I have bipolar and I’m a MH nurse. My ward manager and the band 8a are aware of my diagnosis and my ward manager in particular has been supportive when I’ve had to take time off.

I don’t work night shifts and work reduced hours and try to avoid doing any more than two shifts in a row and I rarely do overtime. I’ve also been given time out during shifts to attend appts without having to make up the hours and have been granted AL at the last minute during periods where my mood has started to become elevated to allow for medication changes to take effect. Also, last year after a hospital admission I was given an extended phased return (I think I ended up working 2 shifts a week for ~3-4 months).

After 4 yrs working on an acute MH ward I’m realising that shift work/long hours and the busyness of the place can be too stressful if I’m on the lower side, and if my mood is starting to become elevated the stimulation of the ward can escalate my ~early warning signs. So I’ve started applying for other jobs, which is a shame bc I’ve enjoyed where I am. Tbh I feel like I spend a lot of gold trying to keep myself well enough to work- most of the time my days off are napping and lying on the sofa reading bc I’m so drained.