It’s sad how people are so compassionate with people who have cancer but if you tell them that you have a mental illness that is incurable they think that it’s your fault or that you should be able to overcome it by positive thinking 🤷♀️
Positive thinking... Yes, that is the greatest bullshit one recommended to me recently. 🤦 If it was so easy to overcome this issue I would have been cured for over 25 years since a started learning meditation and mental Awareness. 🤷
Imagine being a yoga teacher and dealing with that. 🤦♀️... "positive vibes only". My ass. Gtfo. I also feel like a failure because I'm not that way in the yoga world.
I work at a Dollar General store and when I told her about my TBI she didn't even blink an eye. I explained to her that I had trouble retaining information and every time I had to ask again how to do something she never got upset. You have no idea how it felt not to get stressed worrying about her yelling at me.
Marilyn Melendez-Gamble So good that when you told her she was so understanding, but I would guess she either has a family member with a mental illness of some type, or she has one herself. It's been my experience that people who have had that personal knowledge are the most understanding. Wishing you all the best, now and in the future
I've found no matter how well educated people are, whenever someone finds out you have bipolar you're definitely treated differently. One of my doctors told me to never to TELL ANYONE 😉
Although this is true, staying silent is not the way to fight the stigmatism. I for one talk about it whenever possible but it also depends on your ability to be treated differently for the betterment of others who share our experiences.
I love your videos! I'm 28 and was diagnosed as Bipolar 1 two weeks ago. After talking to a therapist for suicidal thoughts and really bad depression for 2 months, I switched to manic and my therapist recognized bipolar immediately. Now I have a psychiatrist and have started meds. I was working as a correction officer and in my mania, I was panicking at the thought of working at a jail while my own thoughts were in their own jail. I called a former boss, explained what was going on, and he allowed me to come back as an employee. I'm so grateful for the people that I have met so far at this beginning of my bipolar journey. These videos have taught me so much and it's good to know that I'm not alone. Thank you!
Finally...my life and past make sense! Been a very long road..im 51 and was diagnosed after a severe episode that turned into a ER visit and a stay at a mental health facility😢
These videos are good to play around the house when your spouse just doesn’t listen to you about your disorder. You can benefit AND they’ll hear little bits too.
I disclosed as it was on an insurance form my boss had. I was asked in a loud voice in front of all of my coworkers, customers if I was going to bring a firearm to work. In hindsight, I should have sued them into oblivion.
Fortunately I was been able to keep my composure for the most part at work. I am a RN and often I would have a break down in the bathroom because the stress and pressure...My boss knew and so did my coworkers and I think it helped people understand why my moods changed so frequently. I no longer work because my illness makes it too difficult. I think I could work but not as a nurse. I'd like to get my real estate license but now with the economy in shambles not sure it would be worth it. Thanks Rob!!!
Does anyone else struggle with constantly trying to change your job? Like you get bored or just want to change something new? That's me 10000% right now.
Sometimes earlier than 2 years. I was always excited or in a very good mood at the beginning of a job. Then, I would loose motivation and want something different. Not always sure why this happened. Have you been diagnosed with bipolar?
@@tanyacobb3604 yes BP 1. It's crazy how that happens. I just get bored or maybe the shinyness of the job wears off. I'm at that point now and I'm trying not to but I can't help but to look for new opportunities. I tell myself it's the disorder but that doesn't seem to work either
That's it! It's not new any longer. I am going through the diagnostic procedure now and my psychologist is leaning towards a Bipolar II diagnosis for me. She suggested a job that flows with my ups and downs. Maybe something to consider. Best of wishes to you on this journey 🙏🏽.
Sadly, HR are sometimes your biggest nemesis. In three companies I ended up having to fight HR who didnt want to believe my illness was genuine. One colleague went so far as to pretend to be my employer so she could get more information from the company doctor (who believed her). That doctor could have had her licence revoked had I taken her to court. In Europe, employees often feel pressured to be honest about their illness (it need not be a mental disorder, btw). It truly is nobody's business except yours and your doctor's. You need to trust your colleagues before you can open up. Thanks for bringing up the topic, Rob.
In the UK if you have declared a condition then legally obliged to consider 'reasonable adjustments' under disability rights. Doesn't fix crap employers but they can be held to account in a way they can't if we don't tell. But I would tell once in the job, not on application.
I just told my employer (its the first time I've done it in any job) and they were so supportive *even listening to my psychosis symptoms* and understanding i was shocked
I would not mention anything ....Ever. It cost me a potential permanent job in the elections department at Boston City Hall recently. I think I got kicked out of school because I walked out of that internship after realizing they were using me, so I threatened all parties involved with a discrimination complaint.
I am about to start my first engineering job out of college and I was diagnosed type 1 earlier this year. Thank you for helping me think this through, none of the mental health professionals have offered me much guidance.
Thank you for covering these topics. You've referred to exactly what issues do arise in our lives in relation to mental health concerns and the workplace. It is SO hard to remain silent about these health issues but the pressure that negative consequences may occur in the workplace if you do, is very real. Silence has saved my life, so not disclosing a health concern, and taught me how to be more professional with details about myself. Judgement is still very pronounced in the workplace.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
An acquaintance of mine was fired during probation period because HR googled name of the doc from her doctor's slip and found out that he's neurologist and psychiatrist. When I needed sick leave, I had to go family doctor to keep my illness in secret. And this happened in "super tolerant" Europe :(
Thank you very much for this video. I work in law enforcement. I love my job, I do it with passion and dedication, but my job is also the one place on earth I don't feel safe, because mental illness and especially bipolar disorder is very often connected to violent crime and drugs in the understanding of my colleagues. I'm very lucky, I never got involved in drug addictions, though I've had "legal" (nonetheless harmful) addictions during my journey, mainly hypersexuality and alcohol. Treatment and psycho education are life changing. I'm not sure stigma over bipolar disorder (and mental illness in general) will be overcome during my life time in law enforcement, but I know that applying stigma on whomever will never make you a good professional. We remain silent, and commenting here under false names (obviously), but we are glad you and others like you, are helping us finding our voice when it will be possible.
I really loved what you wrote, so true. Thank you for sharing, it's so amazing, I love coming here to the comments and just like with Rob's videos I truly feel understood and cared about. If only others could see us with the same compassion!
Were you diagnosed before or after becoming a LEO? I was on the path to become a LEO and a depressive episode ruined it for me. I don't think I will be able to try again because now that I'm diagnosed as Bipolar 1, I would have to lie during the interview process and then risk triggering another episode during training. I currently do private security. My boss and supervisor know and are very understanding. May just settle as this being my career.
I tend not to tell too many about it because I’m a kindergarten teacher and the parents are skeptical of you around their children. they think you’re a danger to their children because you could turn psychotic and harm them. But in the 17 years of being a teacher it has never happened. In fact they love me dearly and even contact me when they are all grown up. Children make me cope better they add sparkle to my life. Had the parents known they’d have taken their children to another school.
Thank you for the video. This summer I was hypomanic and some people would say i was “wide open.” I didn’t get it at the time and now I do since I’m in the depths of utter depression. I haven’t been able to go to work since I recently got so down. They just hired me too. They’re giving me time off without pay, and I hope the psychiatrist can prescribe something to lift me up.
Thanks for the great advice! A few months ago I told one of my manager about my diagnosis (Bipolar 2). Honestly, it has helped so much. He was getting pretty confused about moods, and now he is much more accommodating. For me, working has been the best thing to keep me on track health-wise. Without work, there is no way I would be keeping to such a consistent healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness regiment. It keeps me focused, and gives me a reason to not be beaten by this illness. Sure there are down times when I feel like I am adding no value in the workplace, but my hypomanic periods give me such a boost of productivity, creativity, and problem solving ability, that it is almost a benefit to my employer. Thanks for the awesome videos, you do awesome work, and I have just subscribed to your Pateron!
A i’m so glad the video helped and your manager was responsive like that! That’s fantastic! Sounds like you have a really good job situation all around. I’m very lucky to have coworkers who are very accommodating also. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and stop by again soon for more videos 😊☀️🤗 -Robert
Thankyou so much Rob for making this video! I had lost so many jobs and have been really confused whether or not to disclose my condition to my next employer. This video has clarified loads of things i was unsure of. I really appreciate what you're doing for the bipolar community! Bless you!
Thank you very much for this video. When I return to work, I plan on disclosing my recent diagnosis. I don't know if I'm being naïve but I feel it will be for the best. I have this small fear about becoming a liability in their eyes, but hiding something so big without having to eventually make up a lie seems impossible. Lying is exhausting to me. It greatly strains me. I prefer believing that if I lose the job, it's because something better awaits me elsewhere.
Gosh, this is such a tricky subject! I got some good advice from someone in my support group here in my city....KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! The environment I work in right now is so toxic it's impossible. Super interesting information in this video...interesting that you don't have to disclose what your disability is. I'm trying hard to remember to take time outs if I become symptomatic!
Thank you for thissss!! I lost my first job because I didnt tell my employer, and they noticed some differences in my moods and performance. I never let it effect me negatively at work, but school was a different story. And since I was in highschool at the time, they let me go because they wanted me to focus on my education... Funnily enough that job was the only thing keeping me motivated to even keep living at the time... So I ended up spiraling down into the worst episode of my life. The next job I lost because I DID tell my employer. She said she understood and was very accommodating. She lost her late husband to suicide, and he was bipolar. I felt safe working there and talking with her about struggles I was going through. None of my co-workers knew, but one day I opened up to one of them... A girl i thought was my friend. Turned out, me having bipolar made her uncomfortable, and I was let go because of it. I didn't even tell her anything crazy! Just said i was struggling and explained a bit about bipolar and what it is and how it can sometimes make it hard to deal with stress. The fact that I somehow made her uncomfortable... A girl i worked with closely for months, really hurt me. Again, after being let go I fell into a super deep depression, but I needed a job. Interview after interview... I just felt so defeated. I cried during multiple... One of them, I almost got the job. But not the one I applied for. They were going to put me in a position that I knew would be terrible for me, (lots of stress, noisy environment, lack of meaningful human interaction) and when I tried to express how important stress management is for my mental health, (without bringing up bipolar) and how I didn't feel i would be a good fit for that particular role, (even though i could really use the money) the interviewer treated me like I was being demanding and should be happy I was being offered a job at all. Which i was happy to be offered a position... Just not one that I knew would drive me over the edge. Its not like they had already filled the position I was applying for... But I digress. Everytime its time to search for a job again, I feel so beyond stressed out because of how I've been treated in the past, that it's almost like... Why try at all? I know you just gotta pick yourself up and carry on, which im willing to do! I just wish that this world didn't make it so damn hard for people like me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Unfortunately it's very common, you did not in any way deserve to be treated that way. The only thing I would consider is finding a career counselor or organization. Take care Charity, hang in there!
