Anyone Bipolar???

Nurses Stress 101

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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.

Thanks for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Thanks for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

***Smooch***

in a respectful non-harrassing type of way ...

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***Smooch***

in a respectful non-harrassing type of way ...

HAHAHA. *sigh* The world itself could use some Li if you ask me. It's a shame that a joke like that is funny but realistic in the same light.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
HAHAHA. *sigh* The world itself could use some Li if you ask me. It's a shame that a joke like that is funny but realistic in the same light.

Who's joking/

ha ha just kiddin. And yes it is sad.

What is "Li"?

or is that just a typo?

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Who's joking/

ha ha just kiddin. And yes it is sad.

What is "Li"?

or is that just a typo?

Its the elemental symbol for Lithium.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Its the elemental symbol for Lithium.

oh doi, I knew that ;)

I understand there is some state where it is naturally occuring, ie in the water or soil? and that the incidence of MI is much lower. Not sure if that is fact or fiction... sounds good anyway lol (I think it was Utah)

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Specializes in ER-Adult and Peds, also ICU.

Hey Zoe, Same things goin on here as before. Alois Wolf you need to get help. I was dx type II bipolar several months back. Now I am on mood stabalizers and anti-anxiety meds. Now if my new job would work out and I could get my daughter to the neurosurgeon across the country that she needs to live, Life might be okay. Also my good friend Chief Thunderhawk was killed in a freak mvc after doing my family's adoption ceremony. That is why my name is now Medicine Eagle not tired brave heart. So I am grieving for him with some friends also on here in the Native American Forum. Alois Wolf, I was curious about your name, are you NAI also? Gotta go but wanted to say hi, and hope you are doin okay.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Hey Zoe, Same things goin on here as before. Alois Wolf you need to get help. I was dx type II bipolar several months back. Now I am on mood stabalizers and anti-anxiety meds. Now if my new job would work out and I could get my daughter to the neurosurgeon across the country that she needs to live, Life might be okay. Also my good friend Chief Thunderhawk was killed in a freak mvc after doing my family's adoption ceremony. That is why my name is now Medicine Eagle not tired brave heart. So I am grieving for him with some friends also on here in the Native American Forum. Alois Wolf, I was curious about your name, are you NAI also? Gotta go but wanted to say hi, and hope you are doin okay.

Time stands still while you wait for a breakthru, it's hard isn't it? Well it sounds like some things are stabilizing, you have "your own O2 on" and now you can help your daughter better - Take care!

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I probably am Bi-Polar as well. I definitely have many seasons that change very quickly. However, you like everyone else has the right to privacy. So, I wouldn't disclose that you are unless absolutely necessary. Plus, as long as you are you doing your job, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if your moods get in the way of working, then maybe it is time to start some medications. There are some that do NOT cause severe sedation. My friends husband takes Lexapro and it manages his symptoms very well.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
I probably am Bi-Polar as well. I definitely have many seasons that change very quickly. However, you like everyone else has the right to privacy. So, I wouldn't disclose that you are unless absolutely necessary. Plus, as long as you are you doing your job, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if your moods get in the way of working, then maybe it is time to start some medications. There are some that do NOT cause severe sedation. My friends husband takes Lexapro and it manages his symptoms very well.

Hi Stepher thanks!

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Specializes in psychiatric.

Believe me, I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed w/bipolar disorder back in 2001. I have a mild form of it, but I suffer through the mood swings. I actually was a patient for a week on the psychiatric unit that I currently work on. None of my co-workers know this, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm hiding a terrible secret. I was hospitalized when I was having a major crisis. This was before I went into nursing. I had no idea that I would one day be working on the unit I stayed on, but it happened. I don't tell my co-workers of my condition because I know I would be treated differently. I love my job and working with other patient suffering from the same condition. I was able to go off what little medication I was on and have been fine. I have learned to see the danger signs of my condition and know when I am beginning to escalate. There are probably many of us in the medical field and there is no reason we should not lead purposeful lives. I disclosed my condition to the health department, but that is as far as it went. I did not disclose that I was a prior patient because I was not an employee at that time and I didn't feel it was relavent to my getting the job. Hope this helped........

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i'm a nursing student with bipolar disorder. i am conflicted everyday thinking about if I could manage the physical/emotional stress that being a nurse intails. reading various blogs, i notice many nurses with bipolar have either lost their license or take breaks from working. this might be a self-confidence issue but i'm starting to think i can't/should not be a nurse. i'm worried about becoming symtomatic and possibly harming a patient. anxiety and stress will be a big factor. i have experienced 4 episodes within the past 8 years. i still have yet to grab a grip on control management. i just try to take my meds on times, sleep enough, and don't over-do anything. i truly am tried of getting sick and having to start over and pick up the pieces. i want this to be my last time recovering. i'm starting to think i should just drop out and do something less stressful and less patient contact. nursing may not be for me, considering my disorder.

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