In the workplace, bipolar II disorder can present particular challenges. It’s difficult for managers to see a person who’s been top-performing for months turn into a self-absorbed handful for a while, then work well for another few months only to be depressed for weeks or months.

Employers need to understand the condition and take a supportive approach toward employees experiencing a mood episode. It can help reduce the risk of discrimination and harassment and lower direct costs to the organization.

Educate Your Boss

Educating your boss about managing bipolar II disorder in the workplace can be daunting. However, it is essential to do so as soon as possible.

Many people with bipolar disorder find working in a stressful, high-pressure environment challenging. Shift work, unpredictable work hours and irregular sleep schedules can all have a negative impact on bipolar symptoms.

Understanding your triggers and limitations is the best way to avoid these problems. This will help you choose a career that is right for you.

If you do not think you will thrive in a particular environment, it is often better to switch careers.

One way to do this is to seek a new job that allows you to pursue creative projects outside of work. This can be a great benefit to bipolar individuals.

Alternatively, letting your manager know you feel overwhelmed at work is possible. This can allow your manager to make changes to accommodate you.

Set Boundaries

Whether you’re an employee or a partner with someone who has bipolar II disorder, it is essential to set healthy boundaries in your relationships. If you don’t, the intense mood swings that come with BD can make it even harder to communicate and connect.

Fortunately, bipolar II disorder sufferers can often get help with their moods through treatment and support from friends and family. Practicing good self-care, like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy, is also helpful.

When you’re setting your boundaries, try to be direct and assertive. If you say what you need as clearly and calmly as possible, others will be less likely to take advantage of your situation.

For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may want to tell your boss that you cannot work late or attend meetings on the weekend. This way, you’re less likely to have your job canceled or interrupted by a mental health emergency.

You can also set up an agreement saying you won’t bring work home or discuss it after hours. This will minimize stress and allow you to recharge for your next day at work.

If you feel a boundary has been violated, always discuss it with a therapist or loved one who can give you emotional backup. An objective third party who can help you manage your boundaries and keep them in place is essential to recovering from bipolar II disorder.

Be Honest

Bipolar II disorder is a severe mental illness; you must be honest to succeed in your career. This means telling your boss and coworkers that you have the condition and clarifying how it affects your work and life.

Disclosing your condition can make getting reasonable accommodations or leave of absence at work easier. This can help you stay in your job and keep up with your responsibilities.

It would help if you also tried to update your doctor on your symptoms, so they can prescribe medication or therapy as needed. Skipping doses or sessions can worsen symptoms and put you at risk for episodes.

The workplace is often a symptom trigger for people with bipolar disorder, so it’s essential to seek out a career that has a low level of stress and demands a steady routine. Jobs with short shifts, irregular hours and unpredictable schedules can disrupt your mood and wreak havoc on your performance.

In addition, consider a career that offers multiple workspaces, break spaces and outdoor areas. These can be great places to step away from the clatter of an office and change your scenery during periods when your symptoms are worse.

If you’re the boss, be a good role model for your employees by allowing them to disclose their disorder when necessary. By doing so, you’re helping break down the stigma associated with mental illness in the workplace and allowing everyone to work together as teammates.

Ask for Help

Managing bipolar II disorder in the workplace can be incredibly challenging. The highs of mania and the lows of depression can cause severe disruption to work.

Whether you have a job in the public or private sector, finding something that supports your individual needs can help make your work life more productive. Ask yourself whether you enjoy working alone, prefer to work at different times of day, and what type of space is best for you.

A good support network can also be helpful, as people with bipolar disorder often have friends and family who understand the condition well. They can help you identify triggers and recognize symptoms.

If you are concerned about how your mental health may affect your work, seek help from a professional. Psychiatrists or therapists can help you develop a treatment plan that includes strategies to manage your bipolar disorder and prevent episodes from reoccurring.

For example, if you find that the unpredictable nature of your work environment causes stress, talk to your manager about creating a support network. This can include taking time off for appointments or moving to a more quiet work area.

The key is to find ways to manage your bipolar disorder without making it worse for you or your loved one. This can mean ensuring you get the right amount of sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, or seeking support from friends and family.