I literally got promoted overnight: I walked into the office one day and was told the person over me, who was bipolar, had another breakdown and required longterm leave of absence. After nine months she formally resigned and I was basically "grandfathered" into her position.
"Deborah," though competent, was volatile. I was afraid of her, and I dreaded coming to work. Although she worked mainly behind a desk, she had to share other duties which required much contact and conflicts with staff and customers. People avoided her, as she blew up at the slightest thing or snapped in their faces. Even though I complained (along with others), and she was called to the carpet, it was difficult for her to change. She strained to stay polite and reserved, but underneath lay the same volcano. Had she come back to work after those nine months, I would have quit.
Ironically, her breakdown partially resulted from a reaction to her medication. She came to work briefly with trembling hands -- tardive diskenesia, it's called. I know these people have to get their blood tested regularly; unfortunately a former landlord of mine suffered renal failure & needed a kidney transplant. It's a no-win situation.
I have noticed that these Bipolar types have become more prevalent these days. I think part of the reason is because we tolerate it more. Most of the obvious bipolar people that I know are indulged. If they flip out, someone just excuses them as Bipolar.
I think they always existed, we just didn’t indulge them in earlier times. After enough ass whippins, they learned to calm down.
I know someone who is Bipolar. She is rich and can afford to flip out at people. I wrote her off. I have a hard enough time with normal people.
One Bipolar trait is the inability to voice what causes their episode. The most common explanation for their screaming at you is “You know what you did”.