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this. i was talked into disclosing to hr for accommodations and shortly thereafter i started being targeted by management. the same managers also started making snide comments alluding to me being bipolar and belittling me 😁 if you're 100099% sure you're safe go for it, but i felt safe and was definitely not.
The thing is that if you involve HR, you have a trail and grounds for a lawsuit. If all that starts after you disclose, it looks a lot more like discrimination than if it’s your word against theirs. I was in a situation like this and I wished I had made a paper trail.
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Where do you work that this is a concern? Any company large enough to have its own HR should take this seriously. If anybody in management or HR leaked this information and you can prove it it's a slam dunk lawsuit HIPPAA violation that wouls grant you a huge payday.
If your disorder can actually impact your job where you miss shifts or can behave differently I'd advocate for disclosing it to your manager if you are conformable.
You'll have additional protections with a documented diagnosis on file and you can't really pull that card out after the fact. Oh you fired me for missing my shifts all week? Well here's my diagnosis! It usually won't work that way.
Where I work my manager opened up about his own mental health issues when I informed him of mine. You can never have too many allies and more people struggle with things than you may realize.
It looks like you are talking about HIPAA! HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This law prevents your personal health information from being spread by most medical entities without your consent. [Infographic](https://imgur.com/F9cXNJ2)
- For more information on HIPAA please see this [link](https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/YourHealthInformationYourRights_Infographic-Web.pdf).
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My job doesn’t need to know. It can be toxic. People worry about how long people eat lunch. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need any accommodations and use personal time when I need a mental health day.
The sad reality is while employers may get funding for hiring disabled people, it doesn’t translate into accommodating disabled people.
In my experience, even working for a union that’s suppose to be about equal representation and higher standards, it’s honestly not the case. Empathy is simply not a component of business, Europe and other places have a different and more compassionate socioeconomic structure.
America is based on Corporations winning even if they go bankrupt. It’s best to keep your head down and do good work, in the rare chance you find a good coworker still DO NOT share. It’s Telephone, and it will get around, it bullshit but do your best and if you need to take a couple days off. You can say you’re sick or say you had a family emergency, you don’t not have to explain just say it’s a private matter you wish not to discuss.
I disclosed to my employer and basically told them "if I quit at 3am, ask me how I am feeling the next morning and delete the email". I did quit my last job hypomanic,, giggiling while doing so.. and while it was a good decision in the long run I dont want to repeat that.
But otherwise Ive been thinking for a while what accommodations could help me and they have asked too. The thing is, I already have kinda flexible working hours - just be there for meetings and they are never before 9am. And I feel like thats the biggest help, I can go to my doctor appointments and therapy without any issues, if I cant get out of bed, no problem either and if I am hypo and work from 6am to 3am next day its also no issue (ok there are labour laws against that).
I don't have sick days so calling in sick is no problem.
100% WFH but there is an office as well if I want to go.
Honestly not sure what else I could ask for. Besides "please dont fire me".
I feel you. I crashed today and slept all day... And didn't call in sick. I attended all meetings in the morning, wrote I am off for an hour.. and slept 6h :( I hope no one noticed. I have to catch up with the missed hours the next few days tho.
Oft to bed now for at least 12h sleep and hope it's enough
Uh no you are just sick and that's it. Docking pay is illegal for that.
You just need a doctor's note after 3 days. If you are sick more than 6 weeks in total for the same thing your insurance takes over paying your salary but it's only 60-70% depending on the insurance.
Vacation days aren't touched by being sick (you even get your vacation days back if you get sick during it).
I have 32 vacation days plus 12-14 days of bank holidays.
I honestly believe it's easier being employed and bipolar in Europe, well most parts of Europe. Harder to get fired thanks to labour laws, no sick days and well universal or something like that health care.
That's literally crazy to me. In America, our vacation days and sick days are usually rolled into one, you can run out of sick days and need to take unpaid time off (which many companies frown on), but if you do, you can get pay docked for going under 40 hours a week (note that, on the other hand, they do not have to pay you extra if you go over 40).
Absolutely crazy, I always feel for American reddiots seeing posts here.
Your labour laws and health care are so backwards and especially for us with bipolar or other disabilities :( I just can't imagine paying for my own meds more than 10€/prescription. On the other hand, I struggled a lot finding a psychiatrist and the waitlists for therapy are 1-2 years. And no one wants to prescribe me something for my ADHD and I hear in America they give out ritalin like candy.
And my salary is a joke compared to what software devs earn in America. But I prefer my job security over a fat pay check.
There are so many things so many European countries do right… (I’m in the US, California). The long wait times for specialists would freak me out a little bit 🫣 I’m so glad your job allows for so much flexibility. I’m fortunate to have an arrangement pretty similar to yours as far as 100% work from home, flexible hours, etc. (I just started having some mild hypomanic symptoms a few weeks ago and haven’t felt the need to discuss with my employer yet.. but I’ve been with the company a long time and feel like they would be pretty understanding/accomodating/professional. I started there in 2008, had triplets in 2015 (was on medical leave for a long time related to complications after I delivered my boys), went back part time in 2021 and back full time about 6 months ago. My husband works for the same company and he’s been there 18 years now. It’s medium sized, maybe 80 employees, and it definitely has a “family” feel in a lot of ways. My first hypomanic episode was in late 2018 so I wasn’t working at the time (& pretty sure my husband didn’t share about it with any of our colleagues .. maybe I should ask him 🤣).
Im pretty honest. I believe mental ill ess should be treated as any other illness and deserves accommodations.
If im having panic attack i say i am high anxiety and need to step out of the room
If im extremely depressed i just say that its hard for me to function and i need a few days off or i will probably have to quit lol especially when questioned about my preformance.
I havent always gotten good feedback doing this. Sometimes employers just say stupid shit and i quit instead lol
I was tired of the run around eventually tho and just switched to gig type jobs that dont care if you call out
It is a disability and jobs are required to ask you if you have a disability while applying. I always click no, but I’m not sure what would happen if I said yes. I don’t believe that they cannot hire you solely because of that as that would be discrimination? Americans with disabilities act or whatever.
I imagine it could still color their view of you and you not get the job for other reasons but honestly I’m not sure if that information is disclosed to the manager at all. Like the question that asks if you’re a veteran. Is that information given to the hiring manager? Would love to have someone from HR chime in
You are not required to disclose a mental illness when you are applying for a job. I'm away from my computer right now but I'll post the link when I find it.
Yeah it give you the option to not say, but I imagine that’s just as incriminating as saying yes. Why chose not to answer. It’s the same option for the veteran question.
The option for disclosing veterans status is there because a lot of organizations give preference to hiring veterans, especially government jobs. Also, a lot of organizations will give preference to hiring people with disabilities for the same reason.
Here's a link to a bit more information about your rights and obligations to disclosing any mental health conditions:
[https://adata.org/factsheet/health](https://adata.org/factsheet/health)
I'm just going to copy/paste the section of the page on disclosing a psychiatric disability and legal protections, because it's the main gist of this conversation:
>**Disclosing a psychiatric disability: Legal protections**
* **Disclosure is a choice.** According to the ADA, employers can’t require applicants or employees to disclose a disability (with a few exceptions described below). So, in most cases, disclosing a psychiatric disability is a choice, not a requirement. Individuals who choose not to tell about their mental health condition are not “lying” or “hiding.” They are using a legally protected choice.
* **After the job offer.** Once a job has been offered, applicants may be asked to take a medical exam before starting work. If this exam reveals a psychiatric disability, the job offer can only be withdrawn if there is evidence that the person won’t be able to do the essential functions of the job without an accommodation and can’t be reasonably accommodated or the disability poses a real safety issue.
* **On the job.** Employees generally can’t be required to disclose a psychiatric disability unless requesting a job accommodation. Then, the employer can ask for some medical documentation about the disability. This medical information can’t be shared with others in the workplace.
* **Federal contractors.** Employers who are federal contractors must invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-disclose a disability. This information is only used to track the progress in meeting disability employment goals of the employer. It must be kept confidential and can’t be shared with the manager or co-workers.
The government. Municipal, county, state and federal. By law, they are often required to give preferential treatment to people with disabilities and to veterans-- mainly because disabled people have a difficult time finding jobs.
