no, don't share it. its none of their business. if you have not been able to work in over two years due to your bipolar, consider applying now for disability.

My boss has been telling me lately that I have been having memory issues. I thought it was just me. I'm afraid of losing my job because of it. My boss knows I am bipolar, so I hope she understands. However, I don't know if I would tell a new employer about it.

I would not tell them, often times people have preconceived notions of what bipolar is and may treat you differently b/c of their ideas. I would let your new coworkers and boss make decisions about you based on your work ethic and ability rather than judged you based on your bipolar. You deserve better

No, Pete, you don't need to share it. Self-disclosing is alien outside of the social work field -- and let's be frank, it's not really welcomed there, either. I would fill in that gap with "self-employment" and explain the need to return to work as that you did not have as much success as you had hoped with your private practice, and would like to supplement your income.

Gosh, I can't remember what the Americans With Disabilities Act says about disclosure. Maybe you should take a look.

My long term memory is too good. I remember everything...especially the bad stuff I've done. Since I've been on Depakote, I do have short term memory problems.

I am lucky enough to have bosses that are open and supportive with me and my coworkers. We are a small business and that means we all know what is up with eachother. Wish everyone could have that! I was just diagnosed last week and the first thing I did was talk with my employers. these are the same guys who have supported me the last 5 months through my alcohol withdrawal syndrome...not fun...and pretty much gave me December off and said my job would be there when I get back part time or full time, didn't matter. Another thing that helps is that one boss has a history with depression and is fully sympathetic.

Good luck and maybe one day you can disclose this stuff to a caring and understanding boss.

PeteA,

It would benefit you not to disclose now,
and you legally don't have to. Do this
only when you are comfortable, and do not
feel judged because of it. Get all the
help you can to be an active part of society; Do not give this up. Being on
disability may greatly affect your
self-esteem, and rob you of a full life.
Hang in there!

Hi, I have gone many years with my job history not looking too good. I would start out doing well, them my mood would totally change about working. Couldn't explain it too my bosses. Not too many people like the word Bipolar. Employers need to have a class on how to treat their employees who have these issues. Wouldn't it seem to make more sense? I am a good worker. But, because of Bipolor, I am having and have had problems with keeping a job.

I wouldn't disclose. The "normies" of the world, as I like to call them, still hold a great deal of stima attached to any type of mental disorder. You could be discriminated against in your effort to get a job and not even know it. They could simply say they found someone better qualified for the position. Although according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, this is highly illegal, we all know it goes on. The act states that if you have to have accomodations in order to do your job successfully, if they are a company of a certain size, they have to give you those accomodations--up to and including, altered work schedules, time off for dr.s appts etc....

But I wouldn't disclose in the interview process. If you find that your bipolar is interfering with your ability to do your job and there are some accomodations that could be made without affecting the job, then and only then would I disclose.

If you want to read the act yourself, you can look it up in adobe format after a simple google search. It's like a 350 pg document, but highly informative.

I've had employment issues in the past and have researched the document pretty thouroughly. Pretty sure I got discriminated against in last job loss, but couldn't prove it. Keep it to yourself at all costs is my advice.
CC

I was lucky as my job was caring and nurturing. I had to disclose I was BP as my job (nursing) meant I had to take call at night which I couldn't do as by 9pm I am comatose from my medication. But I think my situation is not the norm from what I've seen from previous posts. So you probably shouldn't disclose unless some situation comes along where you have to disclose.

I usually tell an employer that I was working for friends that had his own business,some of that is true i did work for him.Then when they go can we contact them I go like He left town. lol

I agree. Just tell them you were sick and the issues with your health are stable. Or, say that you were caring for a sick child or parent.

I have to concurr with most of them here. Don't share it unless it is absolutely necessary. I did in my last job because I was getting sick. It only made them more "careful" with me and "watching" of everything I did. Not a pleasant situation at all. I just don't think it is a good idea even with the protections of the ADA. If it comes down to losing your job because of performance issues related to the illness then you can bring the bipolar disorder out to at least make them think twice about firing you. But then the situation like I experienced becomes a problem. They don't trust your judgement anymore and it is hard to work for anyone who does not trust you.

Hey Pete, I so understand where you are comming from with this. I had to walk away from a job in April. I was being paid more than I've ever made before, but the stress of the job was a bp trigger, it was literally killing me. My boss was one of those "friendly" abusive types who never had anything good to say, and constant "constructive" criticism.

My significant other didn't want me to quit because of the money. I just walked away from the job, never talked to them agian. I was such a moron, but I'd worked my way into such a stressed state, that I reached a state where I couldn't go there one more day.

My memory is ok when I'm in the middle of my swing, but goes to pot when I'm up or down. I've been very careful about who I disclose my bp to. I've told two previous employers, but they had become good friends by the time I'd told them.

With a new boss, never. Many people, even some who play nice and smile all the time, will use anything they can against you. I'd suggest not telling anybody anything.

Pete - I just started working pt after years of not working. When asked why I was not working for the last couple years, I told that I was doing home self employment, but that I was now bored with it and wanted to get out of the house for a few hours a day. My disabilities were never mentioned.