It’s been at least 3 months or so since I last blogged. My last blog was about how I was discriminated by a potential employer. That situation has still left a bitter taste in my mouth.
However despite this I have accomplished the seemingly impossible-
I got a job.
It’s tedious, repetitive and laborious but it has meant I have come off benefits and I have something I have not had in the six years since I was last in a job- my personal pride and self respect through an earned wage.
But here is the rub. I have not told my employer about my situation with my mental health. Usually I am very honest about my bipolar and how it affects myself, my family and our situation. I sincerely hope that my lack of clarity does not come to bite me in the arse.
Thing to remember is simply this and it is something that I have taken a long time to realise-
I am NOT defined by my mental health issues; how I live with and deal with my bipolar is what defines me. My opening gambit is not “Hi, I’m Martin and I have bipolar.”
Today, right now, if you stuck me in a room full of people who are not affected by mental health issues and asked someone who had just walked in to choose the person with a mental health issue would they pick me? I doubt it. Honestly, I do doubt it.
It’s not as if I’m the living cliche of someone with mental health issues rocking back and forth, dribbling away, mumbling nonsense in a straight jacket now.
The job is only a temporary thing but it’s a start.
Actively I am for a permanent job. I apply for jobs and time to time I get a response. Usually it’s a rejection but you get that unfortunately, It is their loss really showing a lack of imagination at the possibilities I could bring.
But as in everything you got to remain positive and move forward. Keep going.
Any and all comments are welcome.
I wish you all good mental health. Remember – KEEP GOING!
martinupfold 
Very well written, good job Marting, I am glad you got a job even if it is just temporary
Reblogged this on steelcityman and commented:
A reblog of a follow up, by Martin Upfold, ‘Bi-Polar me -discrimination, describes Martin’s recent efforts in the hunt for employment … visit his blog and give him a read … well worth it…
Hello mon ami… another well written piece, reblog he’d 😎👍
Top man, and I would like to edit a part, I don;t think living and dealing with your bi-polar defines you either, I think that everything you have gone through and dealt with in life, not just including bi-polar, defines you too, and the fact that you found the strength to deal with it and move forward, especially when you don;t feel like it, also defines you. As I said at the beginning, Top Man 🙂