I can relate to this. I usually don't disclose up front. However, my ex-boss was so ridiculous (if you read my journal, you'll understand) that I went to HR and did want to disclose as a way of gaining some "reasonable accomodation" or assistance. Hey, they "accomodate" those with obvious disabilities, why not the "unobvious"? They truly weren't interested one way or another. Now I'm going thru the EEOC. Honestly though, I prefer not to disclose. I live in a "right to work" state so they would never give that as a reason not to hire or fire, but I know it happens.

I wouldn't call us "looney tunes." That's what the others think. We know better. They don't make fun of diabetics, do they?

I too would be REALLY interested to hear some experiences. I have a rather understanding boss, and I'm considering telling him about BP. He already knows all my other health issues, including depression. But things have been going poorly workwise (I too need a brain for my job) for so long now, I'm thinking maybe coming clean would be a good idea.

And my next question would be, according to ADA, do we need to tell our boss, or the HR department?

If HR works the way it is supposed to, I would go there first. They may be more equipped to handle it and know how you should be treated as a human being and by law. I assumed that would be the case with my prior job, but wasn't. It depends on the size of your company, the sophistication and office politics. I too had a job that required alot of "thinking" and it's hard to think straight at times with BP, and moreso if your boss is totally ridiculous, which mine was!

No, you do not need to tell them but if you want the work place to accommodate you (eg move you to a quieter place, move noisy office equipment, etc.) you would need to disclose. Also, a good understanding boss could cut back on your duties so that work does hamper recovery from a BP episode. We know how difficult it is to get back to work after a crash.

OH, and if any claim you make via EEOC is anything like the claims I handled, they have to have notice of the defect/condition. I don't mean that to sound as we are "defective" (i.e. a landlord in my business would have to know the sidewalk was defective, yet refused to fix it, leading to injury). What I mean is I think they have to be aware of our condition somehow and if they choose not to accomodate or modify, then there may be a case of discrimination. I guess I'll learn that as I go through this process. If you want to know how it comes out, write to me and/or I will post in my journal.

I don't say a word about it.

WOW, Kent. I wish my boss would have tried making my workload "reasonable" or anything positive instead of putting me down. If she did, I'd still be there and wouldn't have this whole mess I do now.

I just mentioned it on the fly just the other day to my boss, so I don't know how she realy is going take it. But I have been with the co for over 12 years and I have always been a hot head as they would say, but I am just now with in the last month accutally being digoised as BP. Hope this gives some light

NO! People don't understand the illness and they will judge you. And if you do anything "unusual" you know they'll nod their heads and say "yep, he's bipolar allright". Why would you tell employers & employees about ANY medical illness? If you were handicapped and needed handicapped access (for wheelchair) or whatever, fine. But your own personal illness is private. Even when I was in the psych hospital the nurses/doc advised me not to mention the illness because of all the stigma. Do you really consider yourself a "looney tune"? Is that what you think of the rest of us? You don't believe we are productive human beings that can raise a family, hold a job, be a contributing member or our community?

The people at the ADA must be totally ignorant of the real world and they are 100% ignorant of the law! Of course - who in the world is going to hire you if you disclose being BP - let alone other personal factors that are illegal to ask about at any interview (like, Do you have kids? What is your religion?) I actually worked in an outpatient mental health clinic. You would have thought my coworkers would have understood since we were all in the business of mental health. I found that some of them supported me and some acted weird towards me after hearing about my disease. I wouldn't tell ANYONE unless they are really really close and don't spread gossip. The only people safe are from HUMAN RESOURCES only (HR cannot tell anyone by law, however coworkers, bosses, etc. do what they please). Tell HR only after you are hired and moreover ONLY if you are sick and need time off. Your boss can be told you are sick if you need time off. However, by law you do not have to disclose to your supervisor, director, etc. what your illness is - just that you need time off if your sick. Some lower functioning people work in jobs that are created specifically for the mentally disabled. Since you are higher functioning and got your job the normal way - keep your BP private! In summary - only tell HR - you can sue the company if HR tells anyone :)

ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Of course it is your choice.

ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Of course it is your choice.

Well....I learned the hard way that it IS only a 'need to know' basis and how you say it was the most difficult thing for me. Coming right out with my liability of being BP was not done in the smartest of way and as usual, cost me in the end.

In my own humble experience, I dealt with a large company and hadn't informed them of my BP until I started going seriously downhill - but I refused to tell my boss, and instead went to HR to discuss what was going on.

My HR rep informed me that she was unable to discuss anything with my management team due to confidentiality laws - and to my knowledge, never said a word.

It worked to my advantage too, since when I completely lost control with dealing with an overbearing manager, and quit my job, they overturned it and allowed me to go on full disability. This made dealing with all those hellacious issues that much easier.

It also allowed me to move across the country, back to where my family is, and go back to school for something I enjoy rather than be limited to what tuition imbursement would have allowed. Now I'm enrolled nearly full-time in a community college majoring in psychology...and much happier and in control than I've been in years.

And I agree - telling the interviewer would probably not be in your best interest. It's none of their business.