Coming out at work

I am newly diagnosed Bipolar 1, my med cocktail that I am on is wreaking havoc on my sleep schedule and my focus and productivity. I want to let my boss know that I should even out, but am fearful, he is kinda judgmental.
Has anybody had success, not, I am sure this has been asked a billion times. I am a software developer, new one, after 20 years in another career so I dont have a ton of experience to pull the "I need to work from home for a bit" card.

No I haven't had experience with but he shouldn't judge you. So you have bipolar 1. Let him know calmly that this is what you have to do and just in case keep a note from your doctor handy just in case

jpb4815, May I ask how long you have been with this company? Do you have good medical benefits?

When you 'disclose' your illness, you are taking a chance. Mental disorders scare the hell out of people that have no experience with them and you may be giving your boss and your co-workers too much credit. You are also giving them ammunition if things go badly, Remember that you know a lot more about how the human body and brain works than others.

If you decide to take the chance-all the best to you.

If your boss has not had any problems with your work performance and it is just your own worry that is the issue, then consider letting it ride. You may not be comfortable right now but the discomfort could get worse if you bring this issue up to a boss who is not understanding.

You could also get a letter from your Doctor that says that you have a medical condition (not giving) details and that as such your Doctor recommends that you work from home (or something along those lines). In that way, no one can judge you in any way and you keep your private life confidential. Remember that under HIPA law, your medical records are protected. I've pulled out that card recently and it worked

Because I'm bipolar and know that hospitalization is always a possibility I disclosed to my work so I could file FMLA paperwork. It was a just in case so that if I had to take unpaid leave they couldn't fire me. I was extremely fortunate that they were and have continued to be very understanding. They even helped me sign up for short term disability when I was eligible so that if I had to go inpatient I might be able to still get paid. BUT I know many many people that disclosed at work and completely regretted it.

I have come forward to past employers before and had mixed results. I would ride it out a bit and see how things play out for you. The first month or so usually takes some adjusting but in time you will be the best advocate at how you think your work will be going forward.

I've had past employers that started being extremely observant with my quality of work and some that started the process of finding reasons to deem my work unsatisfactory in technical ways rather than as an individual professional.

Naturally by human nature your boss may be concerned and some even turn a very vigilant and watchful eye on your productivity.

But by law no employer can discriminate against a employee with mental health concerns/issues and are required by law to ensure you have a safe and comfortable work environment as well as the time you need for treatment/therapy/etc. This law also protects against termination and if such was to occur without proper documentation (which usually any documented incidences following the timeline after you've come forward can be used against them if termination occurs.)

Hang in there, it will get better it just takes time.

Also having your doc give you some sort of written verification that you are under medical care and new treatment can help and this can be done in a way that doesn't disclose the underlining condition and you are protected by HIPAA laws from the specifics of your medical condition to stay private and undisclosed.