[jattitude]

I was a school bus driver for 14 years and went out on ss disability last year. I feel like I am able to start entering the work force on a part time basis, kind of like a trial run. I haven't filled out an application in 15 years, that alone caused my anxiety to skyrocket! I have to meet with the store manager tomorrow morning. On the application it asked why I left my old job, I put I needed a change. My previous employer of 14 years fully understands why I left, what if that is brought out in the call for a reference? Should I be completely honest? Yea um, I am bipolar, have severe anxiety and I am also a bit ocd, can I have a job please? How much info should be given? I want the job and could really use the extra money but don't think I should even let them know until it is necessary to do so. I also don't want to get fired the first week. I am extremely anxious and I am wondering if I am truely ready to do this, if i even get the job! Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks for listening.

[AAAAA]

This is a very difficult question. After my break down, I did disclose that I had a medical condition when I felt ready to go back to work. I know for a fact this is the reason that I wasn't hired. It wasn't on the application, but on the follow up paperwork.

After my interview I was asked my size etc because the job required a specific type of sterile clothing that they provided. I met with the union stuart to fill out their paperwork and I got a letter the following week saying that they decided to go with a different candidate.

So I guess my advice would be to keep this to yourself until it presents a problem after you're hired. I don't think I was ready to go back to work when I did, but with this economy we do what we have to, some of us don't have the luxury of waiting. I did find working part-time more manageable stress wise. Good Luck!

[thinker22]

Absolutely not. It is none of their business and under the American Disabilities Act of 1990 (amended in 2008) an employer cannot force you to disclose any kind of disability unless it affects the kind of work you are doing. Like, if you have to be able to hear to perform your duty or lift 50 pounds, etc., they can hire someone else, unless there's another non-cost prohibitive way you could do the job with some assistance. If you can do the work with reasonable accommodation, they cannot pass you over for a less qualified candidate. Aaaaa, you might want to look into pursuing legal action if you weren't hired due to your mental illness history.

http://www.eeoc.gov/types/ada.html

A couple of details from it:
An individual with a disability is a person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
• Has a record of such an impairment; or
• Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Title I of the ADA also covers:

• Medical Examinations and Inquiries
  Employers may not ask job applicants about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability. Applicants may be asked about their ability to perform specific job functions. A job offer may be conditioned on the results of a medical examination, but only if the examination is required for all entering employees in similar jobs. Medical examinations of employees must be job related and consistent with the employer's business needs.

So basically, if you can get hired, they can't fire you for already having a mental illness/disability. It's none of their damn business and they can't use it against you even if they do know. That's what insurance is for. If you have a breakdown or sick days or whatever, they can hire a temp to fill your job, but not fire you for being seriously ill (with documentation).

[Yoda]

I agree with thinker22 that I am not required to disclose my disability but what do I say to a potential employer to explain the ten year gap in my resume? And what about the board of nursing? I simply let my license lapse when I became disabled. I have talked with my psychiatrist about returning to work and we both feel that I am not ready to return to a critical care unit but I could teach, do research or work as a nurse paralegal and try returning to work part time. Who has the responsibility to decide what I am competent to do now? The board of nursing, my doctor, me or all of us?

[Amazonmom]

My job has always been my saving grace throughout my life...I have never had bipolar mess with my job too much. I have never had my PNP mention anything about the board of nursing. I have loads of superior evals from my management. I would not disclose my bipolar to a new employer because frankly, ITS NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS.

I might look up the WA board of nursing just to see what conditions would necessitate revoking or limiting my license.

[AAAAA]

Legal action is difficult to pursue, especially since they gave me "went in another direction." I spoke with several people that work there and they all told me that something must have gone drastically wrong, that unless they intend upon hiring you you would never be that deep in the paperwork process.

[Phoenix1985]

My former psychologist told me I didn't have to disclose the bipolar unless I was entering a job that involved heavy machinery etc. If it was a computer job etc I didn't have to tell.

[paddym22]

My Bi Polar has interfered with my working life with existing employers but I have never until now had to deal with telling potential employers my situation. I have been on disability for several years and would dearly love to go back to work even on a part time basis, however now I have to explain many gaps and short lived jobs on my CV and that is a challenge.

Tread carefully, look for a company that states it has an anti discrimination clause towards those with a mental health disability, however avoid telling them at all costs that you have Bi Polar unless of course you are compelled by law to inform the relevent employer for a specific job.