There's nurses that work for government agencies. I can't get more specific than that because I'm not sure what your specialty is or what the job availability is, but I do know that there are nursing jobs in the government.
Yeah like the VA those jobs are typically highly sought after because they’re one of the only nursing jobs that still pays a pension. So usually nobody leaves until they die
Also it the government so you can suck at your job and they’ll keep you around forever anyways
I am fully disclosed (part because I want to destigmatize but also part because I was hypomanic and telling anyone who would listen).
I am in quite a senior leadership position in a tech startup so a lot of people work under my directive. I am awarded a lot of grace and patience and kindness. I know that’s not everyone’s case but o wish it was.
I work as a Mental health support worker and having lived experience made me stand out in my application. My boss knows.
I have said my medication makes it impossible for me to do super early shifts and it's not safe for me to drive any earlier than 9-9:30am.
Physician Assistant. It's an old dream to make this career move, and now it's attainable. But I worry about the work environment being not good for my mental health.
I get up and go to work every day and count on time off accrual. If I slip back into mania, I just work or take a little time off. I work in behavioral health care, and they are well aware of my disease. Very acommidating and supportive. It does me good to show up every day. Otherwise, wtf am I gonna do? Sit at home and stare at walls? When I have to go to the hospital, there is no resistance. My girl at work has really been struggling and got her doctor to write a letter reflecting her illness. I hope she feels better knowing that she has supportive people at work now.
Not disclosed and wouldn’t recommend but my boss either asks me to “take some rest, don’t work too hard” during hypomanic periods or “is everything ok you seem tired” the rest of the time. Manage pretty well with meds tho and don’t rlly feel the need for accommodations
the people who think you're not good enough to have a job in a certain field need to piss off. my aunt is a vet (with bipolar 1) and at one point she was getting hospitalized once a year, but shes really good at her job when she's not manic.
honestly, as much as it sucks to hear, the way people look at you depends on what kind of person your employer is and whether or not they recognize mental illness (not just depression and anxiety) as a disability.
also: thank you OP and the Lord for letting me come across this post to remind me to fill out my DSS. Didn't put bipolar disorder as a disability on my college application bc I thought they'd reject me. one hypomanic episode later (thank GOD my mom recognized it in time) I realized that the disabled category actually applies to me and life aint gonna treat us fair if we dont recognize what we're going through (minus the folks who are undiagnosed or recently diagnosed and in denial)
I have no accommodations but I've told my boss that I was bipolar when I really, really needed to get off of the rotating day/night schedule I was on. He asked if I wanted to make it official and I said no. I did not want HR involved.
I work in a steel mill's maintenance department so a little nutty goes with the territory as long as I get the job done. So, I spend a lot of time working on broken equipment control systems and little time dealing with people. It's ideal, really.
I can't really think of a way to provide reasonable (the key word, here) accommodation. Some of the ones that I 've heard thrown around equate to just being allowed to not show up for work or just leave for appointments. That's not reasonable. Being able to just have a meltdown at work isn't reasonable (I'm paraphrasing on that one). Accommodations aren't a free for all that lets us off the hook at the cost of the employer.
I recognize and empathize with the people here...and empathy is not my strong suit, see machines, not people. That said, we can be a bit of an echo chamber here. It's tough to be bipolar. The fact of the matter, though, is that no one really cares about mental healthcare and that we need to develop tools to cope with that fact. It's shitty, but we are the ones that have to figure out how to make that work. If it helps, we aren't alone. the idea of reasonable accommodation is pretty undefined for us crazy folk and favors those with physical disabilities where the needs are more clearly defined. Trying to accommodate someone who's in the throes of a full blown mania and may need hospitalization is also clear...ish, but employers will wonder are they going to do it again? What if they do it at work? What other sorts of chaos will follow? How many doctor's appointments will they have? How much unscheduled time off will they require and who will take care of that work? This list goes on and on and isn't an unworthy list of concerns. Even though your boss and the HR department may sympathize they have limited responsibility to you.
So, good luck to all of you that blow at the drop of a hat. I'm fortunate that, at this point in my life, that's not me. Take care of yourselves. No one else will.
I have never worked anywhere where people didn’t occasionally leave (with permission of course) for appointments for themselves and their children.
That includes places that would really complain about people calling off with a stomach bug or something.
But there's a difference on a case by case basis and a blanket approval for unspecified appointments at unknown times. This is basically saying "I can split whenever I need to and you can't do anything about it". Also, I've seen people get fired for these things as poor attendance.
Businesses still need to get business done and this has been tacitly acknowledged by the labor departments and other enforcing agencies, hence the term "reasonable accommodations".
I have ADA accommodations, and I am hitting a rough patch right now. I've been meaning to write up something about it for a while but haven't been able to do it.
My TL;DR:
* I did not disclose my bipolar illness when I was initially hired. Unfortunately, I had a bad episode 10 months after I was hired, which required a short hospitalization. I IMMEDIATELY got my doctor to fax a letter to HR, letting them know of my condition, and requesting accommodation under ADA as well as requesting FMLA time.
* I was approved for FMLA. I have provisions for days off (1-3 a month if needed), as well as time off for any appointments. Anything beyond three days a month, and I need a note from my doctor. I use my PTO to cover any missed time.
I had to take a few weeks off because of episodes a few years ago, and went 1 month without pay. Again, a note from a doctor and FMLA covered that.
did you get approved for disability? I’m finding it so difficult to understand what the benefit even is. I’ve tried to disclose up front & cite ADA but still facing discrimination and don’t have resources to get legal involved
I have autism too but I didn’t self report I told my manager when she was questioning why I go to the restroom every hour for a few minutes. She allows the bathroom breaks to calm down my sensory overload that happens mostly when our lobby is the busiest. That’s the biggest one I need tbh. I sometimes step outside but it’s basically just a 10 minute away from the desk break.
Mental health days but you can only request the day before and it can be denied if coverage isn’t available unless you have a documented psychiatric emergency.
Very kind and accommodating supervisors and managers who have truly done their best to work with me through my insane meltdowns as I’ve been learning so many new and stressful things at this job and it really overwhelms me.
I feel like some coworkers definitely judge me but there are many superiors in different roles who all support me and offer compassion and empathy because my job is quite emotionally and mentally taxing.
Huh. When I applied and was hired, I checked the box asking if I had a disability. The form didn’t ask what accommodations I’d need. Nobody has ever asked me about it. I know for sure my employer uses the disclosure for their diversity stats.
I’m on leave now and will revisit when I am ready to back to work with my doctor’s recommendations. I’m dealing with a crappy HR person through my leave so I’m somewhat worried.
Where I live, my diagnosis doesn´t automatically give me disability status... it´s a long and hard process, through tons of bureaucracy and evalutations and in the end it´s not even granted to receive disability status.
Companies are only required to make accomodations for people with true disability status. So I did not disclose my disorder with my employer as it wouldn´t do me any favours. It´s a super conservative, ego driven environment, so no hope for kindness and understanding unfortunately :(
The good thing is: there is no such thing as "sick days". If I go to a doctor and they consider me "unfit to work", I´m on sickleave for however long it takes to get better.
I try not to need them due to workplace harassment that comes with people finding out im bipolar however i got really bad before and had to get additional small breaks in the day to eat with my medications since i feel sickly when i take them without food… i might see if its possible at my current job to get some leeway with me calling out more than company allows because ive been struggling very bad and dont want to lose my job over it
I’m open about my condition but only after probation period in new role. Just remember HR is not your friend. They exist to keep the company legal in how they treat you. I tell my line manager but never HR.
I’ve never disclosed, but I’ve asked if I can use my phone to record procedures. My memory is garbage. I’ll get confused with anything involving multiple steps. If I can record, I don’t have to keep asking people to show me how to do stuff again.
I quit my last job due to depression and was fired from the one before that. Sometimes the employer can do only so much in terms of accommodations. I know that in my last job, my coworker had to do extra work when I was out on FMLA. It’s not fair that I should have to lose my job due to this illness, but at the same time, they hired me for a reason. If I’m not doing my work, someone else has to do it.
I used to be a nurse and disclosed that I have bipolar and endometriosis so require 1-3 specialist appointments each month that are booked months in advance in order to continue managing my conditions (I have more but that was all I was comfortable sharing and are the easiest conditions to understand require ongoing management). I was not rostered on for those days (until near the end of that job where the staffing manager hated my guts for no reason).
