Struggling to Work
Is there anyone else with bipolar and anxiety that struggle to work? I am finding it so hard to keep a job. In the last 5 years, my longest stretch at a job was 7 months. I keep having to jump from job to job because I run out of days off because I call out too much. I call out a lot because I find it really hard to work with my depression (which my doctors think is from the bipolar, not a seperate diagnosis). I've been struggling so much with harmful thoughts and with staying calm. I get random bouts of anger and anxiety. I'm even trying to door dash for income instead of a normal job and my anxiety has been hindering that as well because I've been having panic attacks that make it hard to drive for the rest of the night. I'm trying for disability for my condition but it's been so difficult because it takes 2-3 years to see if you get approved. I'm just really worried, and I feel like a failure because I seem to be unable to hold a job and help with the household income. Even if it's a job I like, even if it's easy, I struggle with just getting up and going to work because of my anxiety and depression.
Prayers would be great. And just any words of advice anyone may have. I know people with bipolar must work, and I wish I wasn't struggling so much so I could feel proud of myself for working, but I am just feeling like I'm failing constantly.
@resilientpancake
I don't have those particular conditions, but I understand how managing mental health challenges with work can be so hard. And how the fact that it is not a lack of trying can really affect self esteem.
You are doing a good job! You are doing your best. Best is better than good. I know exactly how hard it is to remember that. The problem is that we always have in the back of our minds what the majority of people do. But the big thing with majority, is that there will always be a large group that don't fit. And on this, you don't fit. It's not your fault, it's a fact of averages. I wish we would value the uniqueness of everyone more. You are different. But in fact everyone is different. No one is identical to anyone else. It's an amazing thing. But mostly people just want to be the same. Which is impossible. I hope you find a way to celebrate how special you are as you.
