The role of work in recovery from bipolar disorders

Abstract

Being in recovery from bipolar disorder involves work-related concerns. The specific aims of this study are to: 1) understand the role of work in recovery from bipolar disorders, and 2) understand how people with such disorders deal with work-related challenges. These topics are examined from the stance of the recovery process, in which work-related activities were explored. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with persons who had experienced recovery from bipolar disorder. Analysis was performed through thematic and phenomenological analysis, with hermeneutic phenomenology and reflexive methodology as a framework. The findings are presented through the following themes: 1) many types of work – finding meaning and a focus; 2) helpful roles and contexts – to be much more than a person with an illness; 3) making work possible – the role of supportive relationships and supportive medications, and 4) the costs of working too much – finding a meaningful and healthy balance.