Taking a mental health day/week off work

[Mollysah]

Im a 28yo female with diagnosed bpd. I've been off "sick" for a week and a half now.

Usually when I have these down periods I come back after one day feeling a bit better. Sometimes it takes much longer.

It has gotten to the point where I'm wondering if I will ever return to my permanent part time job in childcare or simply quit. Except it's never that simple, right? If I quit I lose my study (you need to have a work placement) and I'm only 6-12 months from completing my diploma.

But the idea of 6 months, even one month mean nothing to me because I can't even get through today.

What I'd like to find out is if anyone has successfully managed working while suffering from bpd, and if anyone can not work due to the illness- how did you get government assistance, and access mental health services?

Thank you.

[blondguy]

Hello Mollysah

Welcome and good on you for having the courage to post on the forums too!

I understand what bipolar involves and it can be a rocky road. I have had chronic anxiety followed by clinical depression (in recovery) for around 35 years and it can be a dark place to be in...irrespective of the name of the disorder/illness

I have also wrestled with the same thoughts about my job/career and my depression when I was in my 20's...and its a tough internal conversation to have

Your question is a excellent one....as we are thinking about our vocation against out mental health..I get it..

After 35 years of working with anxiety/depression I was guilty of ignoring my own symptoms which became worse (just for me)

Your health is paramount here Molly....Can I ask if you have the support of your GP through this difficult time?

Just a note if thats okay...The forums are a rock solid safe and non judgemental place for you to post whats on your mind.

I do know that the more frequent the counseling (whether from a GP or psychologist) the better your recovery will be...and your peace of mind too!

Any questions are welcome Molly....You wont be judged on the forums...only supported the best way we can 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[QuinnH]

Hi Molly,

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. If it helps to know, I've been diagnosed with BPD and I work a fulltime job as a high school teacher, which is pretty high stress and high energy. Sometimes it's really really tough and every now and then, I take mental health days, but it is possible to do it. Of course your experience is unique to you and I don't know what that looks like for you. But I do want to encourage you that you can still lead a meaningful and wonderful life, and your mental illness does not have to dictate what you do long term, even if on some days it stops you achieving what you'd like to. You absolutely more than your mental illness and stronger than your mental illness.

BUT your mental health is the most important thing. If you're feeling unable to do anything for a week and a half that maybe suggests that your treatment plan needs to be reconsidered. There will always be down times, but if things aren't improving, it might mean that medication needs to be added/changed/adjusted or that a new therapy might help. I guess it's like, if you had the flu, you'd wait it out for a while knowing that the symptoms should improve, but if they don't, you go to the doctor for help... and if it still doesn't improve, you go back again because something is clearly still not right.

I really hope you're feeling a bit better. What you are experiencing is so so awful and so difficult, but I do believe you can overcome it, even if that means having mental health does when you need it.

❤️