I have bipolar disorder (type 2), anxiety, and ADHD. I also have chronic stress headaches that are under control with my ADHD meds. Ive been very lucky; I’ve had bp since I was a kid (I am now 52) but have been able to have a good career, buy a home, and raise a family. I’ve known for years the day would come that my illnesses would force me, basically, to retire. I didn’t want to, because I like working, and I need the intellectual stimulation. 

Lately, the last four or five months, things have gotten progressively worse with my illnesses. I’m having daily panic attacks despite taking my anxiety meds every day as prescribed, the stress headaches are breaking through the meds regularly now, and I walk around feeling half panicked all day, every day. 

I can’t do this any more. So this morning I emailed my boss and said, I’m out. I’m taking medical leave and I don’t know if I’ll be back. It feels weird. I knew I would know when it was time, and late last night when I went to bed, and then this morning, I felt like...I just couldn’t anymore. It’s time.