Also look into getting involved with the mental health community in your town or city. Many times they employ and promote their volunteers and your experience with mental illness with be looked upon as an asset!
@@PolarWarriors wow thanks i've never thought of that! I'll look into it. Im really bad at reaching out for help and making connections with new people.
In my experience, unless the illness affects your ability to do the job (and for me, it thankfully doesn't), there is no reason to tell them anything. If you do disclose, a lot of people will see you as just a liability. And nobody wants to hire a liability. It's not worth taking that risk. But I wouldn't feel bad about it if you've lost your job because of telling them about your illness. It might be a blessing in disguise. You don't want to be around people who are discriminatory and judgemental. A few years ago, I lost my job straight after disclosing my bipolar disorder, but it was a blessing in disguise because it turned out that the manager was just that: discriminatory and judgemental. It turned out that a lot of people ended up quitting because of that and the company ended up being shut down. Plus the salary was not high enough anyway. Think of the positives.
Agree I'm starting a new job, been stable for a while. Didn't mention anything and will have to find out how to work appointments but unless it becomes something where my performance or ability to work are affected I avoid it.
I was a laboratory tech/ phlebotomist/ registrar at our health clinic. My symptoms weren't as bad for me until I started working two jobs to hold up the household when my ex husband broke his back and I started carrying the family. I deal with bi polar unspecified and narcolepsy without cataplexy which makes it a joy medicating and keeping things balanced. I used six weeks of FMLA while in a partial mental health facility. I also had back up from my union. Eventually I still ended up losing my positions and the state of Minnesota ruled I was unemployable before getting my disability. My surpervisors tried very hard to keep me on. Doctors swore by my skills. However there is a limit to every job and what HR can do. I spent another stint in partial just to get through the fact I would never work with patients or in any health facillilty ever again. SOmetimes we just have to accept certain limitations and accept us as we are no matter what. We aren't "broken" we just have limitations we have to work within the parameters. I use my crafting skills and I work around my depression and my sleepiness. I do this unmedicated. It gives me some purpose. But it helps when family and friends understand those limitaions and at least in my life... there lies the challenges.
My 27 year old son just got asked to resigned his 8 year old law enforcement career after a bad new medicine interaction where he was hospitalized voluntarily. He was diagnosed 4 months ago and we are still new to all these. We are in shock and we don’t know what to do. All seems so unjust and unfair, even cruel.
This is fantastic! The stigmas of mental illness have led to many acusations of laziness or just looking for time off for me. Ive made the mistake of "full disclosure" several times. Thanks for breaking it down and informing me of my rights. I have a good set up now where I work freelance and can tell me clients I have a lot of projects when my "project" is taking care of my mental health. It's hard work setting up a good situation but is totally worth it. I hope people don't get embarassed or discouraged by an unusual or small income. Your success is in your wellbeing! Not your monetary wealth.
You are a TOTAL BLESSING! I am 57, should've been learning this years ago, but everyone back then said it was bs! I thank God you are doing what you're doing! YOU ARE AND MAY I REPEAT ...ARE! SAVING, CHANGING LIVES!!!
Hi Donna, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you've found Rob to be such a blessing to you. If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He posts exclusive content there and is available to reply to direct messages through that platform. I'll include the link so you can check it out! Polar Warriors is entirely supported by viewer donations. No pressure if you're unable to join, we appreciate you watching and commenting! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member) www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I want to thank you for this one!! I surely needed it!! I have Bipolar 1, PTSD with panic attacks, IEP in Reading, and ADHD. I needed this now! Prefect timing! Thanks so much!! I'm trying so hard to fight going on disability!!
Amanda Coppedge GOD BLESS you! You really are a Warrior. I Pray you will be able to avoid getting on disability. Remember you are strong, having this much on your plate, and doing the best you can to "stay in the game"! 🙏🙂❤️
Mark Vezina, thanks so much! As if one or the other wouldn't be enough to deal with on a daily basis. 💘 I'm trying hard I plan to go to school full-time plus work full-time job this Fall! My goal is to beat the odds! I'm trying to get pregnant and I have PCOS also which makes it hard to become pregnant for some of us! 🙏 After a year of trying medications, my doctor said we have the right medication! 👣 I will take all the prayers and support I can get!! Trust me I know hard! I also know giving up is not a choice for me! I have a great weekly appointment with a specialist for these problems. She is encouraging me ever week to P.U.S.H. meaning pray until something happens!! Yes I love these videos from the Polar Warriors! I ALWAYS learn something new!! I only want to be what God wants for me, and leads me to do! 🙏💘👣 I'm about to be 35 July 4th and can't wait to get pregnant, start college and run wide open! I'm also blessed with a loving husband who stands by me! 💘
Amanda Coppedge I Pray that all of your dreams come true. Even with all of these challenges, GOD has Blessed you will Faith, tenacity, and a wonderful loving, and supportive Husband. GOD BLESS both of you! 🙂🙏❤️
Hi Amanda! I really hope your dream comes true, the world needs more wonderful future moms like you! I'll pray for you too! If you would like we have a praying circle at our church and I can put it on Sunday?
dianna thank you so very much!! Honestly I can't turn down any praying!! If your willing to pray please pray!! Thanks so much! Look me up on Facebook, if you have it so we can keep in touch. Amanda Coppedge Cook
Robert will get back to you soon. Just be patient. He has responded back to me when I’ve posted before. You have support here from others struggling with you ....like me.
I've always explained my employment gaps as "medical reasons I've since recovered from" the "recovered from" part is a lie but I've left those words out before and had interviwers inquire if I would have definite issues in the future. What do you think about telling a boss you have an anxiety disorder? Since anxiety has way less stigma. I really don't want to but if my schedule gets too inconsistent (working multiple locations and different hours every day) then I'm going to have to say something. I agree with you, consistency is a must for us and constant changes trigger my symptoms and drive me to quit the job altogether. Great video my friend!
In my experience they don't think anxiety is "a big deal" so they would probably tell you not to worry, to chill and not to be "anxious". I would probably go for a gynecology emergency or a dental one. (People won't ask) ;)
I only disclosed it to my closest friends at work because I don’t want my colleagues to see like I was using it as an excuse to get away with sloppy work decisions. And I am also not comfortable talking about things that are too personal. But I had to disclose it to the HR and our company doctor sinceI had to go on a 2-month leave to enter the hospital and they need to know the exact condition since they have to talk our medical insurance provider. My boss was also informed but I was surprised when I found out from him that our HR and doctor did not disclose my mental illness to him to respect my privacy. He was just informed that I need to be hospitalized for an condition that had to be addressed immediately. (It was my own doctor who talked to the insurer, and the insurer talked to our HR and company doctor, so I guess I am lucky.)
Robert, thanks so much for what you do. I have just gone thru an Event Horizon regarding BP and I am now ready to seek help which I have already made one appt. to start this process. I have watched , wow, maybe 35 to 40 of your videos and almost all sound like your talking either about me or to me. The clarity you have given me is so incredibly timely, (I watched my first video from you three days ago) and I cant thank you enough for what you have done. I can’t imagine the amount of work it has taken you to do so. I will be a Patreon member for certain. Again, THANKS SO MUCH!!! You might have just saved my life...
I worked about 2 1/2 days a week collating and delivering catelogues and a weekly newspaper until recently when I understood that some close friends were right and my mental health was declining with the stress of the jobs. The person in charge of the newspaper bit of the job never knew anything about my diognosis of several types of psych disorders. I did tell the man in charge of the catelogue bit when I resigned that it was for mental health reasons and he was quite supportive and will happily have me back working when I feel more stable.
I am so fortunate to have my supervisors are very accepting of my condition. I never divulged it to my colleagues but I shared it with my boss. Once I had a manic episode at work (I haven’t slept for days and I was all over the place) and then I went to her office, she offered to accompany me to the ER (as per consultation with my psychiatrist. She never left my side until I was in my room and she visited me every single day.
I'm so glad I'm no longer in the workplace.I was exploited,for sure. WORK became MY LIFE and where I sought validation . I learned too late that my co-workers were not my FRIENDS . I was always under-employed,couldn't handle competition. I hope this comment rings a bell ! ThankYou fro this channel Rob. from Eve G.
I live in Australia. I have BPD. I am university educated. I did work but was forced out of a highly toxic discriminatory workplace where I was victimised for being mentally disabled and severely victimised. Now I will never agree to be in an employee status again. Only working indepently eg as my own boss or short contracts. That can accommodate bipolar and avoid the toxicity of normal people in work places whose ethics morals honesty conduct are not my idea of normal and totally unacceptable to me. I like to set and maintain my own high standards eg of integrity, fairness etc. I refuse to drop my standards to accommodate their low standards. That causes conflict, something bipolars need to steer clear of to remain sane safe and healthy. Poverty is no fun but not as bad as toxic work places, no matter how much they pay me. So, it is not just I who misses out. So dies the rest of society that allow such toxic workplaces in Australia to flourish unchecked.
My boss found out much the same time as I did. Spent some time in a psych hospital after not sleeping for a week and was diagnosed there. When I got out he asked what was up so I told him and he basically said it made sense and asked how I was dealing with it. I can tell him when I’m symptomatic or struggling with meds and he knows he can tell me if he notices something I don’t. He has his own issues which I can also comment on, we have a great relationship.
Your boss sounds like a real gem! It's awesome to have someone who gets it. It would be great to stay connected with you... I'll include a link below to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly anytime (and access a lot of content I don't post on RUclips). www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors Take extra good care of yourself @geoflevine and I hope you will continue to stop by the channel. I appreciate you =) -Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors
Great video Rob. So many people need this information. This is a very sensitive area, and a lot of thought, and consideration Needs to be given when addressing it. I'm sure your input has helped shed light on this for many. I appreciate your devotion to this work, even when it is difficult for you! 👍
I do not speak english very well. But I understand reading and listening. I'm from Chile, South America . I' m Bipolar and treated for over ten years...I'm 54 years old and when I feel very bad at work , I practice Mindfulness .
My biggest problem with working is that I cannot work very much overtime at all without feeling very overwhelmed. And it’s really hard to explain that I can’t work extra hours without coming off as lazy, especially to people that aren’t my supervisor. A big part of that is that sleep is my biggest trigger, I am so sensitive to it. If I get only six hours of mediocre sleep two nights in a row it can send me into an absolute spiral up or down.
