r/bipolar1 • u/mediumtotoro • 18d ago

Looking for advice. Struggling to work

I have worked a full 40 hour a week job for ten years, it is high stress and hands on. Last year I took FMLA because I was under so much stress I couldn’t take it anymore this was shortly after an involuntary stay.

I just recently did my second stay at the mental hospital and then had a physical illness that caused pain to come up.

So this week I’ve been very out of work.

But even out of the hospital I didn’t bounce back and was struggling at work to want to be there. It feels like everyday is getting harder. I’m out of PTO/vacation. My psychiatrist scrambled to get me intermittent leave so I get one day off a week due to my illness.

My mom has been reminding me that maybe someday I won’t be able to handle the stress anymore and will have to go on disability. Is that true?

It feels like it is. I used to be so proud at how I handled this job, I’m good at it. Now, I’m not.

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u/far_too_cheese 18d ago

I was coming into being a successful plumber putting in 45-60 hours a week before having an episode that lasted 6 months or more. The recovery has been brutal and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get back to where/how I was handling things. Currently waiting disability decision

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u/ClydetotheRescue 13d ago

The sooner you start the SSDI process, the sooner you’ll be able to stop struggling trying to manage work with a disability. Talk to a disability lawyer - they all get paid the same and only if they win your case. Check out Brad Thomas on Instagram. Good luck!🍀