How to Handle Job Related Stress When You Have Bipolar Disorder

As a person with Bipolar Disorder, you have to do things to handle stress effectively. It is also important to recognize your limitations. Make sure you are in a job that is not too stressful for your situation and condition. With most of my symptoms under control, I can handle a lot of stress compared to even some "normal" people, however, everyone's situation is different. You must know your limits and respect them so that you do not get so overwhelmed that you are no longer able to function effectively. No job is worth that.

Although many of these tips can apply to everyone, some may be different than how a "normal" person would handle it.

1. Sleep is critical. Lack of sleep can throw you in to a tail spin that cause you to have a full blown episode.

2. Taking mini-time outs on the job can help too. Talk a quick walk or a long bathroom break. In either case get away from people for a short period of time to gather your thoughts, calm down, and de-stress.

3. Develop good relationships with a few close co-workers or friends. People you can trust with your condition of bipolar disorder can be a tremendous support when you are having difficulties.

4. What is true for everyone is the exercise really does help lower your stress. I recommend at least 90 minutes a week. It can be as fun as working out with your Wii Fit, taking a walk outdoors, or going to the gym.

5. Diet is also a universal issue. Getting the right amount of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and nutritious proteins will help keep you in good shape. When you feel good physically, you can manage your stress better.

6. Some people find meditating on scripture or other religious text relaxing as well.

7. Some more physical forms of meditation like yoga or tai chi can also relieve your stress.

8. Making time for hobbies is also stress reducing and can help create more balance in your life..

9. It is important to avoid alcohol or other drugs that can reduce the effectiveness of your bipolar medication. Staying on top of your medication will help you manage your ups-n-downs, which in turn allows you to manage stress better.

10. Journaling can help you transfer pent up thoughts, anger, frustration, and other negative s onto paper. This can help you be more focused on what the positive things are in your life. Once you have a release of negative emotions, you can count your blessings more easily.

11. Talking with a trusted friend or advisor about your job related stressors can give you ideas on how to handle the situation or just be a good release valve. In either case, sometimes, it just helps to get things off your chest.

12. Striving to have a balanced life helps with stress. When you are unbalanced by placing too much time and emphasis on the job, you are more likely to break down and may even get to a point where you can not work effectively at all.

The bottom line is that you need to effectively manage your stress in order to be a great employee. By being a great employee you are more likely to keep your job in these very uncertain times. I wish you the best in your efforts.

For more information on employment for a person with bipolar disorder visit www.thrivingwithbipolardisorder.com

Author: Cassandra L. Good, MA