Tell your employer?

I need advice.
Should I tell my employer that I am bipolar?
I work in a pretty rough environment, so I am a little apprehensive.
My performance has been slipping so.....

NO .. Most people find out they get fired down the road for " other " reasons.

Nope, no way

They usually get fired in 2 weeks

ive been open with my employer about my mental illness because it did affect my job performance. she was very understanding. when things got out of hand a couple times, she told me so and asked me to take time off until I could get myself back together again, but I have never felt as if my job were threatened.

Employer does not need to know unless something happens and you have to explain why.

Don't do it! I made the mistake of telling my last employer when I was going through a really bad time....after that they harassed me and ostracized me at work. I went from employee of the month, literally, to a target within six months...I won a discrimination case against them but I would have rather not had to experience that.

I agree with the majority "NO". Kaliope was lucky and I'm really glad the employer was like that but not all will be. Most of us deal with our family, friends or ppl in the public that have negative preconceived notions abt mental illness. They have never taken the time to try to learn. Well employers are made up of the those same categories of ppl. Now if you had a medical illness you would get some slack cut for you. If you happen to have a medical illness that flares up from time to time think abt mentioning that (use it to cover up ur BP flare ups if that's what ur concerned abt). JMO.

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Thank you everyone for the great advice.
Cocosurviving - you have it totally right. It if were medical, all would be okay.

Do not tell them unless your ability to perform on the job comes into question by your boss, and you have no choice because you may get fired. So generally, I see it as a bad idea to tell your employer. At the very least, they will probably allow you to give your two week notice.

I told my employer when I ended up in a private psych hospital for a month. I was one of their star performers that can fix anything that came up on their computer systems. That month cost me $100,000, which my employer paid. They later invited me back to fix a big crisis they were having with their systems. I succeeded and was given one year severance pay.

But this was an outrageous exception. Please do not try what I got away with! I was just awfully lucky, and had very understanding management. They were going to find out anyways during my stay at the hospital.

tucson

I work in the medical field...you can have cancer, but not a mental illness.

I've been wondering about this too. I have one manager who knows I struggle with panic attacks and has been very understanding. Neither one knows about the bipolar disorder as far as I know, but it has been starting to affect my performance lately. I was leaning towards not saying anything (the understanding one is currently away on maternity leave) and I think I'm glad I haven't yet. I have one coworker who knows and I only told her because her son is also bipolar so I knew she'd be understanding. I'm just hoping things get straightened out before I no longer have a choice.

No, don't do it. Don't tell your coworkers either even if you trust them. Your employer will find a way to fire you (e.g. Performance slipping). Seriously, keep it a secret.

NO. Do NOT share this information with your employer if you can possibly avoid it. Once it's out, you can't take it back, and you really don't want your supervisor(s) and co-workers second-guessing you and questioning your judgment every time you turn around.

No, do not tell an employer.

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