Samantha Vega most people understand Bipolar from the narrow scope of the media unless it has touched their lives personally. It could be a good opportunity to slowly educate coworkers on your struggles, (when the timing is right like I talked about in the video). Some people will understand, and others just won’t. They might know that something is different right now, but if you can put things into a better context with those you feel comfortable with, you might be surprised who could become a mental health ally if they understand the condition better. 😊
@@PolarWarriors I am terrified to label myself in an atmosphere where I am sometimes avoided or disliked by colleagues and especially my principal. (I am a teacher) People don't like the weird. There is no way I would garner any empathy or understanding at work. Just hanging in there.
@@jcovent I feel for you. I experienced direct and unprovable harassment at former jobs explicitly because of my bpd. It hurts. Once you have that stigma, it's very hard to stand up for yourself.
Great Job doing your Videos, Rob. I'm Bipolar Type 1. I enjoy your Informative Videos so much. I'm learning a lot about this Illness. You're doing a Great Job!
I cannot thank you enough for this video (and your entire works). I've struggled since my very first job and just got diagnosed bipolar last year. It explains so much, and this video not only help me know there's other out there with such similar patterns, but also ways to help in the future. I didn't know what or how much I should expose about my struggle. This video helped me so so much. Thank you again. ❤️ I'll check out your patreon!
The only time my bipolar disorder has not negatively impacted my work was...never. Even in graduate school to get my degree in special education, I had a professor just berate me. Clearly, if one of her students had autism she would've been more understanding. Whew!
I watched the beginning of this but this is such a sensitive subject, it touches a nerve with me. The way job interviews are these days, some managers seem to want to rake you over the coals to see if you fit in with whatever the hell they are looking for!!! I would honestly say don't disclose it unless you think you might need to be hospitalized. You just never know sometimes if someone will be understanding or not.
The fact that most companies say you have to work 6-12 months before you qualify for FMLA is a JOKE!!!!! If my DOCTOR can provide documentation that I have a mental disorder. I should be able to get a job AND address my mental state. I have 4 children and they have to be taken care of and so do I . But the minute we file for assistance or disability we are labeled lazy or using excuses. SMH
I find it a catch 22, I disclosed at work years ago when I was trying to get a promotion to my boss. For background I just needed the hours of the job adjusted and I had been doing the job unofficially for about 3 years at the time, which meant I did not get the pay increase that went with the job, and I did not get the guaranteed 40 hour work week that went with the job (I work retail). I disclosed to my boss that I had a disability and what it was (in hind sight I should not have done the latter part) and even offered to get a doctors not to prove it. At that point I was dropped out consideration for the job (which the boss had been promising me for the 3 years I was doing it unofficially without the pay bonus or the guaranteed hours) I then went to my HR department for the same reason and all they did was go right back to my boss. Who again said no and then gave the job to someone else that had no experience and made me train them for the job! I decided not to bring the Union in on the matter because of how hostile other people that had brought the union in to settle a dispute (they basically looked for any minor excuse to let the people go) a while After that I had an episode where I was making weekly visits to my psychiatrist (on my days off) and we where adjusting my meds, which was causing some negative side effects that was making me ill and it hard for me to function at work. I told my boss that because of my medical condition I was having a treatment change and was having negative health side effects, because I would be so ill or the symptoms so bad that periodically I could not make it into work or would have to leave early. So then he cut my hours in retaliation and gave me a virbal for "excessive tardiness" but did no such thing with any of the other people in the department that had missed more days off work because of physical illness. I was treated quite poorly and was the first person to have my hours cut even though I was one of the most senior employes and was available to work the shifts that I was missing out one (which was against my union contract that explicitly says the person with the most seniority has to be given the priority in hours when being scheduled.) and he would jerk my hours around all over the place and take me from being in at 6 or 7 in the morning and working till 3 or 4 PM to working closing shift the next day from 2pm till 11PM then opens again the next day at 7am, even after I told him that it was negatively effecting my health condition. Then to boot when the person that he had passed me up for the promotion for after I had come out that I was bipolar, quite I once again had to do the job unofficially without the pay raise and will less then the guaranteed hours that came with the position, and having to do other jobs at the same time. so I was doing way more work and squeezing it into way less actual time to get it done. Ultimately the stress and pushing myself to do all of it lead me to have a one of my worst ever manic episodes where I bought a new car simply because I wanted a new car, and then to trade it in a few months latter for a different trim level because now I wanted that trim level instead. Lucky as I was crashing down from that he was promoted to a different position and sent to another store and we got a new boss that knew nothing about my diagnoses and say my work quality and I started to get more hours. Then by the time I was crashing hard from that that boss had quite and one of my old bosses who actually really respected me was transferred back in, and he was much more understanding when I had to make some "emergency medical appointments" that required me to leave work early or to come in late (to see my psycarirst) and he ultimately gave me to promotion that I had been looking for when the second person that my old boss had passed me up for quite.(so ultamily after about 5 years of doing the job unofficially I got the pay raise and the guaranteed hours) and he was willing to make the hours adjustment that I needed so that I could work the shift. But I never came out to him with the diagnoses just that I had a medical condition that made it so that I could not work the standard hours of the position. But it has made me never want to come out with the diganosses again and deathly afraid of being seen as unreliable and a liability like the other boss treated me, even though I always get perfect reviews and always get my work done and then quite a bit more on top of it, as well as being one of the most skilled people in the department to the point that even the old boss that passed me up would use me to train new people and him (along with the ones after him) would put me in charge and have me handle their phone calls (and decision making) when they where indisposed. It was to the point I would not even go to HR about a coworker that harassed me on a daily basis about the fact that I still live at home with my parents, in part because of the cost of all of my medical care I spend thousands of dollars a year in total on out of pocket cost. (and I need the support system)
Wow, I got angry reading your comment about the way that boss treated you, but I'm so happy that you hanging in there finally got rewarded with what you always wanted!! Good for you! & I agree, I wouldn't be specific either.
@@pickledjalapeno9482 yeah, it was a very nasty learning experience that I won't do again. And I now plays into my paranoid (technically psychotic) thinking I get when I go severely depressed or severely manic, that I'm just a moments notice from being fired and that everyone thinks I'm crazy and a liability that they are looking for anything to fire no matter what it is. And it makes my so paranoid to take any sick time wither for physical or mental health. Winter of 2018 I had a fever of 99.9-100.1 with cold medication,, for a week and a horrible cough and I came into work every day. It was so bad by the end of the week I finally went to tye walk in clinic after work and had to have chest xrays to be sure I did not have phenomena. But I was tarafied to miss a day of work. Then last I had a depressive episode where I was having psychotic breaks from reality. As in nothing felt real for significant blocks of time and I felt like I was living inside a movie where I was not really me but watching someone else. And I was afraid to open up to my psychiatrist, because A I was afraid of the hospital (because of my one hosptiliazation) and I was terrified of missing work and having to explain why and bring in a note from the hospital explaining why. Then latter in the year I had a sever manic break, and was convinced if I took any time off I'd be fired because I just know they though I was stark raving crazy. And I was honest with my psychiatrist but made him promise that the hospital was not an option unless I was a danger. We wound up having to jack my medications real high and it still beraly worked. And at times made me physically I'll, but I was absolutely convinced if I took a day off or worse yet went to hospital I would be fired and that I was going to be fired at any moment. To be honest my manic episodes have gotten much worse after the sever manic episode brought on by the stress of the boss I came out to because of how sever that one was, and the fact I tried to hide it from everyone including my psychiatrist because I knew he would likely want to put me in hospital or do a leave of absence from work to try to stabalize me. It's hard on one hand I wish people knew how much I struggled so that I might feel safe taking a mental health day if needed. But on the other hand im tarrafied of people thinking im crazy, that I'm dangerous, and that I'm a liability, and that I can't be counted on.
What sucks is when others think they can change or have to in order to help. It's a nice thought but trying to change says "you're not right like you are I'll adjust." Say you'll be there, say you're supportive, and will try to understand or learn. Don't try to change us or yourself.
I absolutely loved your Jun 23 video on Patreon about your hard week and what you learned. It was awesome. I’m so glad I’ve been able to join Patreon and see your other work. Maybe you could move your Patreon videos to RUclips after 3-6 months or something for others to benefit who cannot join Patreon for whatever reason. But regardless I’d encourage the viewers to take that Patreon leap if they can. Rob makes it worth it.
Seeing all the new topics, makes me happy, you explain so well. The one about explaining about what bi polar is, explains so much better than I have tried.
Wish I watch this 2 weeks ago, but I didn't even know I was Bipolar. Wish I never got upset snd just went home. I know now to not let stupid things upset me at this job.
Great video 👍🏻 Like another poster said; the bipolar has at times disclosed itself in the workplace I am in the uk, and working in the nhs. I have a really supportive manager right now, but It hasn’t always been this way. I thought I was going too get fired once. I lost it in some angry rant, and a student was around to see it. He complained about my behaviour and I got pulled up by management. The student was never even on my radar - but not ranting in the first place would have been better. 🤔
Thank you so much. I always had to deal with problems at work because of my condition: lying, hiding my feelings, lack of performance, forgetting to be prepared for important meetings, and so one. I tried many times to go back to work in different jobs but unsuccessfully. I gave up. Stress is more intense for me than others. I’m not reliable. Once I had to disclose my condition and I was invited to resign after a three months of sick live The funny thing is that I worked for employee assistance program ☺️
Ferguson Enterprises was very accommodating after I had to take two months on FMLA for Bipolar to get straightened out. My manager was amazing and it allowed me to work there for 5 years. Ferguson is an amazing company. Benefits and all.
I was really, really, really lucky in this regard. I was in a depressed state for a very long time and my boss saw my performance dropping. He asked my (a lot of times) if there's something wrong and if and how he could help me. Since we have a great relationship, I told him about my depression at last and he told me to talk to a doctor. I was really afraid to do that, however and he even told me he'd come with me if I wanted that. In the end, I went to the doctor by myself but knowing that my boss would help me in that matter was a turning point for me. If he didn't "push" me to go to the doctor, I wouldn't be as well as I am now.
Also, my colleagues were really supportive as well. They didn't really know what was happening but knew somethig was off with me, so they helped me and talked to me offered their help as well. That's the reason I still work for that company, even though the pay is ****. People are more important than pay.
I am fortunate. For the past 6 years, I have worked for a small company as an office manager/bookkeeper and my boss' dad has bipolar. I actually received the diagnosis after some very severe episodes while employed here. On the other hand, I used to be a child protective services caseworker. The hours, the workload, the interactions, the constant trauma exposures - horrible triggers.
