It's hard to really give a definitive answer without knowing your boss. I selected to never tell my boss or my co-workers, because I wanted to be judged by my work, and not my illness. Unfortunately, there is still so much stigma associated with having bipolar. However, my symptoms were generally very easy to hide. Maybe you could tell your boss that you haven't been feeling well, but avoid talking about the specifics of your illness. Or perhaps you could just say that you're dealing with anxiety and depression, rather than using the word "bipolar." Depression and anxiety no longer carry quite the same stigma as bipolar. If you've been with the company that long with a good record, hopefully your boss will be understanding. Hugs and feel better soon!

I never wanted to tell my boss, but when I had a psychotic episode in the fall, my hand was basically forced- and I had to tell my boss, and other superiors. It was humiliating. BUT- it was necessary, and in the end, worth it, because he (and the others), were understanding and compassionate, and I think they actually gave me extra understanding because my problem was BP instead of something else more "physical."

But my situation is really unusual, in that I am a graduate student at a university. So, I have a boss, plus an advisor and a graduate director- they are like the "chain of command" through which I report, but I know it's a slightly different situation than a more traditional work environment. BUT- if your boss and you have such a good relationship, and he thinks you are a good employee, it might be in your best interest to tell him now, before you have a bad episode which forces you tell him. I know that I wish I had told my people first- so it wouldn't have been such a surprise, and they would have had some context in which to evaluate my actions...

Good luck!

I recomend not telling your boss. I told mine and ever since then he has been keeping a record of anytime I miss work or am late or any little thing, People outside of this disease just don't get it.

I would not, nor have I told my boss. I believe that there is too much stigma surrounding Bipolar in particular and any mental illness in general that you never know how they will react. You may be put in a position where it has to come out but I would recommend putting it off until you really have no choice.

hmmm. i was told by my immediate boss that i was bipolar before i even knew it to be true, at least verified it by a professional. so i dont' know. it can happen. my boss was very understanding. i am the one that decided to leave the place of employment tho, to end my career and get disability. after i got disability, i still continued the past few years as a special worker for a weekend opportunity for clients. i worded with developmentally disabled adults. cool group of clients.

I say no way! The only exception is to protect your job. If my BP is affecting my work and endangering my employment I would have to go to personael and talk to someone. (not necessarilly my direct supervisor) We are entitled to protection under the disabilities act and sometimes workplace adjustments are needed. I had to have my desk re-located to a more quiet area where I was subject to less agitation. I also had to take advantage of FMLA for a while. So it depends on if you need help or not.

As a fellow BP2 I would say no. It's too tempting for people looking to lay people off to add "they could get sick" into the mix.

An idea that I had..which I have not used yet is..to check what else your meds can be used for and use that as a screen.

I am in lamictal, if I was having issues I would say "i am having problems with my meds, I take an epilepsy medication". It's true..it also misdirects at the same time. But even with that, I would only use it if I fell asleep in meetings or something.

Bipolar is protected under the Americans with Disability Act. Which means they can not fire you and they have to make reasonable accomidations for you. This can include providing you with the tools for working from home, longer breaks, a secluded workspace, flexible timing, etc. Unless you feel you need an accomidation- I would recommend not telling your boss. For an example, if a medication you are on causes you to oversleep and feel groggy in the morning than they will have to accomidate that you may be late some days. They can not discriminate against you or fire you.

I am having a hard time on my new meds too. I can't quite "wrap my brain around instructions" and when I look confused, I actually look like I'm complaining silently about working. I was actually asked this morning by a supervisor "Do you WANT to work?!"

I don't want to say anything. Alabama is an "at-will" state, which as I understand it means that they can fire anyone for any reason...they don't even have to have a reason.

That is a tricky question. I would frist feel them out and see what they are like and if they appear to be trustworty enough to share that type of personal information with. Some bosses are wondrully supportive about it and some are really jerks.

I meant wonderfully.... duh I'm a little off today!

i would not tell your boss or anyone else at work.. if you have any personal time i would take those days .i would only tell if it was my last choice..good luck ..hugs ..marie

I would advise you to not let him know about your medication. I found out in high school that when you make it known to your superiors(in my case principal) they will understand and accommodate you for...about a week. After that you just become more trouble than its worth, its a sad reality really. I was eventually told that I needed to enroll in an alternative school.

If you must, just tell him you are dealing with some personal issues and you're working to resolve them. Nothing more.

I agree with the majority of the no answers. The stigma is great and even tho mental illness is protected by employment laws, a supervisor with notes on your work history can be used to protect the company if you believe you were let go unfairly and try to sue. Good luck.

Never tell your boss unless you hate your job and want to lose it. People will support you through everything except being coocoo. They may pretend to support you, but it scares them and they will reclassify as the kook to stay away from. Sorry, but that's the shitty part of bipolar.