There are major challenges in the workplace for an employee with bipolar disorder, Yet, these daunting challenges are not insurmountable. The key to handling bipolar disorder symptoms at work starts with communication.
First, be open with your supervisor and co-workers about the disorder. This allows for breathing room and lifts much of feeling that one is alone in this situation. Employers must, by federal law, make reasonable accommodation for disabled workers and bipolar disorder comes under this mandate. Communication is the first step to formulating such accommodations.
Secondly, reflective listening is an effective tool for keeping small issues from becoming major ones. This allows focus to stay on what needs to be done rather than on misinterpretation or miscommunication.
The use of visualization and deep breathing techniques lowers adrenalin levels and increases endomorphin production. The use of a small, pliable squeeze ball is also helpful and you can easily keep in a jacket pocket or desk drawer. Some people keep an especially inspiring image on their cell phone wallpaper.
While co-workers are not trained mental health specialists, they can often sense a mood swing coming. The use of a pre-arranged, non-offensive code phrase will help the diagnosed co-worker know that the use of management techniques are in order. The code phrase also allows the co-workers to do in the presence of clients without negative impact. If they do this smoothly and sensitively, your working relationships with you co-workers may actually become stronger..
Effective teamwork is always a win-win situation, even when handling bipolar disorder symptoms.