Thank you so much for this video!!! I’m having a horrible time currently trying to find a job despite my degrees and experience. This helps very much. I subscribed and I plan on watching all of your videos! I greatly appreciate the effort and care that you put into making this video. I don’t want to be annoying so I will end this comment here:)
You're not being annoying, no worries! :) Rob and the team appreciates your comment. I'm so glad that Rob's video was so helpful to you!! I'm sorry it's been so tough to find a job. Thanks so much for subscribing! If you'd like to join Rob's exclusive community where you can reach him directly and have access to exclusive content as well as support him in what he does with Polar Warriors, I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. I'll include the link so you can check it out! Best of luck to you in your job search! I hope you find something soon! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member) www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
@ 11:42 That's a great idea even for me for my traumatic brain injury for my inability to not retain information and if something happens between a co-worker because of my TBI.
Thank you for the video really love the insights that you give! I had a huge crisis in my last job it was really degrading for any human being it was so terrible that gave a big depression in me. After therapy I had the courage to stand for being treat with respect but got fired. At least after what I stand the conditions in there get better. But know I'm afraid to work again. After the crisis I reconsider a lot of things and realized that I hated the career that I had. Know I'm trying to find something that I love to work but it's been really difficult because my family and friends don't support or understand my case.
Juliana Meire Akimoto thank you for the kind words and sharing your experiences. It took me a long time to find a job which “more or less” works well with my condition. My health is really struggling right now so I had to take today to myself. It took time after I was diagnosed and things were falling apart to learn what my limits were or what type of work would accommodate them. When the time is right, I hope you find something that works well with the way your symptoms manifest.😊
I found your vids because I think I might be bipolar (I’m thinking about going to see someone about it). All my life I remember having constant mood swings and being very happy and excited one day to not wanting to leave the house for the new few days/weeks after that and being really hostile and aggressive to people for no reason at all, and I can relate a lot to the stuff you and others post. I think it hit me yesterday that it might be real when I went from being happy all day to having numerous thought of suicide in the space of a few days. Watching these videos (even if I go and find out I might not even have bipolar) really helped me out and calmed me down about the idea and made me feel more positive about it all, so thank you.
dianna a lot better, thanks. I feel good now - more active, more positive. I’ve got an appointment booked with a psychologist in a few weeks so that’s good. I kind of scared myself at first but it’s good now ❤️. How about you?
I totally get that! I'm glad you have an appointment, I was scared before my first time but I really love mine, I actually just came back from seeing her. I'm just coming out of a little depression but with the meds I take they are a lot shorter. Keep moving! I feel if I keep moving I'll be ok! Lost maybe but not stuck!
I'd like to suggest a video subject that goes along with this same topic. Could you make a video geared towards helping bosses understand the needs and struggles of bipolar employees? I had a bipolar employee a few years ago and unlike most employers I took the time to educate myself on her condition. It helped me create a work environment she could be comfortable in. It also helped me because she became a very productive and loyal employee. She eventually moved on to another job but years later we're still close friends.
I'm so glad you use RUclips for your videos. I having very little income and can't even afford the smallest donation on Patreon. I feel guilty about that. I read on Patreon why you aren't monetizing your videos but if you ever decided to do so I would respect that so I am contributing too. In any case I'm so glad you are making these videos and have this channel.
I'd never tell people at work. They already think I'm off and they talk about bipolar in such a negative light. I also once told a friend of mine. We were really good friends and we went out for a drink and I told him. He then said, well it's getting late. I should hit the sack." Never heard from him again. We would have been fine if I just didn't say anything.
Have disclosed this deepest secret to my SRO management for a variety of reasons. After more than a decade with them without drama and should have figured this out. Not worrying as much Thanks!
I am currently unemployed and looking for a new job. I really don't want to tell a prospective employer or employer that I'm Bipolar 2. It was great to find out here that I don't have to inform them in the beginning or at any time if I choose not to. I have been asked several times on job applications if I have a disability like Bipolar, or OCD, etc. and I have chosen not to respond to that. My feeling is I won't get very far in the hiring process if the company knew I had a mental illness.
My work encourages help if you need it. They have bent over backwards allowing me out for 5 weeks. I have never worked for a more understanding employer. It’s a large cooperation as well!
That's so amazing, thank you for sharing it gives us hope!! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member Rob: I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
I was just diagnosed with bipolar this year at 24 but it’s been a roller coaster! For some reason I always quit my job around 3 months. Wether I have an emotional breakdown and quit or something negative leads me to want to quit. It’s like clockwork so my resume looks bad. Not to mention when Covid hit while I was in online classes I was unemployed for a year. So of course employers ask why is there such a big gap and it’s because I was in a really bad depressed state and etc but moving on, currently I’m working for a boss who was also recently diagnosed with bipolar! I worked at her store for 3 months and quit to focus on school and she said I was eligible for rehire since I put in my two weeks, so she rehired me and I decided one day to tell her I was bipolar and then she tells me she is too and we talk about what happened while I was gone and she said she had an episode and had to leave for 2 weeks because she had a bad reaction to her medication. No one else knew where she went they just said she disappeared because they don’t know she is bipolar. So she told me that she will understanding to me when I tell her whatever’s going on with me. I haven’t disclosed my exact symptoms but there’s no reason to as long as she understands! Thank you for this video , honestly I didn’t know it was because I’m bipolar but honestly I think a better job would be working from home or somewhere I didn’t have to deal with tons of people .
My last job was at a grocery store. I was there from before sunrise to after sunset most days. My co-managers kept putting more and more on me. I ended up losing that job for something I don't remember saying.
I have always been open with my colleagues about my diagnosis, but was worried about telling those higher up. A few weeks ago when I started to display signs of hypomania, I told my mentor who told me to take extra breaks if I needed. Even now, he checks on me throughout the day to make sure I'm not struggling. I told my team leader earlier this week, I'd actually been dreading it as he doesn't come across as a caring person, but he thanked me for being honest and told me not to go through it on my own. I still haven't told the actual customer service manager though - she bloody scares me! I find it hilarious telling people I'm on antipsychotics though, seeing their reaction actually makes me laugh. One of my colleagues literally recoiled, then I explained they're to help stabilise my moods. ETA, I also only work two days a week. My Hubby works and pays all the bills etc, so any money I earn is basically a bonus. That has helped me get back into employment after being fired from a full time job, then being bullied at another. I recently got a letter requesting I see the psychiatric team again as I was struggling. The appointment was due on a work day, so I got it changed luckily. The hospital didn't sound too impressed, but working two days a week, I'd rather try and get my appointments around that if I can.
That's so awesome that they are so supportive! It's funny but I've been hanging out so much at these places like ymca leisure centre where we all have mental illnesses and at this provincial mood disorder association where I go for my group, and of course at my church where I can openly talk about these things I sometimes forget and once I was somewhere and talked about something bipolar related and like you said they recoiled and gave me the stank eye lol, it was good though because I forgot that not every place is a safe place. Also made me appreciative of those wonder places and people where I am safe to be me.....like Polar Warriors!!!! I love you Julie❤️
Discrimination against women and men living with BP is rampant on the labor market. 😅 I suggest you never disclose your suffering from BP on a job related report or when applying for a job: there is a lot of discrimination against us in the labor market! You are absolutely right. Better to be self employed ❤
I work for the disability department at my school and see how it helps those students to have accommodations of which they do not have to use constantly. I often wonder if it would be beneficial or just too awkward to apply for any kind of academic disability. My main concern is losing my GPA status bc of the sudden lows where I barely function for a month or two and then have to play catch-up. I wonder if disability could help recuperating from those times be any easier?
I’ve been watching your videos all day and I’m starting to definitely feel like I may be bipolar but I’m not sure. I used to attribute my manic and depressive stages to extreme PMS but I’m not so sure anymore
In high school, I had to get a job to graduate. It wasn't bipolar ( wasn't diagnosed then) but my Spina Bifida that got me fired. I couldn't imagine getting a job now. I applaud everyone who does work!
Hey dianna! Thank you for reaching out! Yeah, they sorta did. I mean the living situation unfortunately is a rough one, but my parents are doing the best and i'm doing the best I can to cope with it. So hopefully it won't feel so suffocating, I know it's a "normal" thing and sometimes its like "why can't I be normal" but as long as they try and I try it will be ok. I'm not getting my reply notifications and came back just now to check.
It’s sad how people are so compassionate with people who have cancer but if you tell them that you have a mental illness that is incurable they think that it’s your fault or that you should be able to overcome it by positive thinking 🤷♀️
Some people just love to shove toxic positivity down our throats.
im crying rn,....so true .
Positive thinking... Yes, that is the greatest bullshit one recommended to me recently. 🤦 If it was so easy to overcome this issue I would have been cured for over 25 years since a started learning meditation and mental Awareness. 🤷
so true my new boss is very understanding and my work mates for years its not been the case
Imagine being a yoga teacher and dealing with that. 🤦♀️... "positive vibes only". My ass. Gtfo. I also feel like a failure because I'm not that way in the yoga world.
I work at a Dollar General store and when I told her about my TBI she didn't even blink an eye. I explained to her that I had trouble retaining information and every time I had to ask again how to do something she never got upset. You have no idea how it felt not to get stressed worrying about her yelling at me.
Marilyn Melendez-Gamble So good that when you told her she was so understanding, but I would guess she either has a family member with a mental illness of some type, or she has one herself. It's been my experience that people who have had that personal knowledge are the most understanding. Wishing you all the best, now and in the future
It's one in a million!
I also have a very understanding boss. It is the best to know someone who believes in you when you can't believe in yourself.
Are you not able to file a complaint against that company I mean honestly isn't that being prejudice
@@glendalanden2916 exactly 💯
I've found no matter how well educated people are, whenever someone finds out you have bipolar you're definitely treated differently. One of my doctors told me to never to TELL ANYONE 😉
Get a medical bracelet with your doctor's name on it
Never tell anyone sounds like a plan
Must agree!
Almost like how addicts get treated overall.
Although this is true, staying silent is not the way to fight the stigmatism. I for one talk about it whenever possible but it also depends on your ability to be treated differently for the betterment of others who share our experiences.
Not even when getting married?
I love your videos!
I'm 28 and was diagnosed as Bipolar 1 two weeks ago. After talking to a therapist for suicidal thoughts and really bad depression for 2 months, I switched to manic and my therapist recognized bipolar immediately.
Now I have a psychiatrist and have started meds.
I was working as a correction officer and in my mania, I was panicking at the thought of working at a jail while my own thoughts were in their own jail. I called a former boss, explained what was going on, and he allowed me to come back as an employee.