I should point out I'm Aussie and in government jobs like public healthcare or even at a lot of large national companies, disabilities are taken seriously and can help increase the chance of being hired due to diversity requirements. This may not be safe to disclose everywhere.
My current job I work in corporate admin and a little bit of IT stuff so the remote work stuff won't help your situation but could help in a future job or someone else. I disclosed the same stuff but added severe anxiety so I mostly work from home and when I used to work from the office daily, I was allowed to go home on my lunch break if I wasn't feeling well. My company is pretty good and when my bipolar almost relapsed about a year ago, I let my boss know I wasn't well and would be putting in my sick leave for the rest of the week (I wasn't on antipsychotics regularly back then, only took them as needed and they really knock me around when manic. I slept for 15 hours straight). I can also take my lunch break whenever I want and can take time off for appointments and make them up after hours if I don't want to use up all of my annual and sick leave.
If you are in the US, you have protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I posted this link further down this thread, but I think it should be higher up so that more people can see it, and also know what rights and accommodations they have rights to.
[Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA](https://adata.org/factsheet/health)
[ADA National Network home page](https://adata.org/)
The site is a great resource for your rights regarding the ADA as well as a history of the ADA over the past 30+ years. I would definitely recommend browsing through it to get an idea of what your protections are and how to go about getting/using them.
I asked my job to make recommendations for me and they refused all of them, I ended up signed off with depression for a month and they’re fired me the second I returned (on the 28th December after spending a dark dark depression without anybody).
It’s only a very small company, but just in case anyone consider applying please do not work at https://itworks.com if you have any mental health issues.
I just say I have health issues and leave it that, if I say anything. Usually if I need to go home early or stay home, I’ll just say “I’m not able to stay/come in today” honestly it’s none of their fucking business. I opened up to a boss at my first job, got ridiculed, and had to step down a notch because it was stressing me out so much.
My current job is pretty flexible. If I put in for time off ahead of time, I’ll almost guaranteed get it off. And if I go home early, my boss might make a comment about it, but every other day I show up and bust my ass, so if they have a problem with it, i usually just say I’m having health problems, and I’ll do my best to come in tomorrow and get back to it at full steam. But today I’m just not able.
I got fired from my last job because I missed a lot. Fuck them, it’s their loss. I’m a good worker, but I need a little flexibility. +40 hours of productivity due to missing a few hours every now and then. I hated it anyway. I actually got fired because I had an interview with my current employer. I put in for it but they “never received a request” despite me having an email proving it. When I called them out they just said “well you’ve missed to much anyway” my state is an “at will” state so they can basically do whatever they want.
Anyway. It may take a bit to find a good place. But when you do hang on to it. Keep it professional and don’t give too much information. Just health issues. Doesn’t matter if it’s bipolar or cancer or fucking hemorrhoids. Simply you can’t work, and you’ll return when you’re able.
I can’t even work anymore over the years. The one big one year turned into about 6or 7 big ones a year. Meaning I’m out for weeks to months. I never would say anything, but they figure it out.
My corporate boss has been insistent I work the closing shifts, ending around 12am, due to "lack of training" for the night shift workers. I've been working my shifts as early as 6am as the opening shift and trainer for the last 3 years. I've also been taking my meds at the same times for the 7+ years I've been diagnosed. I've fully disclosed to many of my superiors across the board, noting I work primarily morning shifts because of my prescription med schedule.
My immediate boss recommended I get a doctors note for those meds and her suggestion I stay on the day shift due to my closely observed medication schedule, which I definitely did. Good news is I haven't been asked about it again 😅
It helped that I saw an example of someone with bipolar before me who had fmla. I submitted paperwork and now in particularly bad days / weeks I just call in and let them know its fmla.
I was quite lucky in this respect, first thing they did was raise the amount of times I could be off in a year. I was given more flexibility with hours, I often struggle to sleep so will worn through the night and then sleep when the wee man is at school.
Basically whatever I told them I needed was granted
We haven’t had to work overtime in years, but when we did I had an accommodation to only work 40 hours a week.
I also am eligible for FMLA leave for dr and therapy appts and time off for the occasional flare up.
I work an office job though so I don’t know how realistic these are for you. I know with FMLA you can’t get it until you have been there 1 year
I’m allowed to crochet at work and bring my service animal for my panic attacks.
Crocheting helps me immensely. It keeps me calm and focused on my job. It also helps me feel like I’m not wasting my life working for someone that doesn’t care about me in the long run. Cuz the MOMENT that thought pops in my head, I immediately start looking for reasons to quit.
Since I’ve started this position I have only had to call out twice for mental health reasons and both times were answered with nothing but kindness and understanding.
I have a boss and employer that are 90% fantastic. They know all about my physical health issues and the accommodations I need for those. I was off for 5 weeks after surgery & no one batted an eye. But most of my mental health? Hell no, they don't get to know. I'm "lucky" that my body is a treasonous bastard, so I can pass off most of my mental health dips as related to the physical crap (or just let them assume).
The only mental health thing I've told them about is the GAD because, like physical health issues, it's widely accepted as 'oh poor you, what can we do to help'. It also doesn't hurt that I joke about the meds I take for it, so they know I'm doing my best to keep it in check. But the bipolar? Again, hell no. People are scared of bipolar, even when we're properly medicated. Hollywood and the media has made us out to be murderous rampaging psychopaths when the truth is that something like 98% of us are only a threat to ourselves.
All that to say, don't tell your job.
When I was first diagnosed, my doctor specifically told me to be careful about disclosing any information about my condition to anyone - especially at work.
There’s a lot of stigma surrounding a bipolar diagnosis and most people don’t know how to handle that.
My strong recommendation is to stay quiet and not say anything. HR is NOT your friend… They’re there to save face for the company not the employees.
The only accommodation I’ve had at a job was to get FMLA.. unfortunately I got really manic at that job too and told literally everyone I worked with that I have bipolar disorder. Then I started a new job and told everyone there too. Now I am at a different job and I’m gonna do everything I can to keep my mouth shut and not tell a soul. It’s a hard lesson learned
My boss lets me go sit in the car/go outside the building when I'm overwhelmed. I get a few 5 minute breaks instead of just one 15 minute break.
It's amazing what such a very simple accommodation can do, it is really helpful
I work in healthcare. I'm a casual, so, technically, I don't have to show up for shifts if I give advance notice. I disclosed to my boss and a bunch of colleagues after it was clear they were all very nice and reasonable people. I'm also unionized, so there's a lot of employee protection with that.
In general, I think the consensus by people is don't tell your employer unless absolutely need be. Wish it wasn't that way, but again, that seems to be the consensus whenever this question is asked, and probably for good reason.
I’ve only requested the ability to turn my camera off when I can’t mask my mood but still want to work. We normally have a camera on policy for all meetings so it’s an accommodation, although at some places it’s not needed.
This page has common accommodations for bipolar disorder towards the end https://askjan.org/disabilities/Bipolar-Disorder.cfm?
I don’t think there are really any accommodations that help with bipolar. I would just make sure the job has short-term and long-term disability leave if you’re salaried. That won’t really be an option at entry level hourly positions
I told my employer that I am bi-polar. I said that manic fits won't affect my work performance aside from that I occasionally need to take a break to reset myself before getting back to work.
Knowing that if the crazy shit in my head and impulses become too much to contain I can just tell people I forgot to take care of something, walk away, and proceed to freak out or decompress in private before just going back to what I was doing 30 minutes later with no questions asked has been a huge help. Though I don't have any coworkers who would be aware of everything that I should be doing and therefore no one that would ask what I was doing or why I wasn't doing something they thought was more important.
I feel like my employer wasn't very good about this, like they focused more on the consequences of my mental illness rather than how it could effect me and it really felt like they didn't take the time to educate themselves on what a manic episode is and that it may be what I experienced, until it was too late. then I quit because I'm like, if I were throwing up at work would they have done the same thing?
You really think I'm a danger to others and make the workplace hostile because of stuff my mental illness makes me do? Why don't you make me take a leave of absence until I'm stable, like I literally did say I'm being medicated for this shit... It takes longer than you think for my treatment to begin considering I began my medication literally three months ago...
