Quote:
Originally Posted by Nene873
I'm a tech support agent and I told my employer. They have been very good with working with me, allowing me to make changes to my schedule for Dr's and therapist's appointments. I've had to leave early sometimes when the workload has been very intense because the stress from the clients was causing anxiety attacks. They have held my position twice while I was hospitalized twice, both times for nearly a month and presently, I'm on a month LOA (leave of absence) due to my bipolar rearing it's ugly head. It has been beneficial for me to disclose the information to my employer. Not everyone there knows, only the people who need to know. I do understand, though, why it would be hard in certain situations where it wouldn't be ideal to tell your employer and that everyone's employer is different and may not handle it the same way.
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Thanks. That is encouraging to me. I've only been here since July so I wasn't sure what to expect. I respect people for wanting to be need-to-know basis. It's probably best. Even though it can get uncomfortable, I prefer people to know. It helps people understand me a little better, and it also helps break the stigmas. I've never suffered from stigma but most everybody in this community would say that they have. If people see me taking my meds, doing my best, it helps other people. People don't automatically think I'm MI, but I think they know there is something. Other people with BP can spot me a mile away even if I thinking I'm passing.
But this brings up a good point. When people know I am BP, I put this pressure on myself to try to be normal so that people won't worry about me or feel uncomfortable. I'm not all that sure that that is a good idea. I am who/what I am. It gets messy sometimes. I dropped the f-bomb loud and clear in earshot of the entire HR dept in casual conversation with the hot trainer today. I got a dirty look from someone as I left. I can't think of a single person in this building who would do that. I don't work on the loading dock or out on the construction crew. I'm a software engineer expected to be office-appropriate and professional.
And if I get brought up on it, then I have a choice. "Sorry, it will never happen again." or "Sorry, Bipolar. Can't help it, see ya...I'm going to take my extra break now." I don't want to be that guy, but that stuff's gonna happen from time to time.