newly diagnosed bipolar

Just diagnosed, after years of one antidepressant after another. December crashed big-time! Dr decreased my Effexor and added Cymbalta. WRONG move. I ended up in behavioral health unit for 3 days. Luckily new Dr with years of experience made new dx and started me on lithium. More bad news though, off of work 2 wks to get together ( I'm a nurse in dr office) and day I went back was told there was no longer a position there for me. If the medical profession doesn't under stand who does? My family esp. my husband have been very supportive but I feel so useless, I am certainly doubting myself and my ability to do a job in my profession. I feel so fragile!! The last thing I think I can do is try to sell myself to a new employer. Does it get better? Thanks for listening. D

Welcome to the bi-polar club
Were you on medical leave, check with unemployment office I don't think they can do this to you
Angie

Hello 'D' ,

I am sorry to hear of you job loss and know how difficult that can be added on to the illness itself.

Welcome to the Forums, you will find many here having to struggle with employement from Mental Illness as well, I am on Disability mysef with primary dx of Bipolar 1 mixed states and rapid cycling.

A bit of what has helped me at times, that making major decisions soon out of the hospital or increased depression at times if I'm able, to wait on the decision for awhile until I can figure all of the events that are going on and not sure about the decision at hand.

I hope things do indeed get better, and I am glad to hear you have your family support during this. Than can really make a difference in making the decision. Sending best wishes and hope you let us know how you are doing,
Have a nice Day,

Assuming you live in the U. S......

i am pretty sure bipolar disorder is covered by the ADA (americans with disabilities act) .... and work is not supposed to be allowed to reprimand you if you have a medical reason for your absense... plus there is also the FMLA (family medical leave act) which i think bipolar is covered by also. and another great resource is the EEOC (equal employment opportunity commission), to file a discrimination complaint.

i was on FMLA for a non-specified diagnosis last year for three months... doctor just signed my papers, they didnt even need to know the DX.

((((((((((((((((dget))))))))))))))))

I hear you and I do wonder if the medical professions understand. I say nothing to my GP about being bipolar.

Take care,
Leslie

i just wanted to post the website for more info on FMLA, in case anyone needs to protect their job, during incapacitating episodes.

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla

P.S. your doctor may not disclose your diagnosis if you do not consent.

The FMLA is for family members of those suffering with mental illness as well. I have been on intermittent family medical leave (480 hours in a one year period) several times so I can leave at a moment's notice rather than the traditional "two weeks off" or a couple months off and everything's supposed to be all better. Intermittent FML is perfect for us because I can take it in the little chunks that my children need. I'd imagine it would also work for individuals experiencing depressive, manic or psychotic episodes.

dget, firstly welcome to pscyh central. I'm pretty new here too. I hope you will stay and find some comfort here. I'm sorry you've lost your job. I think you should fight it. If your dx dosn't leave you enough energy to do it on your own, get your family to help you.

I don't live in the US. I live in Canada. I know here too it is illegal to fire a person who is on medical leave but I have been off work virtually from 2001. If anything my disorder has been getting worse in the past year instead of any better. It is well documented in my pdoc's records. Since I have been on disability for so long now and am nowhere ready to go back to work, I often wonder will I have a job to go back to. I keep thinking that if they have managed this long without me, then why would they need me when I go back? Prior to all this, I was an extremely good employee who worked very hard at my job, took pride in it and quite often exceeded expectations required for my position. Unfortunately, now I am a mere shell of what I used to be. Anyway, this isn't about me, it's about you. I'm sure you should be able to fix this wrong. Somebody else, can't remember who, sorry, has given you some suggestions. I do hope that you follow up on it and stand up for your rights. It amazes me that this happened to you when you work in the medical field.

Will there ever be any justice for the mentally ill or are we damned for the rest of our bloody lives?

I hope you will continue to post here and draw whatever comfort that you need. We all understand. We're all ready to listen. Keep talking. Hugs sweetie.

Angel Girl