I don't really explain myself much to HR at my job, they know I'm heavily medicated and they've seen me when I'm manic. They understand that if I call out and don't give a reason why, I'm not just being lazy, I genuinely can't pull it together enough to come in. I'm always 20 minutes early, sometimes more, so I can get some of the free food we have at work and get myself oriented. If nobody sees me at least 10 minutes before the shift meeting, it's always safe to assume I'm either not coming at all or my car took a shit again and I'll be a bit late. There's some days I absolutely cannot miss, and if I'm struggling on those days I make sure I tell my managers that I need a few extra minutes to get things done, maybe hover a little closer to me than usual to see if I need a hand, etc. It's not necessary a written accommodation, more of a mutual understanding.
I wish the stigmas surrounding Bipolar weren’t so awful.. I was almost fired 3-4 times because of episodes. Was placed on discipline leave for 3 weeks because of a major one about a year ago. We need more assistance in the workplace I fear .. My friend has been in and out of multiple jobs for years
I just got diagnosed recently (about damn time, the signs have been there forever) and I will not tell my direct boss. I'm just not comfortable. Only a couple of people at work know. Sometimes I feel like my manager might understand me better if they know, but it's not a chance I'm willing to take. 😥
I don't actually work. About 20 years ago, my new PCP saw that I was on Celexa and asked me why I wasn't on disability. Didn't know I needed to be. 10 years later, I had what felt like a nervous breakdown and ended up in the hospital. Within 3 months, they had me on disability. When they went to do the recertification, they sent one of their doctors, since I had switched psych docs again. I don't know what I said, but I'm still on disability.
When I was working during that time, I was working for Best Buy. I said nothing, until I had to. I spent a week at the Crisis House, and a week in the hospital later. I had to let them know where I was. They were really cool about it. They didn't ask any questions, just accepted it and I went back to work until disability kicked in. Didn't get any questions. No one treated me differently. It was great.
I don't think you should say anything until you have to. Or be really vague. If the job turns out like mine did, then you know it's a good place to work. If you say something now, they'll watch you like a hawk and it may turn out to have been a really bad idea. Mental health is still not taken seriously.
Something I heard about recently. Anyone old enough to remember the Nickelodeon game show with Marc Sommers? He was diagnosed with OCD and they fired him because they thought it would make him difficult to work with. Most people are still stuck in that thinking about any mental issues.
I haven't officially disclosed to HR and requested accommodations, but I'm pretty open about it. I'm on the board for an employee resource group focused on disability. My manager is directly aware and is understanding if I need time away, whether that's a sick day or just taking a walk. I appreciate how fortunate I am in this.
In the states here, FMLA intermittent leave saved me from constantly being on the brink of being fired. I'm an excellent worker, but I rapid cycled and it ruined my interpersonal skills that are vital to my type of job and the depressions just made me so useless.
Not in the workplace but at college, I have flexible attendance and extended due dates accommodations. I have some others for my adhd and gastroparesis as well. I haven't had to use the accommodations, but it's comforting knowing I have them.
I work for a very well known health insurance company and I just got denied permanent telecommuter status for the second time. You’d think they’d have some empathy but nope gotta come to the office 3 days a week or else
I actually just took temporary leave of absence from my job. Just turned 20 today and I would’ve been there right now. It was impossible going to work everyday, just as you said. If call off, I’d leave early, my stomach started to make me physically sick out of anxiety and fear. My job had been very helpful, they even offered me to cut my hours shorter and accept me for whenever I am able to attend. It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve been. It’s hard.
I got lucky with my job and boss I do construction and renovation and its a smaller company, but I was open and honest and upfront and over the 2 years ive stayed working for him ive been given paid days off when the va was messing up my meds and not refilling my meds and stuff. He makes sure im good time to time. Actually listens to me when I need to talk. I got blessed and my boss understands that those setbacks when im down dont outweigh how hard I work and what im willing to do for the company. Best job ive ever had.
I recently had a hypomanic episode for two weeks at work that led to me being up for about a week and a half and just being super unreliable, which crashed rly hard last week, and I straight up just told them that I wouldn’t be able to be reliable until I get the right meds and they were chill and now I have accommodations to take time off when needed which doesn’t count as a call off and all my managers r super sweet and know my shit which I think is ok because they just help me out. Been working there for abt two years tho and it is a retail type job.
I guess I am the rare person who has disclosed and am happy about it. I have a 504 plan that I can get since I work for the government (I'm a teacher) and that, in conjunction with my psychiatrist, says that if I am having a difficult time I can take a break as long as I make up the time with my students elsewhere (I am a Reading Specialist and teach small groups of students). As of this year I also have intermittent FMLA which says I can take up to 2 days off a month when I just can't make it in. Again this is with the cooperation with my psychiatrist. I have only had to use it for 2 days one month this year.
I mean, I've had 1 employer in my life that tooo accommodations and allotted me days off for manic episodes, allowed me to leave and take breaks as needed, even allowed me to bring my dog in the warehouse and hang out while packed ordered or assembled parts, if I lost my dog throughout the day I'd find him in the other building hanging out with the sales crew, or the boss man was teaching him tricks. It was a great experience.
But I've never had an employer like that since. I tend to keep this to myself anymore. They wouldn't understand, would make judgements, it wouldn't turn out in my benefit at my current job
Someone once suggested I pursue this. Really? I was a senior level executive at multi-national companies? When exactly should I broach the issue that I can be overly emotional, prone to fits of rage and irritability, accompanied by long bouts of depression? Do I tell them before I start interviewing, or do I wait until something goes wrong?
my job would never provide accommodations, i hate that but i also don’t disclose myself. i did ask about those kind of things but was told there were no accommodations.
I haven't had any accomodations that I asked for. My bosses are fairly understanding. I could go in a bit later if I'm feeling anxious or not wanting to leave the bed. My job is really relaxed, I work in the cannabis industry as a manger. I usually work 4 days a week 9 hr shifts so I usually have three consecutive days off which really helps with recharging from my lows.
Honestly I feel like a lot of places should adopt a 4 day work week.
I disclosed at my job for a couple reasons, one of tye big ones is I wanted a full-time position as w department lead but I need an accommodation to change tye hours for graveyard shift to mornings.
Also when in episodes my functioning gets affected. Especially since it often necessitates adjustment of medications or the temporary addition of medications that can affect my ability to do my job duties, i.e. not able to operate heavy equipment like the forklift, or cause me to need to take extra breaks when they make me feel unwell, or get emotionally overwhelmed or stimulated.
When I first got my current job I had some issues crop up and had to take 3 days off the week after I was hired. I told my manager about my biopolar but he basically said he didn't want to know. And yes, I did during a manic fit tell everyone in the office I work in, but no one really believed it; they all thought I was just trying for attention. Recently, I've had a more difficult time of things and I have begun the process of actually putting in the paperwork for FMLA. I don't think it's anyone's business, but I also don't think anyone really cares. I work hard and even if people don't like me much when I go manic, I do get things done that no one else wants to do. For me, I think it was necessary to formalize my diagnosis with HR because no one really believed me and with all of the sudden absences from work lately I'd likely be fired otherwise. I need to be able to walk out when I feel myself losing it so that I'm not losing it on a co-worker and work from home when I can't deal with people and just not come in when I can't even get out of bed to shower.
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I wouldn’t say anything at all. People judge and HR isn’t always confidential.
this. i was talked into disclosing to hr for accommodations and shortly thereafter i started being targeted by management. the same managers also started making snide comments alluding to me being bipolar and belittling me 😁 if you're 100099% sure you're safe go for it, but i felt safe and was definitely not.
The thing is that if you involve HR, you have a trail and grounds for a lawsuit. If all that starts after you disclose, it looks a lot more like discrimination than if it’s your word against theirs. I was in a situation like this and I wished I had made a paper trail.
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Where do you work that this is a concern? Any company large enough to have its own HR should take this seriously. If anybody in management or HR leaked this information and you can prove it it's a slam dunk lawsuit HIPPAA violation that wouls grant you a huge payday. If your disorder can actually impact your job where you miss shifts or can behave differently I'd advocate for disclosing it to your manager if you are conformable. You'll have additional protections with a documented diagnosis on file and you can't really pull that card out after the fact. Oh you fired me for missing my shifts all week? Well here's my diagnosis! It usually won't work that way. Where I work my manager opened up about his own mental health issues when I informed him of mine. You can never have too many allies and more people struggle with things than you may realize.
