One of the questions is do you have a disability and bipolar and PTSD are on the list. I can't decide if I should say yes, no, or don't wish to answer. I don't want to say yes and then be asked about it in an interview but I also don't want to lie. What would you do?

[Aliceiw]

Lie, unless you have a better reason not to. They don’t need to know so unless there’s an HR department that’s really great or the company is known for being accepting, save yourself the heartache. I’ve only disclosed twice and once I lucked out because the boss had a spouse with bipolar. They won’t fire you over it but I promise they won’t look at you the same either. Discrimination for jobs shouldn’t be an issue but it sure will be anyway for severe mental illness.

I don’t like lying either, but if you want the job it’s your best bet.

What is the application for? Asking about health issues is not allowed unless the job description specifically excludes certain health conditions because of safety issues (for instance, a job that requires heavy lifting can ask about back problems or a job that requires driving can ask about seizure disorders). That HAS to be explained in the official job description in order to ask that question. If not, it is a violation of ADA rules.

To add: If the job specifies the reasoning for asking about bipolar or PTSD (for instance, it would be relevant for a first responder position) and you lie about it, it will absolutely be grounds for firing if discovered later, without question.

[Sunflower123]

I agree with Alice unless it is a specific situation like first responder as lolagrace specifies. Good luck with your application.

[SparkySmart]

I worked for a hospital where all preexisting conditions had to be listed (can't remember if this was prior to employment or afterwards, though). When I had a meltdown, some three years later, they had that information in their files already. It was fortunate that I had disclosed this information, because the insurance company might have had grounds for denying the claim if I had not admitted it up front. My policy is to not lie on any paper that you have to sign. Also, it's possible that declaring a disability would allow the employer to have some governmental leverage... like hiring a minority, such as Alaskan native, for example.

On initial application, however, some ask if you have a disability that requires accommodation or would impact your ability to work. I always answer "no" to that.

Oh...After I had been there for a year, and thereafter annually, all department heads were required to ask all their subordinates for a list of meds they were taking. My manager could easily have drawn the correct conclusion.

[~Christina]

Seems like loads of people that disclose there mental illness are let go months down the road for lame reasons .. like returning from lunch 5 mins late... Yes I know someone that happened too right here on PC ...

The ADA for us little Bipolar folks is a joke.

Right to work states do not have to give a reason for letting a employee go , Sad but true.

JMHO of course

[bioChE]

I’d never disclose a MI on a job application. The employer has no right to know. Unless you’re going for top secret clearance or something, it’s best to never let them know.

After you’ve been hired it’s up to you. In my case, I’d prefer to just keep on doing my job and getting paid. As long as my personal life doesn’t affect my job performance, we’re all good.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I blessed that my job requires I have a mental illness in recovery. but right now i hiding from them that my illness is acting up.

[annielovesbacon]

I always mark no, or most applications have an option of "prefer not to say" which wouldn't be lying. However if you think you may need lots of time off due to your illnesses maybe mark it? That makes me nervous though, employers say they won't discriminate based on illness (obviously they're legally not allowed to) but I feel like most do. After all how can you prove that?