Introduction to Virginia Boyles, Author of 'Work and Bipolar or Depression'
My name is Virginia Boyles and I am one of the authors of the Work and Bipolar or Depression blog on HealthyPlace. I was first diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder when I was 16 years old in 2007. My struggle with mental illness has inspired me to help others with similar experiences empower themselves to make healthy choices. I believe that the more open we are about our struggles with mental health, the less mental illness stigma we face, and therefore, the more we have the social support we need to thrive.
Virginia Boyles’ Symptoms of Depression
Though I have experienced symptoms of depression most of my life, it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that they became severe enough for others to notice. I stopped doing my homework and found it impossible to focus. I would even sometimes drive to school and just sit in my car and cry because I couldn’t bear to go inside. I went to therapy and started taking antidepressants to cope, but neither were very helpful at the time. My depressive symptoms continued through college, making it difficult to succeed academically and compounding the feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem I was experiencing.
Virginia Boyles Learns to Cope With Depression
After graduating and connecting with a compassionate and intelligent art therapist, I developed coping mechanisms that have made managing my depression as an adult at work a lot easier than it ever was as a child in school. Now I have a rewarding full-time job at a marketing company and a wonderful life full of friends, fun, and exploration in the great state of Colorado. To manage my depression, I go to therapy, exercise, journal, meditate, and stay connected with loved ones.
'Work and Bipolar or Depression' Video by Virginia Boyles
I am thrilled to be blogging with HealthyPlace for the Work and Bipolar or Depression blog. I want to help people who face similar problems navigate managing work with symptoms of depression. I hope that together, we can make our jobs an easier place to manage mental illness.
APA Reference
Boyles, V.
(2018, January 8). Introduction to Virginia Boyles, Author of 'Work and Bipolar or Depression', HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 2 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/workandbipolarordepression/2018/01/introduction-to-virginia-boyles
Author: Virginia Boyles
Im 56 and just switched jobs thinking I needed less stress. What I’m realizing is I’m afraid I may have rapid cycling bipolar, I’ve had difficulty being understood and to be blunt no one likes me. I am great at my job and I fear that switching to a smaller workforce ( 5 of us instead of 100) I am manic then angry then paranoid and emotional from hour to hour. On the weekends I isolate and couldn’t even join my girls ( who are the only reason I’m here still) for the holidays. Switching jobs has made me realize what a mess I am because my work skills always kept my coworkers respect ( I was an ER nurse for years and thrived in the chaos) but in this new setting I can’t function. I hate who I have become. I need help.
Hi Joanne! I am so sorry that your new job isn't working out the way you planned. That sounds like a really difficult situation and anyone would feel overwhelmed in your shoes. I think it would be best if you talked to a mental health professional about the way you are feeling. HealthyPlace has some really great resources, including a list of hotlines and other referrals. I wish you well and I hope that you find the help that you need.