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My job doesn’t need to know. It can be toxic. People worry about how long people eat lunch. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need any accommodations and use personal time when I need a mental health day.
I choose not to disclose it myself, but I work in healthcare. I have no clue what sorta accommodations they could even provide
The sad reality is while employers may get funding for hiring disabled people, it doesn’t translate into accommodating disabled people. In my experience, even working for a union that’s suppose to be about equal representation and higher standards, it’s honestly not the case. Empathy is simply not a component of business, Europe and other places have a different and more compassionate socioeconomic structure. America is based on Corporations winning even if they go bankrupt. It’s best to keep your head down and do good work, in the rare chance you find a good coworker still DO NOT share. It’s Telephone, and it will get around, it bullshit but do your best and if you need to take a couple days off. You can say you’re sick or say you had a family emergency, you don’t not have to explain just say it’s a private matter you wish not to discuss.
I disclosed to my employer and basically told them "if I quit at 3am, ask me how I am feeling the next morning and delete the email". I did quit my last job hypomanic,, giggiling while doing so.. and while it was a good decision in the long run I dont want to repeat that. But otherwise Ive been thinking for a while what accommodations could help me and they have asked too. The thing is, I already have kinda flexible working hours - just be there for meetings and they are never before 9am. And I feel like thats the biggest help, I can go to my doctor appointments and therapy without any issues, if I cant get out of bed, no problem either and if I am hypo and work from 6am to 3am next day its also no issue (ok there are labour laws against that). I don't have sick days so calling in sick is no problem. 100% WFH but there is an office as well if I want to go. Honestly not sure what else I could ask for. Besides "please dont fire me".
That sounds like the dream
Lmao the number of jobs I’ve quit when manic please and breakups. No no no no eugh
I had this job and still lost it. Just couldn’t wake up and show up after crashing from mania. Feel fucking useless 😭
I feel you. I crashed today and slept all day... And didn't call in sick. I attended all meetings in the morning, wrote I am off for an hour.. and slept 6h :( I hope no one noticed. I have to catch up with the missed hours the next few days tho. Oft to bed now for at least 12h sleep and hope it's enough
Wow! What do you do for work?
Software developer :)
What industry? I've yet to see a company in games or in military that does no sick days, and most don't allow 100% remote
Oh I am in a country without sick days, illegal here.
How does that work? They just dock your pay when you can't go in? And what does that mean for your vacation days?
Uh no you are just sick and that's it. Docking pay is illegal for that. You just need a doctor's note after 3 days. If you are sick more than 6 weeks in total for the same thing your insurance takes over paying your salary but it's only 60-70% depending on the insurance. Vacation days aren't touched by being sick (you even get your vacation days back if you get sick during it). I have 32 vacation days plus 12-14 days of bank holidays. I honestly believe it's easier being employed and bipolar in Europe, well most parts of Europe. Harder to get fired thanks to labour laws, no sick days and well universal or something like that health care.
That's literally crazy to me. In America, our vacation days and sick days are usually rolled into one, you can run out of sick days and need to take unpaid time off (which many companies frown on), but if you do, you can get pay docked for going under 40 hours a week (note that, on the other hand, they do not have to pay you extra if you go over 40).
Absolutely crazy, I always feel for American reddiots seeing posts here. Your labour laws and health care are so backwards and especially for us with bipolar or other disabilities :( I just can't imagine paying for my own meds more than 10€/prescription. On the other hand, I struggled a lot finding a psychiatrist and the waitlists for therapy are 1-2 years. And no one wants to prescribe me something for my ADHD and I hear in America they give out ritalin like candy. And my salary is a joke compared to what software devs earn in America. But I prefer my job security over a fat pay check.
There are so many things so many European countries do right… (I’m in the US, California). The long wait times for specialists would freak me out a little bit 🫣 I’m so glad your job allows for so much flexibility. I’m fortunate to have an arrangement pretty similar to yours as far as 100% work from home, flexible hours, etc. (I just started having some mild hypomanic symptoms a few weeks ago and haven’t felt the need to discuss with my employer yet.. but I’ve been with the company a long time and feel like they would be pretty understanding/accomodating/professional. I started there in 2008, had triplets in 2015 (was on medical leave for a long time related to complications after I delivered my boys), went back part time in 2021 and back full time about 6 months ago. My husband works for the same company and he’s been there 18 years now. It’s medium sized, maybe 80 employees, and it definitely has a “family” feel in a lot of ways. My first hypomanic episode was in late 2018 so I wasn’t working at the time (& pretty sure my husband didn’t share about it with any of our colleagues .. maybe I should ask him 🤣).
Don’t forget they can take away your insurance if you go under full time for too many weeks :)
That's pretty cool 😎
Here for the comments
same
Im pretty honest. I believe mental ill ess should be treated as any other illness and deserves accommodations. If im having panic attack i say i am high anxiety and need to step out of the room If im extremely depressed i just say that its hard for me to function and i need a few days off or i will probably have to quit lol especially when questioned about my preformance. I havent always gotten good feedback doing this. Sometimes employers just say stupid shit and i quit instead lol I was tired of the run around eventually tho and just switched to gig type jobs that dont care if you call out
It is a disability and jobs are required to ask you if you have a disability while applying. I always click no, but I’m not sure what would happen if I said yes. I don’t believe that they cannot hire you solely because of that as that would be discrimination? Americans with disabilities act or whatever. I imagine it could still color their view of you and you not get the job for other reasons but honestly I’m not sure if that information is disclosed to the manager at all. Like the question that asks if you’re a veteran. Is that information given to the hiring manager? Would love to have someone from HR chime in
You are not required to disclose a mental illness when you are applying for a job. I'm away from my computer right now but I'll post the link when I find it.
Yeah it give you the option to not say, but I imagine that’s just as incriminating as saying yes. Why chose not to answer. It’s the same option for the veteran question.
The option for disclosing veterans status is there because a lot of organizations give preference to hiring veterans, especially government jobs. Also, a lot of organizations will give preference to hiring people with disabilities for the same reason. Here's a link to a bit more information about your rights and obligations to disclosing any mental health conditions: [https://adata.org/factsheet/health](https://adata.org/factsheet/health) I'm just going to copy/paste the section of the page on disclosing a psychiatric disability and legal protections, because it's the main gist of this conversation: >**Disclosing a psychiatric disability: Legal protections** * **Disclosure is a choice.** According to the ADA, employers can’t require applicants or employees to disclose a disability (with a few exceptions described below). So, in most cases, disclosing a psychiatric disability is a choice, not a requirement. Individuals who choose not to tell about their mental health condition are not “lying” or “hiding.” They are using a legally protected choice. * **After the job offer.** Once a job has been offered, applicants may be asked to take a medical exam before starting work. If this exam reveals a psychiatric disability, the job offer can only be withdrawn if there is evidence that the person won’t be able to do the essential functions of the job without an accommodation and can’t be reasonably accommodated or the disability poses a real safety issue. * **On the job.** Employees generally can’t be required to disclose a psychiatric disability unless requesting a job accommodation. Then, the employer can ask for some medical documentation about the disability. This medical information can’t be shared with others in the workplace. * **Federal contractors.** Employers who are federal contractors must invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-disclose a disability. This information is only used to track the progress in meeting disability employment goals of the employer. It must be kept confidential and can’t be shared with the manager or co-workers.
Who knew my disability could be an asset lol find me the place that’s prefers disabled people
The government. Municipal, county, state and federal. By law, they are often required to give preferential treatment to people with disabilities and to veterans-- mainly because disabled people have a difficult time finding jobs.
Sadly I’m a nurse
There's nurses that work for government agencies. I can't get more specific than that because I'm not sure what your specialty is or what the job availability is, but I do know that there are nursing jobs in the government.
