My BP is starting to affect my work. Well, it has been for the last several years but now it is really starting to have a major impact on the quality and consistency. I'm in a manic episode right now so I don't know whether or not my desire to just speak out and admit I have bipolar is a result of the mania or a conscious effort on my part to do something right for me personally.

I want to tell my employer that I have bipolar, but I'm worried that in doing so it's going to cost me. I'm not too concerned with losing my job, but I'm worried that I could be passed up for merit increases and promotions (down the line) if and when I have my bipolar under control. I recently had an assessment done on the core functions of my job and basically got an F on the quiz. I know what I am doing when it comes to my job. But now a piece of paper has my supervisors concerned about my performance. I don't want to use bipolar as an excuse for poor quality work. Please do not misunderstand me. I have a way of coming across one way when I really mean to be heard another way.

I want them to understand that this may be "me" for a while and that I might need extra time to complete tasks or even time off to recoup mentally. So I'm curious if this is something that I should do - perhaps with HR - that might help mitigate future issues or will this cause more.

[Moose72]

I've never told an employer but at my last job I couldn't remember directions well enough to be a good worker at all. How to do the job in general!

Most of the tasks that I do at work are fairly repetitive, so it can be hard to forget what I'm doing unless it's something that I haven't done for three months or more. That's when it gets really tough. It's like I have never done that part of my job before.

I should also add that in my current position I am a buyer. I key several dozen transactions a day resulting in tens of thousands of dollars being spent. I oversee inventory worth more than $18 million dollars. I'm worried that one day this could get the best of me and I will make a terrible mistake. I make mistakes all the time, but these here can be costly and hard to fix.

[Guiness187055]

No, never tried would not have been a good idea

Nope. I've been working at my current (summer) job for 2 years now and never told anyone about my bipolar. I know someone else that works there with bipolar and she hasn't told anyone at work about it either so I assume it's best just to keep quiet.

[Wild Coyote]

I have been out of the work force a very long time.

You are wise to ask questions, to do your homework on this first.
Get to know more about labor regulations, ADA regulations specifically "accommodations," FMLA and more.

If there is a disability law project or a similar agency near you, such an organization might have this type of info to share.

Please be very careful as you make these types of decisions.


WC

[Trippin2.0]

I understand that I am in the minority on this subject...

I have always told my employers, its just easier than lying about why I need Thursdays off (DBT and individual therapy day)

I have been fortunate enough that my honesty has never backfired.

Others on this board have been most unfortunate in this regard, so I count myself very blessed to only have had positive experiences.

How do you go about telling your employer? Do you meet with your direct supervisor? HR?

[bioChE]

If I were you I would meet with HR. At my Company, I've talked to my Senior Director, Site Head, and the head of HR. My direct supervisor doesn't know, and doesn't really need to since I don't think my work is severely affected by my disorder.

However if your work is being affected, you should definitely go to HR. If necessary they can have or facilitate a meeting with your supervisor. But I wouldn't go to your supervisor as the first step. There are various rules wrapped up in the ADA that HR should be well-versed in. If you're asking for "reasonable accommodations," they have to comply. Be careful with that though, because you can't expect too much. There are people who think that's a free pass to not work and still pull a salary, but that's not the spirit of the law.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Thank you for the advice, bioChE. I think it will be in my best interest to speak with someone in HR about my diagnosis. Should I tell them that I believe its affecting my work or that I'm beginning to get concerned it might be affecting my work? Sorry for the millions of questions on this. I try to talk to my wife about this stuff and she is always concerned that if I say something about my illness that it will affect my position at work. I'd like to think that something positive could come out of this.

[Trippin2.0]

When I was first dxd, I was working in payroll, so reported directly to HR...
That was simple enough.

At my previous job, I told my line manager during a one on one, at my current job, I told my would be line manager as well as the director during my interview...

The one director is a clinical psychologist, she was glad I disclosed upfront, she even drew up a MH annexure into my contract that states I am allowed MH days off.

I work at a small establishment, everyone knows my dx, people knowing has never bothered me, its actually much easier for me to deal with the chance of some asswipe treating me differently, than the pressure of having to hide. The stress would kill me.

Idk if its a coincidence or not, but being so nonchalant about who knows my dx, I've actually encountered zero stigma. I have actually found people to either be willing to be supportive, or curious about what its like to be me...

I would suggest following the correct channels, unless you have solid rapport with your line manager and know they'll go to bat for you, should you need moral support.

Based on how two people who called me an asshole to my face in the workplace and/or an outside vendor were treated, I think I should go ahead and start with HR first.