I'm so grateful for the people that I have met so far at this beginning of my bipolar journey.
These videos have taught me so much and it's good to know that I'm not alone. Thank you!
🙏🏽 welcome :)
Finally...my life and past make sense! Been a very long road..im 51 and was diagnosed after a severe episode that turned into a ER visit and a stay at a mental health facility😢
These videos are good to play around the house when your spouse just doesn’t listen to you about your disorder. You can benefit AND they’ll hear little bits too.
I disclosed as it was on an insurance form my boss had. I was asked in a loud voice in front of all of my coworkers, customers if I was going to bring a firearm to work. In hindsight, I should have sued them into oblivion.
That's horrible!
Fortunately I was been able to keep my composure for the most part at work. I am a RN and often I would have a break down in the bathroom because the stress and pressure...My boss knew and so did my coworkers and I think it helped people understand why my moods changed so frequently. I no longer work because my illness makes it too difficult. I think I could work but not as a nurse. I'd like to get my real estate license but now with the economy in shambles not sure it would be worth it. Thanks Rob!!!
Does anyone else struggle with constantly trying to change your job? Like you get bored or just want to change something new? That's me 10000% right now.
🙋🏾♀️
@@tanyacobb3604 yes! I'm not alone!! Do you get a 2 year itch?
Sometimes earlier than 2 years. I was always excited or in a very good mood at the beginning of a job. Then, I would loose motivation and want something different. Not always sure why this happened. Have you been diagnosed with bipolar?
@@tanyacobb3604 yes BP 1. It's crazy how that happens. I just get bored or maybe the shinyness of the job wears off. I'm at that point now and I'm trying not to but I can't help but to look for new opportunities. I tell myself it's the disorder but that doesn't seem to work either
That's it! It's not new any longer. I am going through the diagnostic procedure now and my psychologist is leaning towards a Bipolar II diagnosis for me. She suggested a job that flows with my ups and downs. Maybe something to consider. Best of wishes to you on this journey 🙏🏽.
Sadly, HR are sometimes your biggest nemesis. In three companies I ended up having to fight HR who didnt want to believe my illness was genuine. One colleague went so far as to pretend to be my employer so she could get more information from the company doctor (who believed her). That doctor could have had her licence revoked had I taken her to court. In Europe, employees often feel pressured to be honest about their illness (it need not be a mental disorder, btw). It truly is nobody's business except yours and your doctor's. You need to trust your colleagues before you can open up.
Thanks for bringing up the topic, Rob.
Thanks for sharing your story! What they did to you is fricken horrific!
That impersonator was despicable & the doctor... wooow!!
In the UK if you have declared a condition then legally obliged to consider 'reasonable adjustments' under disability rights. Doesn't fix crap employers but they can be held to account in a way they can't if we don't tell. But I would tell once in the job, not on application.
I just told my employer (its the first time I've done it in any job) and they were so supportive *even listening to my psychosis symptoms* and understanding i was shocked
I would not mention anything ....Ever. It cost me a potential permanent job in the elections department at Boston City Hall recently. I think I got kicked out of school because I walked out of that internship after realizing they were using me, so I threatened all parties involved with a discrimination complaint.
THIS INFO IS USEFUL FOR ANYONE IN ANY JOB ENVIRONMENT. WELL PRESENTED AND EXPLAINED. CONGRATS!!
I am about to start my first engineering job out of college and I was diagnosed type 1 earlier this year. Thank you for helping me think this through, none of the mental health professionals have offered me much guidance.
Thank you for covering these topics. You've referred to exactly what issues do arise in our lives in relation to mental health concerns and the workplace. It is SO hard to remain silent about these health issues but the pressure that negative consequences may occur in the workplace if you do, is very real. Silence has saved my life, so not disclosing a health concern, and taught me how to be more professional with details about myself. Judgement is still very pronounced in the workplace.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
An acquaintance of mine was fired during probation period because HR googled name of the doc from her doctor's slip and found out that he's neurologist and psychiatrist. When I needed sick leave, I had to go family doctor to keep my illness in secret. And this happened in "super tolerant" Europe :(
Wow! Good advice!
I don't suppose this happened in Cze h Republic? That very situation happened to me.
What country it happened?
Thank you very much for this video. I work in law enforcement. I love my job, I do it with passion and dedication, but my job is also the one place on earth I don't feel safe, because mental illness and especially bipolar disorder is very often connected to violent crime and drugs in the understanding of my colleagues. I'm very lucky, I never got involved in drug addictions, though I've had "legal" (nonetheless harmful) addictions during my journey, mainly hypersexuality and alcohol. Treatment and psycho education are life changing. I'm not sure stigma over bipolar disorder (and mental illness in general) will be overcome during my life time in law enforcement, but I know that applying stigma on whomever will never make you a good professional. We remain silent, and commenting here under false names (obviously), but we are glad you and others like you, are helping us finding our voice when it will be possible.
I really loved what you wrote, so true. Thank you for sharing, it's so amazing, I love coming here to the comments and just like with Rob's videos I truly feel understood and cared about. If only others could see us with the same compassion!
Were you diagnosed before or after becoming a LEO? I was on the path to become a LEO and a depressive episode ruined it for me. I don't think I will be able to try again because now that I'm diagnosed as Bipolar 1, I would have to lie during the interview process and then risk triggering another episode during training.
I currently do private security. My boss and supervisor know and are very understanding. May just settle as this being my career.
I tend not to tell too many about it because I’m a kindergarten teacher and the parents are skeptical of you around their children. they think you’re a danger to their children because you could turn psychotic and harm them. But in the 17 years of being a teacher it has never happened. In fact they love me dearly and even contact me when they are all grown up. Children make me cope better they add sparkle to my life. Had the parents known they’d have taken their children to another school.
Thank you for the video. This summer I was hypomanic and some people would say i was “wide open.” I didn’t get it at the time and now I do since I’m in the depths of utter depression. I haven’t been able to go to work since I recently got so down. They just hired me too. They’re giving me time off without pay, and I hope the psychiatrist can prescribe something to lift me up.
Thanks for the great advice! A few months ago I told one of my manager about my diagnosis (Bipolar 2). Honestly, it has helped so much. He was getting pretty confused about moods, and now he is much more accommodating. For me, working has been the best thing to keep me on track health-wise. Without work, there is no way I would be keeping to such a consistent healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness regiment. It keeps me focused, and gives me a reason to not be beaten by this illness. Sure there are down times when I feel like I am adding no value in the workplace, but my hypomanic periods give me such a boost of productivity, creativity, and problem solving ability, that it is almost a benefit to my employer. Thanks for the awesome videos, you do awesome work, and I have just subscribed to your Pateron!
A i’m so glad the video helped and your manager was responsive like that! That’s fantastic! Sounds like you have a really good job situation all around. I’m very lucky to have coworkers who are very accommodating also. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and stop by again soon for more videos 😊☀️🤗
-Robert
Thankyou so much Rob for making this video! I had lost so many jobs and have been really confused whether or not to disclose my condition to my next employer. This video has clarified loads of things i was unsure of.
I really appreciate what you're doing for the bipolar community! Bless you!
Thank you very much for this video.
When I return to work, I plan on disclosing my recent diagnosis. I don't know if I'm being naïve but I feel it will be for the best. I have this small fear about becoming a liability in their eyes, but hiding something so big without having to eventually make up a lie seems impossible. Lying is exhausting to me. It greatly strains me. I prefer believing that if I lose the job, it's because something better awaits me elsewhere.
Gosh, this is such a tricky subject! I got some good advice from someone in my support group here in my city....KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! The environment I work in right now is so toxic it's impossible. Super interesting information in this video...interesting that you don't have to disclose what your disability is. I'm trying hard to remember to take time outs if I become symptomatic!
Thank you for thissss!! I lost my first job because I didnt tell my employer, and they noticed some differences in my moods and performance. I never let it effect me negatively at work, but school was a different story. And since I was in highschool at the time, they let me go because they wanted me to focus on my education... Funnily enough that job was the only thing keeping me motivated to even keep living at the time... So I ended up spiraling down into the worst episode of my life.
The next job I lost because I DID tell my employer. She said she understood and was very accommodating. She lost her late husband to suicide, and he was bipolar. I felt safe working there and talking with her about struggles I was going through. None of my co-workers knew, but one day I opened up to one of them... A girl i thought was my friend. Turned out, me having bipolar made her uncomfortable, and I was let go because of it. I didn't even tell her anything crazy! Just said i was struggling and explained a bit about bipolar and what it is and how it can sometimes make it hard to deal with stress. The fact that I somehow made her uncomfortable... A girl i worked with closely for months, really hurt me.
Again, after being let go I fell into a super deep depression, but I needed a job. Interview after interview... I just felt so defeated. I cried during multiple... One of them, I almost got the job. But not the one I applied for. They were going to put me in a position that I knew would be terrible for me, (lots of stress, noisy environment, lack of meaningful human interaction) and when I tried to express how important stress management is for my mental health, (without bringing up bipolar) and how I didn't feel i would be a good fit for that particular role, (even though i could really use the money) the interviewer treated me like I was being demanding and should be happy I was being offered a job at all. Which i was happy to be offered a position... Just not one that I knew would drive me over the edge. Its not like they had already filled the position I was applying for... But I digress.
Everytime its time to search for a job again, I feel so beyond stressed out because of how I've been treated in the past, that it's almost like... Why try at all? I know you just gotta pick yourself up and carry on, which im willing to do! I just wish that this world didn't make it so damn hard for people like me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Unfortunately it's very common, you did not in any way deserve to be treated that way. The only thing I would consider is finding a career counselor or organization. Take care Charity, hang in there!
Also look into getting involved with the mental health community in your town or city. Many times they employ and promote their volunteers and your experience with mental illness with be looked upon as an asset!
@@PolarWarriors wow thanks i've never thought of that! I'll look into it. Im really bad at reaching out for help and making connections with new people.
In my experience, unless the illness affects your ability to do the job (and for me, it thankfully doesn't), there is no reason to tell them anything.
If you do disclose, a lot of people will see you as just a liability. And nobody wants to hire a liability. It's not worth taking that risk.
But I wouldn't feel bad about it if you've lost your job because of telling them about your illness. It might be a blessing in disguise. You don't want to be around people who are discriminatory and judgemental. A few years ago, I lost my job straight after disclosing my bipolar disorder, but it was a blessing in disguise because it turned out that the manager was just that: discriminatory and judgemental. It turned out that a lot of people ended up quitting because of that and the company ended up being shut down. Plus the salary was not high enough anyway.