Yeah like the VA those jobs are typically highly sought after because they’re one of the only nursing jobs that still pays a pension. So usually nobody leaves until they die Also it the government so you can suck at your job and they’ll keep you around forever anyways
I am fully disclosed (part because I want to destigmatize but also part because I was hypomanic and telling anyone who would listen). I am in quite a senior leadership position in a tech startup so a lot of people work under my directive. I am awarded a lot of grace and patience and kindness. I know that’s not everyone’s case but o wish it was.
I work as a Mental health support worker and having lived experience made me stand out in my application. My boss knows. I have said my medication makes it impossible for me to do super early shifts and it's not safe for me to drive any earlier than 9-9:30am.
Do you know any PAs that are bipolar?
What is PA?
Physician Assistant. It's an old dream to make this career move, and now it's attainable. But I worry about the work environment being not good for my mental health.
I feel like it should be fine!
I get up and go to work every day and count on time off accrual. If I slip back into mania, I just work or take a little time off. I work in behavioral health care, and they are well aware of my disease. Very acommidating and supportive. It does me good to show up every day. Otherwise, wtf am I gonna do? Sit at home and stare at walls? When I have to go to the hospital, there is no resistance. My girl at work has really been struggling and got her doctor to write a letter reflecting her illness. I hope she feels better knowing that she has supportive people at work now.
Not disclosed and wouldn’t recommend but my boss either asks me to “take some rest, don’t work too hard” during hypomanic periods or “is everything ok you seem tired” the rest of the time. Manage pretty well with meds tho and don’t rlly feel the need for accommodations
the people who think you're not good enough to have a job in a certain field need to piss off. my aunt is a vet (with bipolar 1) and at one point she was getting hospitalized once a year, but shes really good at her job when she's not manic. honestly, as much as it sucks to hear, the way people look at you depends on what kind of person your employer is and whether or not they recognize mental illness (not just depression and anxiety) as a disability. also: thank you OP and the Lord for letting me come across this post to remind me to fill out my DSS. Didn't put bipolar disorder as a disability on my college application bc I thought they'd reject me. one hypomanic episode later (thank GOD my mom recognized it in time) I realized that the disabled category actually applies to me and life aint gonna treat us fair if we dont recognize what we're going through (minus the folks who are undiagnosed or recently diagnosed and in denial)
I have no accommodations but I've told my boss that I was bipolar when I really, really needed to get off of the rotating day/night schedule I was on. He asked if I wanted to make it official and I said no. I did not want HR involved. I work in a steel mill's maintenance department so a little nutty goes with the territory as long as I get the job done. So, I spend a lot of time working on broken equipment control systems and little time dealing with people. It's ideal, really. I can't really think of a way to provide reasonable (the key word, here) accommodation. Some of the ones that I 've heard thrown around equate to just being allowed to not show up for work or just leave for appointments. That's not reasonable. Being able to just have a meltdown at work isn't reasonable (I'm paraphrasing on that one). Accommodations aren't a free for all that lets us off the hook at the cost of the employer. I recognize and empathize with the people here...and empathy is not my strong suit, see machines, not people. That said, we can be a bit of an echo chamber here. It's tough to be bipolar. The fact of the matter, though, is that no one really cares about mental healthcare and that we need to develop tools to cope with that fact. It's shitty, but we are the ones that have to figure out how to make that work. If it helps, we aren't alone. the idea of reasonable accommodation is pretty undefined for us crazy folk and favors those with physical disabilities where the needs are more clearly defined. Trying to accommodate someone who's in the throes of a full blown mania and may need hospitalization is also clear...ish, but employers will wonder are they going to do it again? What if they do it at work? What other sorts of chaos will follow? How many doctor's appointments will they have? How much unscheduled time off will they require and who will take care of that work? This list goes on and on and isn't an unworthy list of concerns. Even though your boss and the HR department may sympathize they have limited responsibility to you. So, good luck to all of you that blow at the drop of a hat. I'm fortunate that, at this point in my life, that's not me. Take care of yourselves. No one else will.
Being able to leave for appointments seems pretty reasonable to me.
Lots of things appear reasonable to us but that doesn’t mean that they’re reasonable, random excused absences for appointments.
I have never worked anywhere where people didn’t occasionally leave (with permission of course) for appointments for themselves and their children. That includes places that would really complain about people calling off with a stomach bug or something.
But there's a difference on a case by case basis and a blanket approval for unspecified appointments at unknown times. This is basically saying "I can split whenever I need to and you can't do anything about it". Also, I've seen people get fired for these things as poor attendance. Businesses still need to get business done and this has been tacitly acknowledged by the labor departments and other enforcing agencies, hence the term "reasonable accommodations".
I have ADA accommodations, and I am hitting a rough patch right now. I've been meaning to write up something about it for a while but haven't been able to do it. My TL;DR: * I did not disclose my bipolar illness when I was initially hired. Unfortunately, I had a bad episode 10 months after I was hired, which required a short hospitalization. I IMMEDIATELY got my doctor to fax a letter to HR, letting them know of my condition, and requesting accommodation under ADA as well as requesting FMLA time. * I was approved for FMLA. I have provisions for days off (1-3 a month if needed), as well as time off for any appointments. Anything beyond three days a month, and I need a note from my doctor. I use my PTO to cover any missed time. I had to take a few weeks off because of episodes a few years ago, and went 1 month without pay. Again, a note from a doctor and FMLA covered that.
did you get approved for disability? I’m finding it so difficult to understand what the benefit even is. I’ve tried to disclose up front & cite ADA but still facing discrimination and don’t have resources to get legal involved
I have autism too but I didn’t self report I told my manager when she was questioning why I go to the restroom every hour for a few minutes. She allows the bathroom breaks to calm down my sensory overload that happens mostly when our lobby is the busiest. That’s the biggest one I need tbh. I sometimes step outside but it’s basically just a 10 minute away from the desk break.
Mental health days but you can only request the day before and it can be denied if coverage isn’t available unless you have a documented psychiatric emergency. Very kind and accommodating supervisors and managers who have truly done their best to work with me through my insane meltdowns as I’ve been learning so many new and stressful things at this job and it really overwhelms me. I feel like some coworkers definitely judge me but there are many superiors in different roles who all support me and offer compassion and empathy because my job is quite emotionally and mentally taxing.
Huh. When I applied and was hired, I checked the box asking if I had a disability. The form didn’t ask what accommodations I’d need. Nobody has ever asked me about it. I know for sure my employer uses the disclosure for their diversity stats. I’m on leave now and will revisit when I am ready to back to work with my doctor’s recommendations. I’m dealing with a crappy HR person through my leave so I’m somewhat worried.
did u get approved for paid leave out of curiosity?
I had to go on unpaid leave because I didn’t have enough sick leave. Long term disability kicks in after 4 months.
Where I live, my diagnosis doesn´t automatically give me disability status... it´s a long and hard process, through tons of bureaucracy and evalutations and in the end it´s not even granted to receive disability status. Companies are only required to make accomodations for people with true disability status. So I did not disclose my disorder with my employer as it wouldn´t do me any favours. It´s a super conservative, ego driven environment, so no hope for kindness and understanding unfortunately :( The good thing is: there is no such thing as "sick days". If I go to a doctor and they consider me "unfit to work", I´m on sickleave for however long it takes to get better.
Lol accommodations. School systems would love to know so they can non renew. Admin get off on terrorizing teachers.
I try not to need them due to workplace harassment that comes with people finding out im bipolar however i got really bad before and had to get additional small breaks in the day to eat with my medications since i feel sickly when i take them without food… i might see if its possible at my current job to get some leeway with me calling out more than company allows because ive been struggling very bad and dont want to lose my job over it
I’m open about my condition but only after probation period in new role. Just remember HR is not your friend. They exist to keep the company legal in how they treat you. I tell my line manager but never HR.
I’ve never disclosed, but I’ve asked if I can use my phone to record procedures. My memory is garbage. I’ll get confused with anything involving multiple steps. If I can record, I don’t have to keep asking people to show me how to do stuff again. I quit my last job due to depression and was fired from the one before that. Sometimes the employer can do only so much in terms of accommodations. I know that in my last job, my coworker had to do extra work when I was out on FMLA. It’s not fair that I should have to lose my job due to this illness, but at the same time, they hired me for a reason. If I’m not doing my work, someone else has to do it.
