Disclaimer: This article is based on research and insights from credible medical professionals, publications, and institutions. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. 

Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to open up about a subject that hits home for me as a Black woman living with bipolar II disorder. I’ve shared my journey of navigating life as a high-functioning individual—often juggling school, work, internships, friendships, and family responsibilities all at once.

In our society, we praise the grind. Rapper Young Thug once said in his song Digits, “Hustlers don’t stop, they keep going.” Being booked, busy, and burnt out has been normalized under the umbrella of hustle culture. But what happens when that very culture pushes us beyond our emotional, mental, and physical limits—especially for those of us living with bipolar disorder?

A former veteran journalist once called me “The Hustler.” At first, I wore that title with pride. But eventually, it led me down a path of trying to do 10 things at once, leaving little time to actually care for myself. I thought that was what success looked like—until my body and mind could no longer keep up.

In the Houston Defender Network, journalist Laura Onyeneho explores how hustle culture is disproportionately affecting Black communities. She notes that Black people are often working longer hours, juggling multiple jobs with low wages, and adding side gigs to an already overloaded schedule (Onyeneho, 2023).  

For people with bipolar disorder, hustle culture can become particularly dangerous. Hypomanic or manic episodes may amplify the desire to overwork, creating bursts of extreme productivity that can last for weeks or months. The pressure to over-perform can be especially triggering for those with bipolar disorder, a condition that’s highly sensitive to stress. According to the Mayo Clinic staff, the body perceives work demands as threats, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline raises blood pressure and energy levels, while cortisol increases blood sugar, disrupts immune responses, and interferes with vital functions like digestion, reproduction, and even mood regulation. For someone with bipolar disorder, these surges can exacerbate mood instability, leading to severe highs followed by extreme lows (Mayo Clinic, 2023). 

The Mayo Clinic also lists additional health risks linked to chronic stress:

• Digestive problems

• Headaches

• Heart disease

• Heart attacks

• Sleep disturbances

• Weight gain

• Issues with memory and concentration

Many of these issues already overlap with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, making it even more important for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals with mental health conditions to be proactive about self-care.

Yes, it’s true—Black folks and other minority communities are often told we have to work twice as hard to get half as far. But that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our peace or push ourselves to the brink. We need to set boundaries—both within our workplaces and within ourselves.

I get it—chasing the bag is part of the culture. But ask yourself: is it worth risking an episode, or even hospitalization, just to meet someone else’s expectations? These days, the price of burnout might outweigh the paycheck.

So chase your dreams. Go after what sets your soul on fire. But don’t let hustle culture convince you that your worth is tied to productivity. Know your limits. Listen to your body. And above all, protect your peace.

References: 

Mayo Clinic. (2023, August 1). Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

Onyeneho, L. (2023, January 28). ‘Hustle Culture’ is Hurriedly Impacting Black Health. The St. Louis American. https://www.stlamerican.com/business/hustle-culture-is-hurriedly-impacting-black-health/