[CloserToTheMid]

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?

[benzenering]

I would never do it

[Miss Laura]

I have been out of work since 2011 and have been actively looking for a job for the last 4 years. I disclose every time on the application form and I have always got an interview only cause in the UK your potential employer must interview people with a disability. I have never gotten the jobs I go for despite doing brilliantly in the interviews. I always get told someone had a better qualification than me or did better than I did in the interview. It sucks!

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by benzenering

I would never do it

Why not?

[CloserToTheMid]

By the way, I've never disclosed in an interview...and would never

[dillpickle1983]

I wouldn't give that information until I was hired. Then if they fire you (at least in the US) you can go after them with the EEOC. I told one employer after I had an outburst and they didn't believe me and fired me. Oh well.

[CloserToTheMid]

I really think that if you say it up front, then you will be less likely to be treated poorly. No business wants to get in legal trouble over disabilities. Just my two cents.

[AlittleUnsteady]

Is PTSD protected? Or BPD? Or is it just Bipolar? I qualify eith that, but have more that would be helpful if it covers those.

[CloserToTheMid]

BTW,

"Employees need only disclose their disability if/when they need an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. Applicants never have to disclose a disability on a job application, or in the job interview, unless they need an accommodation to assist them in the application or interview process" (EEOC, 1992).

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by AlittleUnsteady

Is PTSD protected? Or BPD? Or is it just Bipolar? I qualify eith that, but have more that would be helpful if it covers those.

Any mental illness is covered. I know for sure that PTSD is. I really don't know the precedence for BPD.

[CloserToTheMid]

I disclosed so I could get a few accommodations:

- More frequent breaks
- Unscheduled sick leave and doctor's visits
- Using this website at work

Originally Posted by benzenering

I would never do it

Me either.

Why?

* They can always find a way around it. (Conveniently make your "being a problem" about "something else".)

* Work I've had in recent years has been at workplace that is exempt from giving protections (ie. no ADA, no FMLA etc.) It is a micro-company, so there is also no such thing as HR to provide privacy buffer. It's been VERY uncomfortable that way.
(I've worked out some unofficial "accomodations", but it's nerve-wracking to dance around the whys.)

[emgreen]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

* They can always find a way around it. (Conveniently make your "being a problem" about "something else".)

While I commend your courage for disclosing, Close, & am glad the ADA spells this out, I have to agree with innerzone. There are protections for many different situations (race, age, gender, etc.), but it's difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that discrimination actually exists. Thanks for posting this, Close.

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Me either.

Why?

* They can always find a way around it. (Conveniently make your "being a problem" about "something else".)

* Work I've had in recent years has been at workplace that is exempt from giving protections (ie. no ADA, no FMLA etc.) It is a micro-company, so there is also no such thing as HR to provide privacy buffer. It's been VERY uncomfortable that way.
(I've worked out some unofficial "accomodations", but it's nerve-wracking to dance around the whys.)

So less than 15 employees? Is that a micro-business? I never knew that. I've never worked for no less than 130 in my software engineering career.

This is an eye opening thread

Originally Posted by CloserToTheMid

So less than 15 employees? Is that a micro-business? I never knew that.

I've seen a few different definitions, also 9. Also 5 or fewer (bingo). But yes. They're exempt from quite a few things.

It's extra tricky for me (besides that asking for things is terrifying to me) because they are not.at.all progressive. It'd be akin to saying I was a raving dangerous lunatic to them. No thanks.

[JustJace2u]

I'm still not sure if I should fully disclose my full diagnosis to my employer. When I was hospitalized a few weeks ago the only thing I told my supervisor was that I had an anxiety attack.

[CloserToTheMid]

I guess I'm lucky in my career. Very compliant employers, all very understanding. Bless my lucky stars.

My sympathy goes out to you guys.

[emgreen]

I think the fact you work at a church & have a unique skill-set makes your situation unique. Christ had compassion for the sick & infirmed...It sounds like your church does, too. Kudos to them. Unfortunately, for many, it's a dog eat dog world out there.

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by emgreen

I think the fact you work at a church & have a unique skill-set makes your situation unique. Christ had compassion for the sick & infirmed...It sounds like your church does, too. Kudos to them. Unfortunately, for many, it's a dog eat dog world out there.

The church, yeah, but that just a part-time job anyway. I'm a software engineer 40-hours a week. That's where I need the real protection.

[~Christina]

I would never , I have seen to many people disclose and months down the road they get warnings about being 4 mins late coming back from lunch, eventually after numerous write ups for ridiculous reasons ...people are losing their job , due to nonsense.

The ADA seldom does a damn thing because the employers cover there asss.

I just would not personally.

[CloserToTheMid]

You're saying my employer at some point is going to try to fire me because Im bipolar and i asked to take an extra break and take unscheduled doctor's visits? Even though I'm very good at my job?

[Faltering]

I wouldn't dare reveal my diagnosis unless I had to. When I was hospitalized it was kind of a don't ask don't tell situation.

[Moose72]

Ive never told anyone that I'm bipolar at a job. Of course lots of the jobs were before I was diagnosed.

[BipolaRNurse]

I made the mistake of disclosing to two of my past employers. Both of them found ways to get rid of me without incurring the wrath of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Businesses always have offices full of lawyers who know the way around it. All they have to do is decide they "can't" comply with reasonable accommodations, and you're out. I would never do it again.

[Wander]

As I have had to take so much time off due to frequent hospitalisations it has been difficult hiding my illness. In the end I told my boss I had mental health issues and he has been nothing but supportive since. I work casually in retail (minimum wage) so it would be easy for him to fire me. The fact that the department I work in is short staffed may be my saviour. I am also damn good at my job. They have a hold on hiring at the moment and it takes months to train someone up in my department so moving people over is not so easy either. Still, I doubt I would specifically say I had BP as there is so much more stigma attached. Saying that, I just disclosed on FB that I have severe BP and PTSD and many of my co-workers are friends on there so I may have let the cat out of the bag anyway.