavior modification and therapy. I do not want to rely on medication if I don't absolutely have to. Will I be forced to disclose my condition? If so, will I have to be medicated to be employable? I am not a severe case and don't have radical mood swings. Most people are not aware of my condition unless I tell them. This has really been on my mind so I appreciate your help.

[Liddle Noodnik]

I haven't read through all the posts but having someone in my family who was bipolar (now deceased), I can say most bipolars - true bipolars - cannot function well or for long without medication. SOME can but the most cannot -this isn't a matter of will power - its a matter of brain circuitry. The person in my family was very conscientious about taking medication once diagnosed and lived a full life - no one would've known about the bipolar has she not told them as the medication allowed her to function normally - she wasn't a zombie - she was able to just...live. She was not ashamed or unwilling to admit her condition and actually educated a lot of people over the years about it and psych meds. She was an example that psych meds DO work when taken correctly.

For you, there would be no reason to tell your employee or anyone else about your diagnosis. Most medications that are given for bipolar are not going to show on a drug test and if something does crop up - you have a script. The main thing is for you to take care of yourself before you try to take care of anyone else. Good luck

thank you, this was an EXCELLENT post! sorry I didn't see it til now :)