How to Handle a Bipolar Diagnosis and Work

There’s no one-size-fits-all job for anyone, including people with bipolar disorder. Especially since symptoms of bipolar disorder can differ from person to person.

For example, 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 social connection.

It’s important to look for work that suits you as an individual. Here are some things to consider when deciding what job might be right for you.

What are the work conditions?

Many people with bipolar disorder may prefer a quiet, relaxed work environment with predictable demands.

Research from 2022 suggests that jobs that are very demanding while providing little control or few rewards may negatively affect your mental health.

On the other hand, favorable work conditions may help support your mental well-being. These conditions include:

• fair pay
• job security
• job control
• supportive work relationships

A part-time or flexible schedule may help you balance work with your mental health needs. Getting enough sleep, attending healthcare appointments, and practicing other healthful habits is essential for managing bipolar disorder.

What will your supervisor and co-workers be like?

Having a supportive supervisor and co-workers may help you feel more comfortable and validated at work. This is especially important when you’re coping with stressful situations.

Finding a job where your supervisor and co-workers share your values and embrace a healthful work-life balance may help you thrive.

It’s also important to consider whether you prefer to work alone or with others. Some jobs require more collaboration with co-workers, while others allow people to work independently.

“I think it’s key for all people, but especially those with bipolar disorder, to find work environments that are supportive and have a collegial atmosphere, so if there’s a moment or a day that isn’t going well, you have support,” says Dr. Shawna Newman, a psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “Working independently can also be a terrific thing for people who need flexibility.”

Is the job rewarding?

Consider taking some time to reflect on what gives you a sense of purpose or fulfillment. Think about your:

• personal values and interests
• abilities, strengths, and skills
• personality traits

Then take some time to research different jobs and career paths to learn which ones may complement your interests, qualifications, and needs.

If you can’t find a job that suits you, you might consider starting your own business or working as an independent contractor. You can set your own work hours and responsibilities.

But running your own business has its own challenges. Depending on your preferences and needs, you might appreciate the structure of working for someone else.

To learn about different jobs and career paths, consider visiting O*NET Online.

You can use this resource to learn what different types of jobs entail, including their:

• typical work conditions, schedules, duties, and salaries
• required skills, education, training, or certifications
• opportunities to advance
• employment outcomes

Many websites are also available to search for local or remote job postings.

If you’re having trouble finding a job on your own, consider reaching out to a career counselor at your school, alma mater, or a local community organization.

Legally, you don’t have to tell your employer about any health information unless you could put others at risk.

Before you tell your employer or co-workers that you have bipolar disorder, consider the potential benefits and risks.

Telling your boss or human resource department that you have bipolar disorder may increase your access to workplace accommodations and medical leave. For example, they might grant you a more flexible work schedule or a change in job roles to accommodate your needs.

But not all employers understand the benefits of workplace accommodations and medical leave for supporting work performance. They may be reluctant to provide such accommodations.

Pros and cons of telling people at work that you have bipolar disorder

In the United States and many other countries, it’s illegal to discriminate against workers for having a mental health condition — but it still happens. Knowing your workplace rights can help you navigate these, at times, difficult conversations.

Employers, supervisors, or co-workers may unfairly assume that someone who requires accommodations is less competent or reliable. This is an example of health-related stigma, which can lead to discrimination and other challenges at work.

If you work for a company in the United States that employs 15 or more employees, the American Disabilities Act grants you the right to reasonable accommodations.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also grants certain employees the right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to manage serious health conditions.

“The FMLA provides an opportunity to carve out time for your own care, which can have a huge beneficial effect. That can be a game-changer for people,” says Newman.

Managing stress is an important part of living well with bipolar disorder. Work-related stress may negatively affect your mental health, as well as your physical well-being.

Consider following these tips to manage stress at work:

• Take regular breaks, even if you’re unsure whether you need one.
• Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
• Listen to relaxing music or a recording of nature sounds.
• Take a walk around the block during a break.
• Talk with a member of your support network.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your prescribed treatment for bipolar disorder can also help you manage stress. Try to get plenty of sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and stick to your treatment plan.

The following includes common questions about working when you have bipolar disorder.

Is bipolar considered a disability for work?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), there’s no set list of conditions that are considered disabilities. Instead, it defines disability as “an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”

Depending on an employee’s level of impairment, they may receive reasonable accommodations, such as products, strategies, and services.

In the United States, bipolar disorder is considered a disability, according to the Social Security Association (SSA).

If it’s severe enough to prevent you from working and has been diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, you may be able to receive disability benefits.

Why is it hard for people with bipolar to work?

People with bipolar disorder may have some limitations that can affect their work, such as difficulties with:

• concentration
• time management
• emotional control
• organization and planning
• stress management

But each person with bipolar disorder has a different experience, and not all may develop limitations that make it hard to work. Reasonable accommodations for any limitations may support productivity and have other benefits.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can make it challenging to manage work responsibilities. And stressful work conditions may worsen your condition.

Following your prescribed treatment plan for bipolar disorder, practicing healthy lifestyle habits, and finding a job with supportive work conditions may help you manage your symptoms while thriving at work.

In some cases, you may also be legally entitled to workplace accommodations or job-protected medical leave that can help you balance your employment responsibilities with your health needs. Supportive employment has benefits that extend beyond your paycheck.