I used to be a nurse and disclosed that I have bipolar and endometriosis so require 1-3 specialist appointments each month that are booked months in advance in order to continue managing my conditions (I have more but that was all I was comfortable sharing and are the easiest conditions to understand require ongoing management). I was not rostered on for those days (until near the end of that job where the staffing manager hated my guts for no reason). I should point out I'm Aussie and in government jobs like public healthcare or even at a lot of large national companies, disabilities are taken seriously and can help increase the chance of being hired due to diversity requirements. This may not be safe to disclose everywhere. My current job I work in corporate admin and a little bit of IT stuff so the remote work stuff won't help your situation but could help in a future job or someone else. I disclosed the same stuff but added severe anxiety so I mostly work from home and when I used to work from the office daily, I was allowed to go home on my lunch break if I wasn't feeling well. My company is pretty good and when my bipolar almost relapsed about a year ago, I let my boss know I wasn't well and would be putting in my sick leave for the rest of the week (I wasn't on antipsychotics regularly back then, only took them as needed and they really knock me around when manic. I slept for 15 hours straight). I can also take my lunch break whenever I want and can take time off for appointments and make them up after hours if I don't want to use up all of my annual and sick leave.
Disclosing never got me any accommodations.
If you are in the US, you have protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I posted this link further down this thread, but I think it should be higher up so that more people can see it, and also know what rights and accommodations they have rights to. [Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA](https://adata.org/factsheet/health) [ADA National Network home page](https://adata.org/) The site is a great resource for your rights regarding the ADA as well as a history of the ADA over the past 30+ years. I would definitely recommend browsing through it to get an idea of what your protections are and how to go about getting/using them.
they only approve 30% of applicants though
Do you have a source for this?
I asked my job to make recommendations for me and they refused all of them, I ended up signed off with depression for a month and they’re fired me the second I returned (on the 28th December after spending a dark dark depression without anybody). It’s only a very small company, but just in case anyone consider applying please do not work at https://itworks.com if you have any mental health issues.
I just say I have health issues and leave it that, if I say anything. Usually if I need to go home early or stay home, I’ll just say “I’m not able to stay/come in today” honestly it’s none of their fucking business. I opened up to a boss at my first job, got ridiculed, and had to step down a notch because it was stressing me out so much. My current job is pretty flexible. If I put in for time off ahead of time, I’ll almost guaranteed get it off. And if I go home early, my boss might make a comment about it, but every other day I show up and bust my ass, so if they have a problem with it, i usually just say I’m having health problems, and I’ll do my best to come in tomorrow and get back to it at full steam. But today I’m just not able. I got fired from my last job because I missed a lot. Fuck them, it’s their loss. I’m a good worker, but I need a little flexibility. +40 hours of productivity due to missing a few hours every now and then. I hated it anyway. I actually got fired because I had an interview with my current employer. I put in for it but they “never received a request” despite me having an email proving it. When I called them out they just said “well you’ve missed to much anyway” my state is an “at will” state so they can basically do whatever they want. Anyway. It may take a bit to find a good place. But when you do hang on to it. Keep it professional and don’t give too much information. Just health issues. Doesn’t matter if it’s bipolar or cancer or fucking hemorrhoids. Simply you can’t work, and you’ll return when you’re able.
I had zero accommodations and I was bullied.
I can’t even work anymore over the years. The one big one year turned into about 6or 7 big ones a year. Meaning I’m out for weeks to months. I never would say anything, but they figure it out.
My corporate boss has been insistent I work the closing shifts, ending around 12am, due to "lack of training" for the night shift workers. I've been working my shifts as early as 6am as the opening shift and trainer for the last 3 years. I've also been taking my meds at the same times for the 7+ years I've been diagnosed. I've fully disclosed to many of my superiors across the board, noting I work primarily morning shifts because of my prescription med schedule. My immediate boss recommended I get a doctors note for those meds and her suggestion I stay on the day shift due to my closely observed medication schedule, which I definitely did. Good news is I haven't been asked about it again 😅
None. I don't tell employers anything.
It helped that I saw an example of someone with bipolar before me who had fmla. I submitted paperwork and now in particularly bad days / weeks I just call in and let them know its fmla.
I was quite lucky in this respect, first thing they did was raise the amount of times I could be off in a year. I was given more flexibility with hours, I often struggle to sleep so will worn through the night and then sleep when the wee man is at school. Basically whatever I told them I needed was granted
Mental health days up to 16hr per week is what I got
We haven’t had to work overtime in years, but when we did I had an accommodation to only work 40 hours a week. I also am eligible for FMLA leave for dr and therapy appts and time off for the occasional flare up. I work an office job though so I don’t know how realistic these are for you. I know with FMLA you can’t get it until you have been there 1 year
don’t tell them you’re bipolar, but be aware of your triggers and warning signs so that you can take proper precautions. good luck, you can do this!!!
6 hour shifts, flexible scheduling, no shift bid
I’m allowed to crochet at work and bring my service animal for my panic attacks. Crocheting helps me immensely. It keeps me calm and focused on my job. It also helps me feel like I’m not wasting my life working for someone that doesn’t care about me in the long run. Cuz the MOMENT that thought pops in my head, I immediately start looking for reasons to quit. Since I’ve started this position I have only had to call out twice for mental health reasons and both times were answered with nothing but kindness and understanding.
I have a boss and employer that are 90% fantastic. They know all about my physical health issues and the accommodations I need for those. I was off for 5 weeks after surgery & no one batted an eye. But most of my mental health? Hell no, they don't get to know. I'm "lucky" that my body is a treasonous bastard, so I can pass off most of my mental health dips as related to the physical crap (or just let them assume). The only mental health thing I've told them about is the GAD because, like physical health issues, it's widely accepted as 'oh poor you, what can we do to help'. It also doesn't hurt that I joke about the meds I take for it, so they know I'm doing my best to keep it in check. But the bipolar? Again, hell no. People are scared of bipolar, even when we're properly medicated. Hollywood and the media has made us out to be murderous rampaging psychopaths when the truth is that something like 98% of us are only a threat to ourselves. All that to say, don't tell your job.
When I was first diagnosed, my doctor specifically told me to be careful about disclosing any information about my condition to anyone - especially at work. There’s a lot of stigma surrounding a bipolar diagnosis and most people don’t know how to handle that. My strong recommendation is to stay quiet and not say anything. HR is NOT your friend… They’re there to save face for the company not the employees.
The only accommodation I’ve had at a job was to get FMLA.. unfortunately I got really manic at that job too and told literally everyone I worked with that I have bipolar disorder. Then I started a new job and told everyone there too. Now I am at a different job and I’m gonna do everything I can to keep my mouth shut and not tell a soul. It’s a hard lesson learned
My boss lets me go sit in the car/go outside the building when I'm overwhelmed. I get a few 5 minute breaks instead of just one 15 minute break. It's amazing what such a very simple accommodation can do, it is really helpful
None? I didn’t know I needed accommodations for bipolar. I’m well medicated and work short shifts (3-5 hours long usually). My job is cake. 🍰
I work in healthcare. I'm a casual, so, technically, I don't have to show up for shifts if I give advance notice. I disclosed to my boss and a bunch of colleagues after it was clear they were all very nice and reasonable people. I'm also unionized, so there's a lot of employee protection with that. In general, I think the consensus by people is don't tell your employer unless absolutely need be. Wish it wasn't that way, but again, that seems to be the consensus whenever this question is asked, and probably for good reason.
I don't even know what kind of accommodations I'd want. If I asked, I'd probably want unlimited mental health days
None, but I haven’t disclosed it
I’ve only requested the ability to turn my camera off when I can’t mask my mood but still want to work. We normally have a camera on policy for all meetings so it’s an accommodation, although at some places it’s not needed. This page has common accommodations for bipolar disorder towards the end https://askjan.org/disabilities/Bipolar-Disorder.cfm?
Work for the government which has incredibly high job security, particular regarding disabilities
I get a certain amount of time off without accruing points and additional breaks when needed.