Think of the positives.
Agree I'm starting a new job, been stable for a while. Didn't mention anything and will have to find out how to work appointments but unless it becomes something where my performance or ability to work are affected I avoid it.
I was a laboratory tech/ phlebotomist/ registrar at our health clinic. My symptoms weren't as bad for me until I started working two jobs to hold up the household when my ex husband broke his back and I started carrying the family. I deal with bi polar unspecified and narcolepsy without cataplexy which makes it a joy medicating and keeping things balanced. I used six weeks of FMLA while in a partial mental health facility. I also had back up from my union. Eventually I still ended up losing my positions and the state of Minnesota ruled I was unemployable before getting my disability. My surpervisors tried very hard to keep me on. Doctors swore by my skills. However there is a limit to every job and what HR can do. I spent another stint in partial just to get through the fact I would never work with patients or in any health facillilty ever again. SOmetimes we just have to accept certain limitations and accept us as we are no matter what. We aren't "broken" we just have limitations we have to work within the parameters. I use my crafting skills and I work around my depression and my sleepiness. I do this unmedicated. It gives me some purpose. But it helps when family and friends understand those limitaions and at least in my life... there lies the challenges.
My 27 year old son just got asked to resigned his 8 year old law enforcement career after a bad new medicine interaction where he was hospitalized voluntarily. He was diagnosed 4 months ago and we are still new to all these. We are in shock and we don’t know what to do. All seems so unjust and unfair, even cruel.
Get a lawyer
This is fantastic! The stigmas of mental illness have led to many acusations of laziness or just looking for time off for me. Ive made the mistake of "full disclosure" several times. Thanks for breaking it down and informing me of my rights. I have a good set up now where I work freelance and can tell me clients I have a lot of projects when my "project" is taking care of my mental health. It's hard work setting up a good situation but is totally worth it. I hope people don't get embarassed or discouraged by an unusual or small income. Your success is in your wellbeing! Not your monetary wealth.
I like your videos and your demeanour, you are doing important work, thank you for your efforts
I appreciate that!
Sorry I haven't been around, I've had Medical issues to deal with but it's great to see you again, I love your videos!
My coworkers and my boss knows that I have bipolar disorder and they are very supportive.
That's so great to hear! 🙏🏽
- Rob
For additional content consider joining us on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You are a TOTAL BLESSING! I am 57, should've been learning this years ago, but everyone back then said it was bs!
I thank God you are doing what you're doing! YOU ARE AND MAY I REPEAT ...ARE! SAVING, CHANGING LIVES!!!
Hi Donna, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you've found Rob to be such a blessing to you. If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He posts exclusive content there and is available to reply to direct messages through that platform. I'll include the link so you can check it out! Polar Warriors is entirely supported by viewer donations. No pressure if you're unable to join, we appreciate you watching and commenting! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I want to thank you for this one!! I surely needed it!! I have Bipolar 1, PTSD with panic attacks, IEP in Reading, and ADHD. I needed this now! Prefect timing! Thanks so much!! I'm trying so hard to fight going on disability!!
Amanda Coppedge GOD BLESS you! You really are a Warrior. I Pray you will be able to avoid getting on disability. Remember you are strong, having this much on your plate, and doing the best you can to "stay in the game"! 🙏🙂❤️
Mark Vezina, thanks so much! As if one or the other wouldn't be enough to deal with on a daily basis. 💘 I'm trying hard I plan to go to school full-time plus work full-time job this Fall! My goal is to beat the odds! I'm trying to get pregnant and I have PCOS also which makes it hard to become pregnant for some of us! 🙏 After a year of trying medications, my doctor said we have the right medication! 👣 I will take all the prayers and support I can get!! Trust me I know hard! I also know giving up is not a choice for me! I have a great weekly appointment with a specialist for these problems. She is encouraging me ever week to P.U.S.H. meaning pray until something happens!! Yes I love these videos from the Polar Warriors! I ALWAYS learn something new!! I only want to be what God wants for me, and leads me to do! 🙏💘👣 I'm about to be 35 July 4th and can't wait to get pregnant, start college and run wide open! I'm also blessed with a loving husband who stands by me! 💘
Amanda Coppedge I Pray that all of your dreams come true. Even with all of these challenges, GOD has Blessed you will Faith, tenacity, and a wonderful loving, and supportive Husband. GOD BLESS both of you! 🙂🙏❤️
Hi Amanda! I really hope your dream comes true, the world needs more wonderful future moms like you! I'll pray for you too! If you would like we have a praying circle at our church and I can put it on Sunday?
dianna thank you so very much!! Honestly I can't turn down any praying!! If your willing to pray please pray!! Thanks so much! Look me up on Facebook, if you have it so we can keep in touch. Amanda Coppedge Cook
FMLA is the ultimate bipolar savior for keeping a job.
this post has made me appreciate my own employers so much. love this channel. it always makes me see something positive in negative times xxxxxx
Thank you so, so much for this video. I really needed it.
Robert will get back to you soon. Just be patient. He has responded back to me when I’ve posted before. You have support here from others struggling with you ....like me.
I've always explained my employment gaps as "medical reasons I've since recovered from" the "recovered from" part is a lie but I've left those words out before and had interviwers inquire if I would have definite issues in the future. What do you think about telling a boss you have an anxiety disorder? Since anxiety has way less stigma. I really don't want to but if my schedule gets too inconsistent (working multiple locations and different hours every day) then I'm going to have to say something. I agree with you, consistency is a must for us and constant changes trigger my symptoms and drive me to quit the job altogether. Great video my friend!
In my experience they don't think anxiety is "a big deal" so they would probably tell you not to worry, to chill and not to be "anxious". I would probably go for a gynecology emergency or a dental one. (People won't ask) ;)
Emilia lecter Same here my workplace got change before two years it trigger my sever symptoms now I have still continued struggle to manage.
I only disclosed it to my closest friends at work because I don’t want my colleagues to see like I was using it as an excuse to get away with sloppy work decisions. And I am also not comfortable talking about things that are too personal. But I had to disclose it to the HR and our company doctor sinceI had to go on a 2-month leave to enter the hospital and they need to know the exact condition since they have to talk our medical insurance provider. My boss was also informed but I was surprised when I found out from him that our HR and doctor did not disclose my mental illness to him to respect my privacy. He was just informed that I need to be hospitalized for an condition that had to be addressed immediately. (It was my own doctor who talked to the insurer, and the insurer talked to our HR and company doctor, so I guess I am lucky.)
Robert, thanks so much for what you do. I have just gone thru an Event Horizon regarding BP and I am now ready to seek help which I have already made one appt. to start this process. I have watched , wow, maybe 35 to 40 of your videos and almost all sound like your talking either about me or to me. The clarity you have given me is so incredibly timely, (I watched my first video from you three days ago) and I cant thank you enough for what you have done. I can’t imagine the amount of work it has taken you to do so. I will be a Patreon member for certain. Again, THANKS SO MUCH!!! You might have just saved my life...
You just keep doing so well, thanks.
Thankyou for what you do Rob! You are Very much appreciated.
I worked about 2 1/2 days a week collating and delivering catelogues and a weekly newspaper until recently when I understood that some close friends were right and my mental health was declining with the stress of the jobs. The person in charge of the newspaper bit of the job never knew anything about my diognosis of several types of psych disorders. I did tell the man in charge of the catelogue bit when I resigned that it was for mental health reasons and he was quite supportive and will happily have me back working when I feel more stable.
I am so fortunate to have my supervisors are very accepting of my condition. I never divulged it to my colleagues but I shared it with my boss. Once I had a manic episode at work (I haven’t slept for days and I was all over the place) and then I went to her office, she offered to accompany me to the ER (as per consultation with my psychiatrist. She never left my side until I was in my room and she visited me every single day.
That's truly heartwarming to hear. It's wonderful to have such supportive supervisors!
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I'm so glad I'm no longer in the workplace.I was exploited,for sure. WORK became MY LIFE and where I sought validation . I learned too late that my co-workers were not my FRIENDS . I was always under-employed,couldn't handle competition. I hope this comment rings a bell ! ThankYou fro this channel Rob. from Eve G.
I live in Australia. I have BPD. I am university educated. I did work but was forced out of a highly toxic discriminatory workplace where I was victimised for being mentally disabled and severely victimised. Now I will never agree to be in an employee status again. Only working indepently eg as my own boss or short contracts. That can accommodate bipolar and avoid the toxicity of normal people in work places whose ethics morals honesty conduct are not my idea of normal and totally unacceptable to me. I like to set and maintain my own high standards eg of integrity, fairness etc. I refuse to drop my standards to accommodate their low standards. That causes conflict, something bipolars need to steer clear of to remain sane safe and healthy. Poverty is no fun but not as bad as toxic work places, no matter how much they pay me. So, it is not just I who misses out. So dies the rest of society that allow such toxic workplaces in Australia to flourish unchecked.
My boss found out much the same time as I did. Spent some time in a psych hospital after not sleeping for a week and was diagnosed there. When I got out he asked what was up so I told him and he basically said it made sense and asked how I was dealing with it. I can tell him when I’m symptomatic or struggling with meds and he knows he can tell me if he notices something I don’t. He has his own issues which I can also comment on, we have a great relationship.
Your boss sounds like a real gem! It's awesome to have someone who gets it.
It would be great to stay connected with you... I'll include a link below to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly anytime (and access a lot of content I don't post on RUclips).
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Take extra good care of yourself @geoflevine and I hope you will continue to stop by the channel.
I appreciate you =)
-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors
Great video Rob. So many people need this information. This is a very sensitive area, and a lot of thought, and consideration Needs to be given when addressing it. I'm sure your input has helped shed light on this for many. I appreciate your devotion to this work, even when it is difficult for you! 👍
I do not speak english very well. But I understand reading and listening. I'm from Chile, South America . I' m Bipolar and treated for over ten years...I'm 54 years old and when I feel very bad at work , I practice Mindfulness .
My biggest problem with working is that I cannot work very much overtime at all without feeling very overwhelmed. And it’s really hard to explain that I can’t work extra hours without coming off as lazy, especially to people that aren’t my supervisor. A big part of that is that sleep is my biggest trigger, I am so sensitive to it. If I get only six hours of mediocre sleep two nights in a row it can send me into an absolute spiral up or down.
