Could I be a truck driver being Bipolar?

Question

I take lithium and invega and wanted to know if I would get the bipolar symptoms if I get stress out driving a truck or if I'll be fine?

Answer 1

Everyone is different.  If you notice that stress causes you to wig out, and if driving is sometimes stressful enough to do this to you, then its probably not a good match for a job.  One of the good things about trucking is that you can more or less control your stress by just taking it easy and trying not to be in a hurry.  Nearly all the stress from trucking is caused from situations where you (or maybe your boss) didn't allow yourself enough time to get from point A to point B.  If you have to constantly rush and get to different locations on an exact schedule, the job would be extremely stressful.  So if you are able to get a job where people aren't trying to make you hurry all the time, you can relax and enjoy the ride.  

Answer 2

I have a question very similary to yours. I'm a psychotic depressive and I want to be an over the road truck driver. In my research so far and with all the questions I asked here on yahoo. I've gotten mixed results. Some say yeah go for while other say there should be no people with mental illnesses on the road. I will share one thing with you. I went to the below website in acrobat reader and there is a form that your dot qualified doctor will fill out for your physical. If you scroll down there is a section that asks if you have a mental illness and if you take medication. If you scroll down further you will see a couple of paragraphs explaining what types of psychiatric disorders are potentially disqualifiying. I haven't acutally taken the DOT physical yet as I haven't found the time, but this will give you a little idea about what could happen in the interview.

I read a little futher one time. Your physical doc may have you referred to a psychiatrist to give you a give you a clean bill of health even if you do have a psychiatric disorder.

So in short you may be able to be a trucker and you may not. It all depends on the DOT physical. As far as stress goes you really won't know how it will affect you unless you get out and do it. So give it a try I might.  

Answer 3

I've found that stress had made the cycling of my moods far far worse, so you may want to watch out for that.

It might be best to discuss this with a psychiatrist if you see one.  

Answer 4

Don't see why not.

Although only you truly know your triggers....

Answer 5

It shouldn't be any more stressful than any other job. If you want to do it then go for it. :) I'm bipolar too and the best thing you can do is just keep trying stuff out til you find what suits you.