Quote:
Originally Posted by cocoabeans
I know this is a bit of a stupid question. Yes, I know some people with bipolar disorder do end up on disability but, not worrying about extremes, for purposes of employment equity, should I or could I self declare as disabled?
Having bipolar disorder has certainly caused missed days at work, a crazy looking transcipt and made finishing my degree a long and nearly hopeless process but, disability? Hmm, some people might think so.
My doctor wanted me to go to disability services while I was in school but, I never felt right accepting it as disabled.
Then again, self declaring as disabled does help my job prospects if applying to gov jobs. Doesn't it?
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I guess it depends how much you value your career? Are you just looking for a job to pay the bills, or do you define yourself by your career?
Personally, I define myself by my career, so I would never tell employers that I'm disabled in any way. Not too many people want a disabled doctor, after all. Would you?
That being said, student services at my school does know I'm bipolar, although they found out because I didn't leave my apartment for 2 months in the summer, people got worried and contacted student services about me etc. I wouldn't have told them if I didn't have to. However, it is strictly confidential, and the rest of the school administration or professors have no idea about my situation. And I'm keeping it that way.
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age: 23
dx: bipolar I, ADHD-C, tourette's syndrome, OCD, trichotillomania, GAD, Social Phobia, BPD, RLS
current meds: depakote (divalproex sodium) 1000mg, abilify (aripiprazole) 4mg, cymbalta (duloxetine) 60mg, dexedrine (dexamphetamine) 35mg, ativan (lorazepam) 1mg prn, iron supplements
past meds: ritalin, adderall, risperdal, geodon, paxil, celexa, zoloft
other: individual talk therapy, CBT, group therapy, couple's therapy, hypnosis
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