I agree with tow. I wouldn't say anything. I made that mistake once and it was miserable. I had to resign or be fired. I went to my state attorney general but was told it was my word against all the higher ups at my company. To me, if you can do your job, it is no ones business what health conditions you have.

I'm just curious though....wouldn't it look better to report to them that I have been diagnosed with a mental illness, though I'm not a danger to anyone? Or would it be better to say nothing at all?

There was another code that I was concerned about, but I finally figured out that there is no need to report it.

My goal is to return to work, when I'm ready of course...but I want to return to my regular occupation. I want to do whatever is in my best interest....but also whatever makes me seem more responsible.

Not everyone is going to be the same, but in my case I was screwed. I thought it would be best to be upfront and honest. I was doing well at the time. My bp didn't keep me from performing well at work. But, soon the board called me in wanting me to sign a contract promising them to always take my medicine as prescribed. They also wanted me to sign a contract saying I would never have a nervous breakdown. It was so degrading and ridiculous.

One thing i've learned is if the person can't help you in any way, they don't need to know.

I think that whatever other people don't know won't hurt us. I think there's a difference between untreated and treated MI, or at least a court could establish that difference.

Hanna,

As long as you are treated with medication and are stable with your Bipolar Disorder, and can work competently, there is no need to report your medical history to anyone!!!!!!

If you were mentally ill, on drugs, drunk, high, tripping out, then .... someone would notice within your profession, and you would be at risk for losing your job.

I would NEVER tell anyone my private issues..... especially at the workplace.

They need not know. What court has classified you as any of the above? Just sayin' life is based on a need to know basis. Knowing the"code" is good and now you know how the system will screw you in the end if they can....

Good luck!

Are you insane!!!!!???????

Because that's what they might very well think, if you come forward with this!!

In a perfect world, you should be able to tell them and not have to worry about ramifications. But this isn't a perfect world.

As long as you are not bound by law to tell them, I think you should keep it to yourself, as far as the organization goes.

You can't really count on them thinking more of you for having informed them of it.
It's a possibility, of course. But, sadly, another possibility is that they won't want you there. Some people might think that for sure you're going to do something nutty. Others could think that you might, and they don't even like to take the chance on that.
A lot of times, they are motivated by liability.

If you ever have any kind of trouble in the future that forces you to tell them of your illness, invoke the ADA.

Good luck!!! I hope your career goes well and that your Bipolar Disorder never becomes an issue!!! (((((Hugs))))

If you never want to work in your field then go ahead and tell them.

I'm with the others who say keep it to yourself.

If it ever becomes a problem in your work life, that's when they can find out and sack you.

But hopefully it will never get to that and you can be medicated and stable and work well.

I havent ever told any employer of my condition. just stay medicated and seek treatment and you'll be ok. they dont have to know

Hi hannahana. I have a similar code. I have not notified my state board...I talked it over with my pdoc first. I agree to not work if I am impaired by my condition. My own ethics contract with me, myself and I.

Cheers. And continuing improved mental health to us all!