I've disclosed bipolar to my employers a few times and I've done it today again. I did it on my first week of this job, but the HR director resigned, and so I went back in and did it again. She had made no notation in my file, so I'm glad I did.

This is important. Bipolar, as of 2008, is covered under the Americans with Disabilities act. I saw a thread today about getting fired today, and I hope everybody knows the importance of communicating with your employer. They cannot discriminate against you. They must offer you reasonable accommodations. And they can't fire you for behavior related to your disability.

If you do not disclose, then your anti-discrimination case becomes weaker. I've never had a problem with this. I've disclosed now to 4 employers. Some act a little weird in that they treat you like a time bomb or a fragile baby bird for a little while, but it's worth the peace of mind. Mainly, they jump to because it becomes a legal thing and they don't want to screw it up. Then there was the HR lady who had a sister with Bipolar who was very empathetic.

Speak up for yourselves. Fight the stigma!

What are your experiences?