Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers | July 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
Learning you have bipolar disorder is an understandably complex experience. The good news is that now that you have a diagnosis, you can get the medical treatment and support you need to live a full, meaningful life. That includes pursuing your career goals.
If bipolar symptoms affect your daily function, they can make it challenging to perform well at work. However, each person is different. You may need to find a new job with working conditions that accommodate your needs. In some cases, people with bipolar disorder are unable to hold down a job and, therefore, qualify for disability benefits.
The Potential Cognitive Effects of Bipolar Disorder
Though it doesn’t technically cause brain damage, bipolar disorder can cause cognitive deficits. Most people are aware that the disorder causes cycles of mood elevation and depression. These mood disturbances receive a lot of attention because they are visible. Friends and family can see how the emotional ups and downs affect their loved one, but they can’t see how the condition is affecting their brain.
Bipolar disorder can cause deficits in these areas:
- Working memory
- Word retrieval
- Problems with executive functioning, such as organizing, planning, and prioritizing
- Reading comprehension and retention
- Impulse control
- Increased sensitivity to stress
It’s important to remember that not every person with bipolar disorder experiences these deficits, and those who do can still be effective, productive employees if they follow self-care guidelines and medical recommendations.
“Recovery” Is a Lifelong Process
“Recovery” from bipolar disorder isn’t like recovering from a minor car or truck accident injury. With the right treatments, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, symptoms can be minimized, but bipolar disorder never completely goes away.
Bipolar disorder is something the individual must live with for the rest of their lives, so learning to speak up and ask for reasonable work accommodations is a necessary part of self-care.
Are People With Bipolar Disorder Legally Protected?
The United States offers legal protection to people with mental health disorders. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with long-term disability, was enacted in 1990.
The ADA requires employers to make reasonable workplace accommodations for people with bipolar disorder, such as:
- Adjustments to noise and light levels in the workspace
- Regular breaks for taking medication or stress management practices
- A flexible work schedule, which may include options for working remotely
- Modifying job responsibilities if/when mood disturbances occur
To receive necessary accommodations, an employee must disclose their diagnosis to their employer. Approaching an employer with this information can be an intimidating experience. The individual may fear they will lose their job or face discrimination.
ADA protections are in place to ensure that doesn’t happen.
What Jobs Are Recommended for Individuals With Bipolar Disorder?
If you work in a high-stress field that requires long hours in a busy office, you may want to consider a career change. The most important consideration is that you find work that is rewarding and meets your needs.
Look for employment that allows for a flexible schedule. Working the day shift will help keep your biological clock on schedule and avoid sleep disturbances, which can trigger bipolar episodes.
Choose a position that allows you to be successful without undue strain on your physical or mental health. A hybrid job that allows you to work from home part of the time might be ideal.
Have You Been Discriminated Against in the Workplace Because of Bipolar Disorder?
Managing mental health is already a challenge for those living with bipolar disorder. All fields of work can be stressful at times, but worrying about discrimination shouldn’t be something an employee worries about.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against or if you need assistance filing for disability benefits, speaking with a disability attorney may help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the support you deserve.
Reach out to Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington, or St. Catharines, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Southern Ontario and the surrounding communities.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
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About The Author
Attorney Ryan Findlay is the founder of Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers. After earning his law degree from Bond University in Australia, Ryan returned to his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, where he now serves clients across the region. He is licensed to practice law in Ontario and has over a decade of experience handling personal injury claims. Ryan’s practice focuses on helping victims injured in motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and other negligence-related incidents. Known for his compassionate approach and direct involvement in each case, Ryan is dedicated to recovering fair outcomes for his clients.
Location: Hamilton, ON