[PassFurtherWork]

Hello.

I had to move my first exam back to October (was Aug 31). Part of the reason was due to scheduling conflicts (I work as an audit associate for medium sized regional firm). However, the main reason is I am diagnosed bipolar and clincal depression. What this boils down to is that I have extreme depressive states where just going to work and being my normal self (which believe it or not, I’m actually a “nice” and “extremely enjoyable” person to be around as reviewed by my peers) literally exhausts me. Leaves me drained, tired, etc. My “manic” stages are anger – which translates to me hiding my anger in the work environment and coming home drained, tired, and definitely ticked off I have to study.

My clinical depression diagnosis came as no surprise – I’d been self-aware for some time. The bipolar disorder did come as a shock, and I haven’t really figured out how to properly deal with it. I’m unmedicated and don’t have time to study much less see a therapist, so while I appreciate those suggestions – I don’t believe in medicine and I don’t have time for therapy.

So, my point of posting this was if anyone else in the wide another71 community suffered from either of these disorders and had tips/advice on how to push through it. I’ve forgotten a majority of the studying for REG I did in July, so I find myself even MORE frustrated as I try to just keep moving forward. I had gotten to chapter five (Becker). My study plan showed me I had time to re-start at R4 and still have two weeks to review. So, my next question is if anyone can verify that review will save me. I had previous tax experience so individuals is pretty locked down for me, unless it’s super deep. R3 and R4 seriously are a bummer.

I’m rambling, but can’t exactly walk up to a co-worker and be like ‘Hey man! Are you bipolar? Do you have tips for bipolar people on taking the exam?’.

I promise I’m not so serious… but this test is too expensive to fail, there is pressure financially to pass, and light pressure at work to pass to receieve promotion.

REG - 10/2
BEC - 11/30
FAR - Feb. 2016
AUD - April 2016

[Ivy1230]

It's a terrible mental disorder.
One minute you're so down that you can barely shower (like your husband), and the next you're feverishly drafting a random email to your senator (like me).
There's a terrible stigma with it as well.
I'm glad that your husband has a strong partner like you. 🙂

[Missy]

Emails to senators I could have handled. The manic thinking he was going to make MILLIONS with the $4k he spent on novelty cigarette lighters nearly killed me.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Ivy1230]

Ouch. It sounds like he was going through a very difficult manic phase.
Like I said, he's lucky to have found you. I feel like so many people with BD are shunned or rejected by society, but all it really comes down to is that it's just a chemical imbalance in the brain. A lot of people can live very successful lives once they get the proper medications and engage in psychotherapy.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure quite a few accounting professionals are slightly “unbalanced.” Whether it's OCD, OCPD, Asperger's syndrome, Manic depression, etc, I'm sure there are a decent amount. I hate to make a Blanket Statement like that, but many of my fellow students were on antidepressant/antianxiety medication during University due to the stress of our major. And, the CPA Exam is much, much worse than undergrad, so I'm sure they are struggling too. You're not alone. Keep up the good work my friends!

[Author]

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