What Are Good Career Choices for Those With Bipolar Disorder?

People with bipolar disorder are prone to periods of instability, even when they are taking medication and receiving treatment. As a result, those with bipolar disorder have special needs in the workplace. There are certain characteristics a person with bipolar disorder should look for in a career to help maintain stability and be prepared for times of mania and depression.

Stability

• It is important to try to find a stable position when you suffer from bipolar disorder. Constantly having to find new work can cause the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder to be more frequent and more intense. You may also choose to talk to your boss about your illness as this might make him more understanding about the way your illness affects your work habits, but only do this if you feel completely comfortable having this conversation with him.

Consistent Hours

• In "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide," author David Miklowitz explains that the best way to maintain stability is to work the same hours every day, for example, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When you have hours that fluctuate, your moods are more likely to fluctuate. It is important that those with bipolar disorder have a consistent schedule to help avoid triggers to mania and depression.

Flexibility

• If you have bipolar disorder, try to obtain a career that allows for time off due to illness. It is sometimes impossible to predict when periods of depression will occur, making it difficult for you to go to work. A career that gives you a reasonable amount of time off is the best way that you can keep your job and still take care of yourself. Most of the time, your boss will be understanding of your illness if you talk to her.

Predictable

• Although careers where you do the same thing day after day can be boring, for those with bipolar disorder such jobs can help with stability. Surprises or changes in the workplace can trigger hypomania and lead to a full manic episode. Although there will still be unexpected events on the workplace, picking a career with predictable work tasks can help keep these disturbances to a minimum and, in turn, help keep your bipolar disorder under control.

Salaried Position

• When you have bipolar disorder, there will be times when you have to miss work due to illness. If you are working an hourly position, this can negatively affect your finances. Since trouble with finances can already occur when you're bipolar, this presents a problem. A salaried position is the best way to be able to take off the time you need and still make the same amount of money so you can pay your bills.