Bipolar Disorder: Living and Working with People that are Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is not a friendly disease.  It puts an added  layer of difficulty on interpersonal relationships and is a conduit for chaos.  I have worked with people with Bipolar disease, one was confirmed and the other I suspected.  Their behavior made work impossible, it was destructive and intrusive.  I felt powerless against their undermining and cunning ways.  They never took responsibility for their actions and incredibly convinced others I was the problem.  I can not over emphasize how destructive working with Bipolar people has been to me and my family. 

Bipolar disorder also known as manic depression is a serious disorder.  It is characterised by periods of depression followed by periods of mania.  A person experiencing the depression phase of the disease may be suicidal, have mood swings, or be fatigued.  The manic phase can be identified by hyperactivity, lack of self-control and inflated self-esteem (Google Health). 

I was introduced to this season in my life by another personality conflict with a Bipolar person.  The effects of their behavior were almost identical.  They both managed to convince people I was the problem and even worse, some participated in their deception.  I  was falsely accused by the perpetrator, classic!  It happens in most abusive situations. The perpetrators are professional liars.  Who better knows the story than the one creating the problem, it is easy for them to make false allegations because they know the story from beginning to end.  People who do not manage their Bipolar disorder are unable to control their behavior and to survive they blame the victim.  This is unacceptable!  Employers must use reliable outside investigators to properly evaluate such disturbing situations.

My fault lies in being a doormat!  I always felt it was the Christian thing to do and culturally my family taught me to have a debased attitude and submit to everyone, even people that treated me badly, what a crock! These misconceptions have caused me to allow sick people to steal vital pieces of my identity and masquerade it as their own.  The shame and humiliation I feel because of these violations is sometimes paralysing.  The good news is I have a new understanding of Christian submission.  I also know that the debilitating anchor my parents innocently attached to my soul is unhealthy.  It is right to only accept and expect respectful treatment and hold people accountable for their bad behavior. 

What I want you to know.  You do not have to be a victim!  God did not create you to be the trash can of every one's hostility.  You have a right to expect and command respect, it does not make you rude, it makes you Empowered.  You can demand respect in a dignified manner, you do not have to behave like those who seek to oppress you.

I encourage you to learn about Bipolar disorder and protect yourself.  I encourage people with Bipolar disorder to take their medications and to be honest about their problems.  It is an injustice that others should have to suffer and carry the burden of your lies.  Employers wake up, stand up and do the right thing.  Stop allowing sick people run the workplace.  It sets a bad example for those in moral obscurity and penalizes people doing the right thing.  It is not fair that employees are obligated to lie, all to support and protect a person that needs help. 

We all  have a right to live a life of Empowered Peace.  I'm setting my record straight and if you have been a victim of similar circumstances, I encourage you to take a stand.  Doormats are for the porch and false humility is not fit for humanity!

Important Resources

The Equality Act of 2010

In Crisis

The USDA Handbook on Workplace Violence

National 1-800 Crisis Hotline

The National Institute of Mental Health

What is Bipolar Disorder?

photo credits: bipolardisorderanxiety.com, facingbipolar.com, scumdoctor.com via google images.