In my case I rapid cycle so I know that it will interfere in the short term so I would indicate that I have a condition that needs attention and that I may need flexibility in hours at times.

Good Luck, some are very understanding but be careful.........

Originally Posted by jattitude

I was a school bus driver for 14 years and went out on ss disability last year. I feel like I am able to start entering the work force on a part time basis, kind of like a trial run. I haven't filled out an application in 15 years, that alone caused my anxiety to skyrocket! I have to meet with the store manager tomorrow morning. On the application it asked why I left my old job, I put I needed a change. My previous employer of 14 years fully understands why I left, what if that is brought out in the call for a reference? Should I be completely honest? Yea um, I am bipolar, have severe anxiety and I am also a bit ocd, can I have a job please? How much info should be given? I want the job and could really use the extra money but don't think I should even let them know until it is necessary to do so. I also don't want to get fired the first week. I am extremely anxious and I am wondering if I am truely ready to do this, if i even get the job! Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks for listening.

I wonder if you could just write for personal reasons that have been attended to. If he furthers question - could you say 'it really is personal?

[Nihel]

I have never told anyone who has hired me that i am bipolar because it doesnt affect my job. Even when my boss knew i was bipolar i still got the job.

[amaviena]

Easy. No. There's too much prejudice associate with mental illness. Telling has the possibility to hurt you based on the stigma mental illness endures. Regardless of current law prohibiting prejudice, the stigma persists. Protect yourself by protecting your history.

[spiritual_emergency]

paddym22: I have been on disability for several years and would dearly love to go back to work even on a part time basis, however now I have to explain many gaps and short lived jobs on my CV and that is a challenge.

Some reasons people have gaps in their work history: They were...

- staying at home to provide care to their children/grandchildren.
- staying at home to provide care to another family member (i.e., parent, your beloved great-aunt).
- writing a book.
- running a home-based business or otherwise self-employed.
- farming/gardening on a large scale
- ill themselves (an employer may be more sympathetic and less biased to the idea of cancer than mental illness).
- living in another country.
- on an extended religious/spiritual retreat.

I'm sure there are other ideas that people can come up with. Either way, I vote to not disclose to an employer unless you must. However it may be helpful to "invent" some alternate stigma-free illness to help explain occasional sick days, doctor's appointments and the need to leave work early.

.

[jattitude]

Thank you all for your input, my bipolar will be kept secret, it is really none of their business. I hope I make it passed the interview. thanks again.

[Zen888]

A former psychiatrist of mine told me when I had the same question about whether or not to tell my former employer that I have bipolar disorder and the doctor said that since I am asymptomatic that I didn't need to.

[Fuzzybear]

I don't think that any diagnosis is any of their business unless it interfers with the job
jmo

(ps just glanced through other replies and see some others agree with me)

[paxpac1s]

Don't say a word about it. It's no one's business as others pointed out. Once you get the job, you'll also be protected by the ADA making it more difficult for them to let you go if you do begin having difficulty. Don't lie, but you have to take care of you first, right now.

[DancingAlone]

I spent 28 working years as an undiagnosed BP. I lost many, many jobs due to rapid cycling (but didn't know that was why), and also depression. My mood swings led me to have awful work experiences (thus losing jobs).

When I was finally diagnosed at 48 y.o. I got on disability...just couldn't work anymore. Then, after 5 years, I was more stabilized and wanted to return to work parttime. I had been an RN but it was just too stressful so I only sought out very menial jobs, low stress, etc.

I NEVER told any of my bosses I was BP. I knew from experience that my moods could lead to losing my job, so if they actually knew I was BP, I wouldn't even get hired, I would be considered too much of a risk.

But the last job (that I have now), is in the medical field as a home health aide and I had to list my medications, which included several psychotropic drugs. So I took a risk and told them why I was on them (they didn't ask, but I could tell they wanted to question me about them). Anyway, they accepted me! I have had this job for almost 4 years now (the longest I have ever had a job) and I have had 2 commendations at our quarterly meetings, which I am so proud of.

But all in all, I would NOT tell a potential employer that I have BP, and it really is none of their business. Others have posted the legal rights we have.

Anyway, I wish anybody returning to work all the luck in the world. One other thing, I am very compliant with taking my medications, I get plenty of sleep, maintain a steady schedule, and avoid triggers and stressors so my BP won't affect my job (as much as I can avoid it), and only work what I can handle. It has worked out very nicely for me and I hope it does for you too.

[jattitude]

Well I am suppose to hear back by the end of this week. Wish me luck!