I feel like my coworkers know I’m bipolar and think I’m crazy. It’s so hard to work with being bipolar
Samantha Vega most people understand Bipolar from the narrow scope of the media unless it has touched their lives personally. It could be a good opportunity to slowly educate coworkers on your struggles, (when the timing is right like I talked about in the video). Some people will understand, and others just won’t. They might know that something is different right now, but if you can put things into a better context with those you feel comfortable with, you might be surprised who could become a mental health ally if they understand the condition better. 😊
@@PolarWarriors I am terrified to label myself in an atmosphere where I am sometimes avoided or disliked by colleagues and especially my principal. (I am a teacher) People don't like the weird. There is no way I would garner any empathy or understanding at work. Just hanging in there.
Explain to them you didn't lose your hearing no need to yell when they ask "Are you ok"!!? Lol explain it's a disorder that's all...
@@jcovent I feel for you. I experienced direct and unprovable harassment at former jobs explicitly because of my bpd. It hurts. Once you have that stigma, it's very hard to stand up for yourself.
I know this feeling.
Great Job doing your Videos, Rob. I'm Bipolar Type 1. I enjoy your Informative Videos so much. I'm learning a lot about this Illness. You're doing a Great Job!
I cannot thank you enough for this video (and your entire works). I've struggled since my very first job and just got diagnosed bipolar last year. It explains so much, and this video not only help me know there's other out there with such similar patterns, but also ways to help in the future. I didn't know what or how much I should expose about my struggle. This video helped me so so much. Thank you again. ❤️ I'll check out your patreon!
The only time my bipolar disorder has not negatively impacted my work was...never. Even in graduate school to get my degree in special education, I had a professor just berate me. Clearly, if one of her students had autism she would've been more understanding. Whew!
Autism are brilliant and I have a bipolar friend who was in special Ed
I love the title of your channel! This is my first video of yours and I am excited to see what I can learn! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!
I watched the beginning of this but this is such a sensitive subject, it touches a nerve with me. The way job interviews are these days, some managers seem to want to rake you over the coals to see if you fit in with whatever the hell they are looking for!!! I would honestly say don't disclose it unless you think you might need to be hospitalized. You just never know sometimes if someone will be understanding or not.
The fact that most companies say you have to work 6-12 months before you qualify for FMLA is a JOKE!!!!! If my DOCTOR can provide documentation that I have a mental disorder. I should be able to get a job AND address my mental state. I have 4 children and they have to be taken care of and so do I . But the minute we file for assistance or disability we are labeled lazy or using excuses. SMH
I find it a catch 22, I disclosed at work years ago when I was trying to get a promotion to my boss. For background I just needed the hours of the job adjusted and I had been doing the job unofficially for about 3 years at the time, which meant I did not get the pay increase that went with the job, and I did not get the guaranteed 40 hour work week that went with the job (I work retail). I disclosed to my boss that I had a disability and what it was (in hind sight I should not have done the latter part) and even offered to get a doctors not to prove it. At that point I was dropped out consideration for the job (which the boss had been promising me for the 3 years I was doing it unofficially without the pay bonus or the guaranteed hours) I then went to my HR department for the same reason and all they did was go right back to my boss. Who again said no and then gave the job to someone else that had no experience and made me train them for the job! I decided not to bring the Union in on the matter because of how hostile other people that had brought the union in to settle a dispute (they basically looked for any minor excuse to let the people go)
a while After that I had an episode where I was making weekly visits to my psychiatrist (on my days off) and we where adjusting my meds, which was causing some negative side effects that was making me ill and it hard for me to function at work. I told my boss that because of my medical condition I was having a treatment change and was having negative health side effects, because I would be so ill or the symptoms so bad that periodically I could not make it into work or would have to leave early. So then he cut my hours in retaliation and gave me a virbal for "excessive tardiness" but did no such thing with any of the other people in the department that had missed more days off work because of physical illness. I was treated quite poorly and was the first person to have my hours cut even though I was one of the most senior employes and was available to work the shifts that I was missing out one (which was against my union contract that explicitly says the person with the most seniority has to be given the priority in hours when being scheduled.) and he would jerk my hours around all over the place and take me from being in at 6 or 7 in the morning and working till 3 or 4 PM to working closing shift the next day from 2pm till 11PM then opens again the next day at 7am, even after I told him that it was negatively effecting my health condition.
Then to boot when the person that he had passed me up for the promotion for after I had come out that I was bipolar, quite I once again had to do the job unofficially without the pay raise and will less then the guaranteed hours that came with the position, and having to do other jobs at the same time. so I was doing way more work and squeezing it into way less actual time to get it done. Ultimately the stress and pushing myself to do all of it lead me to have a one of my worst ever manic episodes where I bought a new car simply because I wanted a new car, and then to trade it in a few months latter for a different trim level because now I wanted that trim level instead.
Lucky as I was crashing down from that he was promoted to a different position and sent to another store and we got a new boss that knew nothing about my diagnoses and say my work quality and I started to get more hours. Then by the time I was crashing hard from that that boss had quite and one of my old bosses who actually really respected me was transferred back in, and he was much more understanding when I had to make some "emergency medical appointments" that required me to leave work early or to come in late (to see my psycarirst) and he ultimately gave me to promotion that I had been looking for when the second person that my old boss had passed me up for quite.(so ultamily after about 5 years of doing the job unofficially I got the pay raise and the guaranteed hours) and he was willing to make the hours adjustment that I needed so that I could work the shift. But I never came out to him with the diagnoses just that I had a medical condition that made it so that I could not work the standard hours of the position. But it has made me never want to come out with the diganosses again and deathly afraid of being seen as unreliable and a liability like the other boss treated me, even though I always get perfect reviews and always get my work done and then quite a bit more on top of it, as well as being one of the most skilled people in the department to the point that even the old boss that passed me up would use me to train new people and him (along with the ones after him) would put me in charge and have me handle their phone calls (and decision making) when they where indisposed. It was to the point I would not even go to HR about a coworker that harassed me on a daily basis about the fact that I still live at home with my parents, in part because of the cost of all of my medical care I spend thousands of dollars a year in total on out of pocket cost. (and I need the support system)
Wow, I got angry reading your comment about the way that boss treated you, but I'm so happy that you hanging in there finally got rewarded with what you always wanted!!
Good for you!
& I agree, I wouldn't be specific either.
@@pickledjalapeno9482 yeah, it was a very nasty learning experience that I won't do again. And I now plays into my paranoid (technically psychotic) thinking I get when I go severely depressed or severely manic, that I'm just a moments notice from being fired and that everyone thinks I'm crazy and a liability that they are looking for anything to fire no matter what it is. And it makes my so paranoid to take any sick time wither for physical or mental health. Winter of 2018 I had a fever of 99.9-100.1 with cold medication,, for a week and a horrible cough and I came into work every day. It was so bad by the end of the week I finally went to tye walk in clinic after work and had to have chest xrays to be sure I did not have phenomena. But I was tarafied to miss a day of work.
Then last I had a depressive episode where I was having psychotic breaks from reality. As in nothing felt real for significant blocks of time and I felt like I was living inside a movie where I was not really me but watching someone else. And I was afraid to open up to my psychiatrist, because A I was afraid of the hospital (because of my one hosptiliazation) and I was terrified of missing work and having to explain why and bring in a note from the hospital explaining why.
Then latter in the year I had a sever manic break, and was convinced if I took any time off I'd be fired because I just know they though I was stark raving crazy. And I was honest with my psychiatrist but made him promise that the hospital was not an option unless I was a danger. We wound up having to jack my medications real high and it still beraly worked. And at times made me physically I'll, but I was absolutely convinced if I took a day off or worse yet went to hospital I would be fired and that I was going to be fired at any moment.
To be honest my manic episodes have gotten much worse after the sever manic episode brought on by the stress of the boss I came out to because of how sever that one was, and the fact I tried to hide it from everyone including my psychiatrist because I knew he would likely want to put me in hospital or do a leave of absence from work to try to stabalize me.
It's hard on one hand I wish people knew how much I struggled so that I might feel safe taking a mental health day if needed. But on the other hand im tarrafied of people thinking im crazy, that I'm dangerous, and that I'm a liability, and that I can't be counted on.
Good thing about YT: you can adjust speed of videos for when you’re close to mania
How do you know when you're close? & thanks Mayra.
What sucks is when others think they can change or have to in order to help. It's a nice thought but trying to change says "you're not right like you are I'll adjust." Say you'll be there, say you're supportive, and will try to understand or learn. Don't try to change us or yourself.
I absolutely loved your Jun 23 video on Patreon about your hard week and what you learned. It was awesome. I’m so glad I’ve been able to join Patreon and see your other work. Maybe you could move your Patreon videos to RUclips after 3-6 months or something for others to benefit who cannot join Patreon for whatever reason. But regardless I’d encourage the viewers to take that Patreon leap if they can. Rob makes it worth it.
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!
Seeing all the new topics, makes me happy, you explain so well. The one about explaining about what bi polar is, explains so much better than I have tried.
im watching from australia so much is pertinent even regarding, discrimination act etc. thank you☺
David Beer i’m so glad! Hello from California and a very warm welcome to my channel David. Stop by anytime😊😊
-Robert
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Wish I watch this 2 weeks ago, but I didn't even know I was Bipolar. Wish I never got upset snd just went home. I know now to not let stupid things upset me at this job.
Great video 👍🏻
Like another poster said; the bipolar has at times disclosed itself in the workplace
I am in the uk, and working in the nhs. I have a really supportive manager right now, but It hasn’t always been this way. I thought I was going too get fired once. I lost it in some angry rant, and a student was around to see it. He complained about my behaviour and I got pulled up by management. The student was never even on my radar - but not ranting in the first place would have been better. 🤔
AS GOTHAS thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Thank you so much. I always had to deal with problems at work because of my condition: lying, hiding my feelings, lack of performance, forgetting to be prepared for important meetings, and so one. I tried many times to go back to work in different jobs but unsuccessfully. I gave up. Stress is more intense for me than others. I’m not reliable. Once I had to disclose my condition and I was invited to resign after a three months of sick live The funny thing is that I worked for employee assistance program ☺️
Ferguson Enterprises was very accommodating after I had to take two months on FMLA for Bipolar to get straightened out. My manager was amazing and it allowed me to work there for 5 years.
Ferguson is an amazing company. Benefits and all.
I was really, really, really lucky in this regard.
I was in a depressed state for a very long time and my boss saw my performance dropping.
He asked my (a lot of times) if there's something wrong and if and how he could help me.
Since we have a great relationship, I told him about my depression at last and he told me to talk to a doctor.
I was really afraid to do that, however and he even told me he'd come with me if I wanted that.
In the end, I went to the doctor by myself but knowing that my boss would help me in that matter was a turning point for me.
