Can people with bipolar disorder become teachers?

My husband is going to therapy and they are close to diagnosing him with bipolar disorder. He wants to finish school and become a teacher. Can being diagnosed with bipolar disorder affect him getting a teaching job?

I am a teacher and I have Bipolar Disorder. I did have to take a leave at one point, but I did not disclose that it was because of Bipolar Disorder. I don't feel that it is my employer's buisness as to what I have. There are laws that protect you, though, in the event that your employer 'found out'. Teaching is a very stressful job, and having BPD doesn't make it easier, but I have found that taking deep breaths (when the kids get rowdy) and constantly reminding your self of the difference you are making helps to manage the disease while at work. Tell him to go for it!!!!

I know people that have bipolar and are teachers (or even university profesers).

Bipolar is like diabetes in that as long as it isnt effecting his job, it is discrimination to deny him the job.

Things like military combat are definitly restricted.....but thats one example that would be restricted for a diabetic also....either way, being cut off from meds if the situation came to that could risk their lives and those of people around them. (Do think other military is possible...just not combat)

I also believe police and firefighter are able to eliminate job canidates based on bipolar because of the fact that stress is a huge trigger, and those are high stress jobs and being triggered at the wrong time puts their life and those of others in danger(also a factor in military combat). If you feel stress triggering an episode, stepping out of the class room for 5 minutes to calm down or to sit down and just have quite work time is not going to put anyone in danger. If stress is triggering an episode in an emergency situation, house on fire with people inside....dealling with someone that is armed, to take 5 minutes to step away to calm down could end up with you or coworkers, or people you are supposed to be helping, killed.

It will not matter as long he is med compliant and responds well to treatment. I would suggest teaching in a less stressful atmosphere like a small private school instead of a huge highschool. Kids can be very stressful and being in an environment where the kids are held to a strict code of conduct is much better.

No it cannot. Not sure which country you are from but her in the UK we have the Disability Discrimination Act which prevent such things. Bipolar is only a part of your hubby - I'll bet he has lots to offer as a teacher. With the correct support there is no reason why he shouldn't teach.

Good luck to him!

Many people with Bipolar. Doctors, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Nurses, Day Care Providers, Hotel Clerks, Pastors, Military Personel,and the list goes on. The world does not stop for them, they are everywhere

I don't know why he couldn't be a teacher. Half of the teachers I have are practically bipolar. Additionally, I don't think a school has the right to look at your husbands medical records.

If treatment keeps symptoms under control you can do anything you want with bipolar. If it's bad enough that it can't be controlled, that's another story.

Many bipolar people live perfectly normal lives. It shouldn't affect his teaching job in the least.

No worries. He can lead a normal life.

as long as they take their meds.

"don't tell don't ask"
that is what my therapist say

god i hope not. sorry your hubby has that but i dont want someone with his disorder teaching my kids. there are other and better jobs for him.