Bipolar disorder (BPD) is said to affect nearly 5.7 million Americans, with many experiencing symptoms that impact their productivity in the workplace. Recurrent mood episodes and profound impairments in psychosocial functioning are found with BPD, which can make it difficult for business professionals to concentrate on their work-related tasks. If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD, this does not mean that your ability to conduct business in your position has been compromised – this simply means that you need to take some additional steps towards your mental healthcare. BPD can cause you to experience some social concerns in the workplace, but these obstacles can be worked through with a proper treatment plan.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research sought to explore the social implications of professionals diagnosed with BPD; a total of 1,161 adult participants diagnosed with BPD were involved in the study and were assessed through self-reporting of conflict at work, exclusion at work, social support, stigma at work, mood symptoms, work functioning, and work status. Researchers found the following:
- Adults with BPD who experienced more stigma (such as perceived laziness, incompetence, weakness, dangerousness, etc.) or were excluded more/bullied in the workplace were more likely to be unemployed
- Depression and conflict at work were associated with lower work functioning
- Manic symptoms were not found to impact work status or work functioning
- Age and education were not found to have an impact on a person with BPD’s work status or work functioning
If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD, one of the best steps you can take towards your personal and professional success is to establish a healthy treatment plan tailored just for professionals such as yourself. Business professionals have unique needs that are often not provided by regular treatment centers, and by developing a support network of people who know what you’re going through in both a mental healthcare and professional realm, you may feel more confident moving forward in your recovery.
Best-selling author, speaker, producer, and TV host Beth Wilson once said, “We honor ourselves when we speak out for our recovery. We show the world that recovery matters because it brings hope and peace into the lives of individuals and their loved ones.”
If you or someone you know has struggled immensely with trauma, help is available. Call The Guest House Ocala today for information on our residential treatment programs for trauma, addiction, and related mental health issues. 1-855-483-7800