Abbreviated version - in one of my less than stellar episodes I was being indifferent to the opinions of a co-worker who stopped mid-meeting to inform not only myself but the other meeting participants that I was an asshole. They weren't reprimanded because aside from having witnesses there was no supervisor present to address. The second instance someone who didn't like me (our personalities never gelled) made a comment to an outside vendor that I was an asshole. I called them out for that and it initially appeared that something was going to be done about it but no punishment or reprimand ever took place. I often joke that the key to one having success at this company / our department is to call me an asshole - both folks were promoted within a year.

I imagine that how I think I deal with stressful situations come across quite differently to my peers. I'm sure my interactions have rubbed people the wrong way,and perception is a huge problem for me. I would like to think that if certain people knew what I was going through, it might make wading through some of this a little easier. I do think that by revealing this about myself that the current supervisory opening I applied for may become out of reach.

[bioChE]

If you're going to HR for help and think it's affecting your work, you might as well be up-front and tell them. They'll figure it out eventually anyway, and IMHO it's better to be up-front than to try to hide its effects. You're effectively coming out of the closet, might as well get it all on the table - especially if you're asking for accommodations to do your job more effectively.

[Moment acceptance]

I would never tell my boss about my condition..... Cause I had negative experience in my last job when I told that I was undergoing psychotherapy. I really regretted it.

But I think you are brave cause you want to share very important information about yourself. Wish you all the best! Hope people will understand.

[Unrigged64072835]

The only time my supervisor knew about my condition was when I filed for long-term disability. Even then it was for depression and anxiety. I don't think it would've been any different if it was bipolar.

[gina_re]

Yes I have. But I have an undertanding supervisor who wants to make sure I'm ok first and foremost, "the work will always be there so don't worry about that," is what she tells me. She also has a master's in counseling, so I feel ok telling her certain things as needed. I told because initially I was doing so well at work, but I felt myself slipping and decided I just needed to go the hospital, and that's how it came out. Other coworkers just knew I was out sick but not why. The first hospitalization everyone was so understanding. I even got a get well soon card from my supervisor's supervisor! But since I haven't really been stable since, I'm sure I get on their nerves and they can't do and nothing about it because I'm disabled! Hahahaha!!!
But honestly, my employer has damn good benefits and I take advantage of them ALL! And we specialize in psychology, so...they kinda have to be understanding and flexible.
I know not everyone is lucky to have a good experience with having their employer know. But only you can know for sure if you feel comfortable sharing. And if you are worried and skeptical, I wouldn't do so. And that really should be handled by HR with documentation.

Thanks for all of the support and advice. I believe I am still going to go through with telling my employer. I just have to work out how I'm going to communicate this, when, and with whom - multiple people in HR.

[cashart10]

I just told my boss yesterday...what other Isuzu would a seemingly normal employee gave to be required to take a week off. I'll let you know how it goes.

I hope it works out well for you, cashart10. I'm not going to tell my boss directly though. I'm going to go through HR and see how it goes from there.

[lilypup]

It's a tough situation. We've just been through it with my bp daughter, who is a teacher. She was teaching a behavioral class, complete with biting and spitting and cussing. She had a breakdown.

She was able to go to her union reps to help her talk to HR. To be honest, HR sort of acted like they had never heard of the ADA. But they did agree to give her an easier situation this next fall. I am sure her immediate supervisors have guessed she has some sort of MI.

I never told anybody at work, but my daughter says no one cares and it is "different" these days.

When things got bad for me, mania or depression, I usually just quit. Sad but true.

[5150DirtDiva]

I did when I was in the military. It was unavoidable though. I was completely in an out of control mania.

The thing is that I was able to still be anon about it. I was in a school at the time and my instructor asked me to see the flight surgeon for a human factors evaluation. The only person I really told was the doc.

My current job requires a background check so whoever conducted my investigation knows, but my actual manager and coworkers do not directly know.

I am paranoid that they can tell. Can people tell???

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by 5150DirtDiva

I did when I was in the military. It was unavoidable though. I was completely in an out of control mania.

I am paranoid that they can tell. Can people tell???

Depends on your behavior.

Originally Posted by lilypup

When things got bad for me, mania or depression, I usually just quit. Sad but true.

I'm sorry to hear that. I am becoming more aware of my manic and depressive states, and it does help me more or less disregard the "rationalized" thoughts of quitting my job or leaving town to start over. I tend to treat my entire life like a video game; constantly looking for the reset button to start all over.

[lilypup]

Yes, I have quit teaching, being a principal, my doctoral degree, a movie theater (high school), a retail job, a multi marketing thing I was into and doing very well at, and a wedding planning business.
The only thing I haven't quit is my 31 YO marriage and my three kids.

[Gabyunbound]

I got Intermittent FMLA at my last job for 'doctors appointments' but never told my boss what kind of appointments. I spoke with a counselor at my job (can't remember right now what they're called) and he explained my rights. So I applied for this with his help and got it. I discovered (and think) that my boss has no right to know, that FMLA can be applied for without telling your boss why.