If he didn't "push" me to go to the doctor, I wouldn't be as well as I am now.
Also, my colleagues were really supportive as well. They didn't really know what was happening but knew somethig was off with me, so they helped me and talked to me offered their help as well.
That's the reason I still work for that company, even though the pay is ****.
People are more important than pay.
I am fortunate. For the past 6 years, I have worked for a small company as an office manager/bookkeeper and my boss' dad has bipolar. I actually received the diagnosis after some very severe episodes while employed here.
On the other hand, I used to be a child protective services caseworker. The hours, the workload, the interactions, the constant trauma exposures - horrible triggers.
Thank you so much for this video!!! I’m having a horrible time currently trying to find a job despite my degrees and experience. This helps very much. I subscribed and I plan on watching all of your videos! I greatly appreciate the effort and care that you put into making this video. I don’t want to be annoying so I will end this comment here:)
You're not being annoying, no worries! :) Rob and the team appreciates your comment. I'm so glad that Rob's video was so helpful to you!! I'm sorry it's been so tough to find a job. Thanks so much for subscribing! If you'd like to join Rob's exclusive community where you can reach him directly and have access to exclusive content as well as support him in what he does with Polar Warriors, I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. I'll include the link so you can check it out! Best of luck to you in your job search! I hope you find something soon! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
@ 11:42 That's a great idea even for me for my traumatic brain injury for my inability to not retain information and if something happens between a co-worker because of my TBI.
Thank you for the video really love the insights that you give! I had a huge crisis in my last job it was really degrading for any human being it was so terrible that gave a big depression in me. After therapy I had the courage to stand for being treat with respect but got fired. At least after what I stand the conditions in there get better. But know I'm afraid to work again. After the crisis I reconsider a lot of things and realized that I hated the career that I had. Know I'm trying to find something that I love to work but it's been really difficult because my family and friends don't support or understand my case.
Juliana Meire Akimoto thank you for the kind words and sharing your experiences. It took me a long time to find a job which “more or less” works well with my condition. My health is really struggling right now so I had to take today to myself. It took time after I was diagnosed and things were falling apart to learn what my limits were or what type of work would accommodate them. When the time is right, I hope you find something that works well with the way your symptoms manifest.😊
Thank you again! From Amsterdam
You are amazing and your channel help so much. Thank you!
I needed this video so much right now. Thank you so much.
I found your vids because I think I might be bipolar (I’m thinking about going to see someone about it). All my life I remember having constant mood swings and being very happy and excited one day to not wanting to leave the house for the new few days/weeks after that and being really hostile and aggressive to people for no reason at all, and I can relate a lot to the stuff you and others post. I think it hit me yesterday that it might be real when I went from being happy all day to having numerous thought of suicide in the space of a few days. Watching these videos (even if I go and find out I might not even have bipolar) really helped me out and calmed me down about the idea and made me feel more positive about it all, so thank you.
Hi there! Having a diagnosis and being on the right meds have really changed my life...please see a doctor about your symptoms! Take care❤️
How is it going Kinga?
dianna a lot better, thanks. I feel good now - more active, more positive. I’ve got an appointment booked with a psychologist in a few weeks so that’s good. I kind of scared myself at first but it’s good now ❤️. How about you?
I totally get that! I'm glad you have an appointment, I was scared before my first time but I really love mine, I actually just came back from seeing her. I'm just coming out of a little depression but with the meds I take they are a lot shorter. Keep moving! I feel if I keep moving I'll be ok! Lost maybe but not stuck!
Thank you for sharing these are such crucial topics for everyone fighting through their condition to maintain a place in the work place
I'd like to suggest a video subject that goes along with this same topic. Could you make a video geared towards helping bosses understand the needs and struggles of bipolar employees? I had a bipolar employee a few years ago and unlike most employers I took the time to educate myself on her condition. It helped me create a work environment she could be comfortable in. It also helped me because she became a very productive and loyal employee. She eventually moved on to another job but years later we're still close friends.
I'm so glad you use RUclips for your videos. I having very little income and can't even afford the smallest donation on Patreon. I feel guilty about that. I read on Patreon why you aren't monetizing your videos but if you ever decided to do so I would respect that so I am contributing too.
In any case I'm so glad you are making these videos and have this channel.
Right now, I wish I could be a $100 donor, but y'all know what happens to our money :(
As usual a great job with a lot to think about!!
rebquist rebquist thank you so much my dear friend! Hope you have a great weekend 😊🤗
Thank you for all of the information. I'm feeling better already *sigh of relief*
Happy to help!
I'd never tell people at work. They already think I'm off and they talk about bipolar in such a negative light. I also once told a friend of mine. We were really good friends and we went out for a drink and I told him. He then said, well it's getting late. I should hit the sack." Never heard from him again. We would have been fine if I just didn't say anything.
Excellent video.
So relevant to my situation
Thank you 😊
Very valuable & detailed information, and well delivered. Thank you & god bless you 🤍
So nice of you HP! 🤗
Have disclosed this deepest secret to my SRO management for a variety of reasons. After more than a decade with them without drama and should have figured this out. Not worrying as much Thanks!
Who knew secrets could be so heavy, right? Here's to a drama-free future with your SRO management!
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I am currently unemployed and looking for a new job. I really don't want to tell a prospective employer or employer that I'm Bipolar 2. It was great to find out here that I don't have to inform them in the beginning or at any time if I choose not to. I have been asked several times on job applications if I have a disability like Bipolar, or OCD, etc. and I have chosen not to respond to that. My feeling is I won't get very far in the hiring process if the company knew I had a mental illness.
My work encourages help if you need it. They have bent over backwards allowing me out for 5 weeks. I have never worked for a more understanding employer. It’s a large cooperation as well!
That's so amazing, thank you for sharing it gives us hope!!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
Rob:
I really need your help to keep a good thing going here... PLEASE consider supporting Polar Warriors work on Patreon. Even just $1 a month makes a huge difference. Thank you so much
I was just diagnosed with bipolar this year at 24 but it’s been a roller coaster! For some reason I always quit my job around 3 months. Wether I have an emotional breakdown and quit or something negative leads me to want to quit. It’s like clockwork so my resume looks bad. Not to mention when Covid hit while I was in online classes I was unemployed for a year. So of course employers ask why is there such a big gap and it’s because I was in a really bad depressed state and etc but moving on, currently I’m working for a boss who was also recently diagnosed with bipolar! I worked at her store for 3 months and quit to focus on school and she said I was eligible for rehire since I put in my two weeks, so she rehired me and I decided one day to tell her I was bipolar and then she tells me she is too and we talk about what happened while I was gone and she said she had an episode and had to leave for 2 weeks because she had a bad reaction to her medication. No one else knew where she went they just said she disappeared because they don’t know she is bipolar. So she told me that she will understanding to me when I tell her whatever’s going on with me. I haven’t disclosed my exact symptoms but there’s no reason to as long as she understands!
Thank you for this video , honestly I didn’t know it was because I’m bipolar but honestly I think a better job would be working from home or somewhere I didn’t have to deal with tons of people .
Documant, document, document. If you evr have to go to court this documantation will really help.
My last job was at a grocery store. I was there from before sunrise to after sunset most days. My co-managers kept putting more and more on me. I ended up losing that job for something I don't remember saying.
Thanks a bunch for all your help. You're doing an awesome job!
I have always been open with my colleagues about my diagnosis, but was worried about telling those higher up. A few weeks ago when I started to display signs of hypomania, I told my mentor who told me to take extra breaks if I needed.
Even now, he checks on me throughout the day to make sure I'm not struggling.
I told my team leader earlier this week, I'd actually been dreading it as he doesn't come across as a caring person, but he thanked me for being honest and told me not to go through it on my own.
I still haven't told the actual customer service manager though - she bloody scares me!
I find it hilarious telling people I'm on antipsychotics though, seeing their reaction actually makes me laugh. One of my colleagues literally recoiled, then I explained they're to help stabilise my moods.
ETA, I also only work two days a week. My Hubby works and pays all the bills etc, so any money I earn is basically a bonus. That has helped me get back into employment after being fired from a full time job, then being bullied at another. I recently got a letter requesting I see the psychiatric team again as I was struggling. The appointment was due on a work day, so I got it changed luckily. The hospital didn't sound too impressed, but working two days a week, I'd rather try and get my appointments around that if I can.
That's so awesome that they are so supportive! It's funny but I've been hanging out so much at these places like ymca leisure centre where we all have mental illnesses and at this provincial mood disorder association where I go for my group, and of course at my church where I can openly talk about these things I sometimes forget and once I was somewhere and talked about something bipolar related and like you said they recoiled and gave me the stank eye lol, it was good though because I forgot that not every place is a safe place. Also made me appreciative of those wonder places and people where I am safe to be me.....like Polar Warriors!!!! I love you Julie❤️
I have found the worst offenders of mental health is when you are working in mental health. The last frontier of accepted discrimination and derision.
Let’s not forget how health and life insurance companies are able to deny us
Discrimination against women and men living with BP is rampant on the labor market. 😅 I suggest you never disclose your suffering from BP on a job related report or when applying for a job: there is a lot of discrimination against us in the labor market! You are absolutely right. Better to be self employed ❤
I work for the disability department at my school and see how it helps those students to have accommodations of which they do not have to use constantly. I often wonder if it would be beneficial or just too awkward to apply for any kind of academic disability. My main concern is losing my GPA status bc of the sudden lows where I barely function for a month or two and then have to play catch-up. I wonder if disability could help recuperating from those times be any easier?
I’ve been watching your videos all day and I’m starting to definitely feel like I may be bipolar but I’m not sure. I used to attribute my manic and depressive stages to extreme PMS but I’m not so sure anymore
In high school, I had to get a job to graduate. It wasn't bipolar ( wasn't diagnosed then) but my Spina Bifida that got me fired. I couldn't imagine getting a job now. I applaud everyone who does work!
Hey Disney! How are you doing? Did things settle down a bit at home?
Hey dianna! Thank you for reaching out! Yeah, they sorta did. I mean the living situation unfortunately is a rough one, but my parents are doing the best and i'm doing the best I can to cope with it. So hopefully it won't feel so suffocating, I know it's a "normal" thing and sometimes its like "why can't I be normal" but as long as they try and I try it will be ok. I'm not getting my reply notifications and came back just now to check.
hey there! you have such a great attitude about it. I loved what you said about keeping on trying....I have to too!
Life-changing insights right there 👌 Thanks a ton, Rob. Support on Patreon is already activated.
Thank you, I will address this with my Supervisor! I feel so much more at ease!
Thanks Rob!!!