[Razzleberry]

I have been missing quite a bit of work, and scheduling "doctor's appointments" (therapy & meds visits) every week, and my boss is wondering what's going on. I keep telling him that it is a "personal medical issue." But I think he's starting to think that I'm just making it all up.

Should I tell my boss that I am Bipolar II?? Or would that just be career suicide?

It's a small company - only 13 employees. What are my rights? I know we're not legally covered by FMLA.

What would you do?

[InsaneMax]

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Razzleberry said:
I have been missing quite a bit of work, and scheduling "doctor's appointments" (therapy & meds visits) every week, and my boss is wondering what's going on. I keep telling him that it is a "personal medical issue." But I think he's starting to think that I'm just making it all up.

Should I tell my boss that I am Bipolar II?? Or would that just be career suicide?

It's a small company - only 13 employees. What are my rights? I know we're not legally covered by FMLA.

What would you do?

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<font color="green"> NO----- NEVER, NEVER, NEVER TELL YOUR SUPERIORS OR COWORKERS ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL, PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION!!! They have no legal right to ask you either. Lest you want to make your life possibly more chaotic, don't do it. This is taking a huge risk, and it's not even worth it. -Max</font>

[MissCharlotte]

Razzle,

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Should I tell my boss that I am Bipolar II?? Or would that just be career suicide?

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I think it would be career suicide to tell him. I agree that he doesn't have a legal right to know. However, since it's a small comapny and you want to save your job PLUS you feel you must offer some kind of explanation, why don't you ask him for some time and buy him a cup of coffee and have a sit down. Apologize for the many absences and tell him how you plan to make up any missin work. Tell him you are working through your medical issues and offer a doctor's note if necessary (PDoc can give you one). If you want to tell him something tell him you suffer from depression and had a difficult time getting the right anti depressant. Deression is much more accepted in our culture than Bipolar and everyone is on anti-d's now!

Good luck.

I do not think you should disclose any mental health information to your supervisor.

First of all, you have already mentioned that it is interfering with your work. So, the minute you tell him you have "depression" or "bipolar" or anything, he/she is already going to see that it is affecting you.

Mental illnesses have an incredible stigma associated with them.

My opinion is that you should talk with your boss and ask if it would be acceptable that you take your lunch hour late (or whenever your appointment is) because you have a personal matter which requires attention. Also, reassure your boss that if your lunch hour appointment runs later, you will make up the time during the day.

Mentioning any type of mental illness is a danger. And while under the American Disabilities Act, you are protected from being fired, it is very easy to "come up with other reasons to fire someone" ~ such as your work performance has decreased, the organization is cutting back (particulary a small organization).

Danger, Danger, Danger.

[MyBestKids2]

I think a medical issue should be sufficient. They have no right to pry into your medical issues!

[RACEKA]

I agree with not telling your boss exactly what is wrong.

Have your Dr write a note saying that you are under his care for treatment of a medical issue that needs intermittent time off from work.

[splitimage]

I've done both.

At my last company, I was very open about with my boss and co-workers about my depression and needing to take time off for pdoc appointments. I never ran into any problems with it, and in fact my boss was very supportive.

At my current company, I take Mon. afternoons off, and make up the hours the rest of the week, and I told them it was for outpatient therapy at a hospital. But I have not specified what the therapy is for. Not real enthusiastic about disclosing my addiction history. I figure I'll eventually tell them about my depression history as I have to take time off once a month to see my pdoc, so they'll wonder about regular medical appointments.

I think a lot of benefit can come from being honest, particularly if you are willing to make up the time missed for appointments, because that way the company and your boss can understand what's going on with you.

If however you have any fear, remember that legally they can't ask you, and you can just keep repeating the personal medical issue mantra. Get a note from your pdoc if you have to, as generic as possible saying that you're under their treatment and are undergoing some medication adjustments which requires frequent appointments.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

--splitimage

[(JD)]

I wouldn't. See if you can get your boss to help you find other ways to make up lost work, or time. That will show him you aren't trying to get out of work, but are having a difficult time due to your health issues. You might give him a bit more information, if being on medication is allowed for your job, and maybe say something how everyone knows how bad some of today's medications can make you feel.

good wishes

AGREE--too much stigma. Just plain medical needs. Unfortunately, I had an overdose & the nurse in the ER happens to work part-time where I work. I know with HIPPA she is not allowed to say anything, but I have had some med side effects at work where I had to leave IMMEDIATELY so I think people are starting to put 2 & 2 together (bipolar 1). Feel like they are looking at me funny or is it my paranoia?--Suzy

[(JD)]

They don't have to guess bipolar disorder. I don't anyone who doesn't take SOME thing, some kind of medicine they have trouble with from time to time. Don't play it up like it's a big deal, but make them focus on your eagerness to get your job done, in spite of your current difficulties. Give them an answer they can handle, and they'll understand (and quit looking at you )

[PsyChris]

No you are not required to disclose any personal medical or mental health information to your employer.

On a practical level you might need to tell him more than "personal medical issue"----but its entirely up to you.

I would tell him it's something that you can manage, there just may be times where it demands more time away from work.

You do not want to turn this into a legal issue. Since you are not covered under FMLA your employer can make things very difficult for you without breaking the law. Keep things professional but friendly with your boss. Speaking from a managers perspective that will go much further then throwing the law in his face.

[okiedokie]

[InsaneMax]

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splitimage said:
I've done both.

At my last company, I was very open about with my boss and co-workers about my depression and needing to take time off for pdoc appointments. I never ran into any problems with it, and in fact my boss was very supportive.

At my current company, I take Mon. afternoons off, and make up the hours the rest of the week, and I told them it was for outpatient therapy at a hospital. But I have not specified what the therapy is for. Not real enthusiastic about disclosing my addiction history. I figure I'll eventually tell them about my depression history as I have to take time off once a month to see my pdoc, so they'll wonder about regular medical appointments.

I think a lot of benefit can come from being honest, particularly if you are willing to make up the time missed for appointments, because that way the company and your boss can understand what's going on with you.

If however you have any fear, remember that legally they can't ask you, and you can just keep repeating the personal medical issue mantra. Get a note from your pdoc if you have to, as generic as possible saying that you're under their treatment and are undergoing some medication adjustments which requires frequent appointments.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

--splitimage

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How is it dishonest to keep your medical information private?

The legal term for all medical history (and psychiatric/psychological health info. is medical) is called PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION, or PHI.

Legally, you don't need a "note" like a little kid from school, but if one does feel they should to smooth over their boss, make sure it has nothing identifying you as seeing a psychiatrist,psychologist, or mental health professional.

Likewise, make sure that whoever writes your note doesn't put down anything akin to a diagnosis of any kind. That information is legally protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act.