Mood swings and stress intolerance can make it challenging to find and keep a job when you’re living with bipolar disorder.
Despite the challenges, many people living with bipolar find a meaningful job in a supportive workplace where they can thrive.
If you’re struggling to find work or manage in your current job, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Speaking to an employment consultant can help you discover work opportunities that are a good fit for you and your needs.
Check out the list of 12 low-stress jobs for people with bipolar disorder to get started brainstorming possible career pathways.
1. Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist listens to audio recordings or sits in on live meetings and records what has been said. They can work in a wide range of fields, including medical and dental surgeries, law firms, and local parliament.
To succeed as a transcriptionist, you’ll need good typing skills, attention to detail, and excellent knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
Some transcriptionists work from home or in a freelance capacity which can give you the flexibility to better manage symptoms.
2. Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual content, such as logos, magazines, and packaging, for businesses and organizations. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are all highly valuable in a graphic design role.
Graphic designers can work for a design studio or for themself in a freelance capacity. Freelance designers have more flexibility over their schedule and workload, but less income stability.
3. Dietician
For many people with bipolar, maintaining a healthy diet can help with managing symptoms.
If you have an interest in food, you might find it meaningful to pursue a career around healthy eating.
Dieticians specialize in designing meal plans and food guides to help people lead healthier lives. You will need a passion for learning and research as well as empathy to do well in this role.
4. Librarian
Librarians work in a low-stress environment helping the public find resources such as books, eBooks, and films. They also provide internet, printing and photocopying services.
Some librarians are involved in planning activities for the community such as book clubs, children’s storytime, and workshops.
Library work tends to be regular hours and a good mix of social and independent tasks which may help you feel balanced.
5. Massage therapist
If you like helping others and working with your hands, massage therapy could be a good fit for you.
Massage therapists can specialize in different types of massage such as deep tissue, aromatherapy massage, and reflexology.
As a massage therapist, you could work for a clinic, out of your home, or in other people’s homes – each has a different level of flexibility and responsibility.
6. Copywriter
If you are good with words and want a flexible role, copywriting might be a good fit for you. Copywriters create blogs, articles, and website content for businesses.
Many copywriters work remotely as freelancers and get paid per word or per article. This can give you the flexibility to work hard when you are feeling energetic and take things slow when you are feeling overwhelmed or low.
7. Courier
If you like being on the move, but thrive with limited social interaction, working as a courier might work for you. Couriers collect and deliver parcels to businesses and homes.
Couriers often start work early in the day, which can be positive if you are most energetic in the mornings. Finishing work earlier can also help you maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
8. Carer
If you’re a kind person that enjoys helping others, a career as a carer might be fulfilling for you. Carers often work with elderly people, people with disabilities, or young children.
Many people find that their experiences living with bipolar help them be more empathetic to others. This can be a great advantage in a caring role.
9. Personal trainer
Many people with bipolar disorder say that exercise helps with symptoms and mood management. If you have found that to be true for you, sharing the benefits of exercise with others as a personal trainer could be a rewarding job.
Personal trainers need to be empathetic, energetic, and motivated. They often work flexible hours and have more control over their workload which could help with managing mood fluctuations.
10. Admin assistant
If you’re looking for a low-stress office job, the administration could be a good option. Of course, how busy the workplace is depends on what organization you work for. Small local businesses tend to have slower-paced work environments.
Administration assistants need to be confident answering phone calls, organizing appointments, and filing documents. Employers will look favorably on friendly, independent workers.
11. Photographer or videographer
Photographers and videographers create visual content for promotional or artistic purposes. To succeed in these roles, you’ll need to have a good working knowledge of camera equipment and editing software.
Photographers and videographers can work for organizations such as marketing agencies and creative studios, but many also work as freelancers. Working on new projects all the time can be very rewarding if you enjoy varied work.
12. Groundskeeper
If you’re looking for an active role outdoors, consider groundskeeping or gardening. Groundskeepers make sure the garden, pathways, and outdoor areas stay tidy and attractive.
Most groundskeeping roles require you to be an independent worker and social interaction is quite low. Other outdoor nature-based roles to consider include park ranger, landscaper, and tourist guide.
Need help finding work?
It can be challenging to find work that fits in with your interests and needs. But you don’t have to do it on your own.
If you’re living with Bipolar disorder and looking for work, you could be eligible for Disability Employment Services, a government-funded program that helps people living with injury, illness or disability find and keep work.
When you register with a disability employment services provider, you will get support brainstorming career pathways, finding job opportunities, accessing further training, writing your resume, preparing for interviews, and more.