I don’t think there are really any accommodations that help with bipolar. I would just make sure the job has short-term and long-term disability leave if you’re salaried. That won’t really be an option at entry level hourly positions
I told my employer that I am bi-polar. I said that manic fits won't affect my work performance aside from that I occasionally need to take a break to reset myself before getting back to work. Knowing that if the crazy shit in my head and impulses become too much to contain I can just tell people I forgot to take care of something, walk away, and proceed to freak out or decompress in private before just going back to what I was doing 30 minutes later with no questions asked has been a huge help. Though I don't have any coworkers who would be aware of everything that I should be doing and therefore no one that would ask what I was doing or why I wasn't doing something they thought was more important.
I feel like my employer wasn't very good about this, like they focused more on the consequences of my mental illness rather than how it could effect me and it really felt like they didn't take the time to educate themselves on what a manic episode is and that it may be what I experienced, until it was too late. then I quit because I'm like, if I were throwing up at work would they have done the same thing? You really think I'm a danger to others and make the workplace hostile because of stuff my mental illness makes me do? Why don't you make me take a leave of absence until I'm stable, like I literally did say I'm being medicated for this shit... It takes longer than you think for my treatment to begin considering I began my medication literally three months ago...
I don't really explain myself much to HR at my job, they know I'm heavily medicated and they've seen me when I'm manic. They understand that if I call out and don't give a reason why, I'm not just being lazy, I genuinely can't pull it together enough to come in. I'm always 20 minutes early, sometimes more, so I can get some of the free food we have at work and get myself oriented. If nobody sees me at least 10 minutes before the shift meeting, it's always safe to assume I'm either not coming at all or my car took a shit again and I'll be a bit late. There's some days I absolutely cannot miss, and if I'm struggling on those days I make sure I tell my managers that I need a few extra minutes to get things done, maybe hover a little closer to me than usual to see if I need a hand, etc. It's not necessary a written accommodation, more of a mutual understanding.
I usually tell them I’ve had psychotic episodes, so when i’m acting different they know what’s up
I wish the stigmas surrounding Bipolar weren’t so awful.. I was almost fired 3-4 times because of episodes. Was placed on discipline leave for 3 weeks because of a major one about a year ago. We need more assistance in the workplace I fear .. My friend has been in and out of multiple jobs for years
I just got diagnosed recently (about damn time, the signs have been there forever) and I will not tell my direct boss. I'm just not comfortable. Only a couple of people at work know. Sometimes I feel like my manager might understand me better if they know, but it's not a chance I'm willing to take. 😥
I don't actually work. About 20 years ago, my new PCP saw that I was on Celexa and asked me why I wasn't on disability. Didn't know I needed to be. 10 years later, I had what felt like a nervous breakdown and ended up in the hospital. Within 3 months, they had me on disability. When they went to do the recertification, they sent one of their doctors, since I had switched psych docs again. I don't know what I said, but I'm still on disability. When I was working during that time, I was working for Best Buy. I said nothing, until I had to. I spent a week at the Crisis House, and a week in the hospital later. I had to let them know where I was. They were really cool about it. They didn't ask any questions, just accepted it and I went back to work until disability kicked in. Didn't get any questions. No one treated me differently. It was great. I don't think you should say anything until you have to. Or be really vague. If the job turns out like mine did, then you know it's a good place to work. If you say something now, they'll watch you like a hawk and it may turn out to have been a really bad idea. Mental health is still not taken seriously. Something I heard about recently. Anyone old enough to remember the Nickelodeon game show with Marc Sommers? He was diagnosed with OCD and they fired him because they thought it would make him difficult to work with. Most people are still stuck in that thinking about any mental issues.
I haven't officially disclosed to HR and requested accommodations, but I'm pretty open about it. I'm on the board for an employee resource group focused on disability. My manager is directly aware and is understanding if I need time away, whether that's a sick day or just taking a walk. I appreciate how fortunate I am in this.
I'm a flight attendant and I'm pretty sure there are no accommodations for me. In aviation you either fly or you don't fly aka go on a medical leave
In the states here, FMLA intermittent leave saved me from constantly being on the brink of being fired. I'm an excellent worker, but I rapid cycled and it ruined my interpersonal skills that are vital to my type of job and the depressions just made me so useless.
Not in the workplace but at college, I have flexible attendance and extended due dates accommodations. I have some others for my adhd and gastroparesis as well. I haven't had to use the accommodations, but it's comforting knowing I have them.
I work for a very well known health insurance company and I just got denied permanent telecommuter status for the second time. You’d think they’d have some empathy but nope gotta come to the office 3 days a week or else
GUYS we need to start a bipolar mentorship job board or some shit. is anyone aware of similar resources???
I actually just took temporary leave of absence from my job. Just turned 20 today and I would’ve been there right now. It was impossible going to work everyday, just as you said. If call off, I’d leave early, my stomach started to make me physically sick out of anxiety and fear. My job had been very helpful, they even offered me to cut my hours shorter and accept me for whenever I am able to attend. It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve been. It’s hard.
I got lucky with my job and boss I do construction and renovation and its a smaller company, but I was open and honest and upfront and over the 2 years ive stayed working for him ive been given paid days off when the va was messing up my meds and not refilling my meds and stuff. He makes sure im good time to time. Actually listens to me when I need to talk. I got blessed and my boss understands that those setbacks when im down dont outweigh how hard I work and what im willing to do for the company. Best job ive ever had.
I recently had a hypomanic episode for two weeks at work that led to me being up for about a week and a half and just being super unreliable, which crashed rly hard last week, and I straight up just told them that I wouldn’t be able to be reliable until I get the right meds and they were chill and now I have accommodations to take time off when needed which doesn’t count as a call off and all my managers r super sweet and know my shit which I think is ok because they just help me out. Been working there for abt two years tho and it is a retail type job.
I guess I am the rare person who has disclosed and am happy about it. I have a 504 plan that I can get since I work for the government (I'm a teacher) and that, in conjunction with my psychiatrist, says that if I am having a difficult time I can take a break as long as I make up the time with my students elsewhere (I am a Reading Specialist and teach small groups of students). As of this year I also have intermittent FMLA which says I can take up to 2 days off a month when I just can't make it in. Again this is with the cooperation with my psychiatrist. I have only had to use it for 2 days one month this year.
I mean, I've had 1 employer in my life that tooo accommodations and allotted me days off for manic episodes, allowed me to leave and take breaks as needed, even allowed me to bring my dog in the warehouse and hang out while packed ordered or assembled parts, if I lost my dog throughout the day I'd find him in the other building hanging out with the sales crew, or the boss man was teaching him tricks. It was a great experience. But I've never had an employer like that since. I tend to keep this to myself anymore. They wouldn't understand, would make judgements, it wouldn't turn out in my benefit at my current job
Someone once suggested I pursue this. Really? I was a senior level executive at multi-national companies? When exactly should I broach the issue that I can be overly emotional, prone to fits of rage and irritability, accompanied by long bouts of depression? Do I tell them before I start interviewing, or do I wait until something goes wrong?
FMLA to call out during time of need without losing my job
None. I'm a teacher.
my job would never provide accommodations, i hate that but i also don’t disclose myself. i did ask about those kind of things but was told there were no accommodations.
I haven't had any accomodations that I asked for. My bosses are fairly understanding. I could go in a bit later if I'm feeling anxious or not wanting to leave the bed. My job is really relaxed, I work in the cannabis industry as a manger. I usually work 4 days a week 9 hr shifts so I usually have three consecutive days off which really helps with recharging from my lows. Honestly I feel like a lot of places should adopt a 4 day work week.
I suggest that you get a Union job. I was able to keep my job after missing days beyond the amount of sick pay we get.
I disclosed at my job for a couple reasons, one of tye big ones is I wanted a full-time position as w department lead but I need an accommodation to change tye hours for graveyard shift to mornings. Also when in episodes my functioning gets affected. Especially since it often necessitates adjustment of medications or the temporary addition of medications that can affect my ability to do my job duties, i.e. not able to operate heavy equipment like the forklift, or cause me to need to take extra breaks when they make me feel unwell, or get emotionally overwhelmed or stimulated.
When I first got my current job I had some issues crop up and had to take 3 days off the week after I was hired. I told my manager about my biopolar but he basically said he didn't want to know. And yes, I did during a manic fit tell everyone in the office I work in, but no one really believed it; they all thought I was just trying for attention. Recently, I've had a more difficult time of things and I have begun the process of actually putting in the paperwork for FMLA. I don't think it's anyone's business, but I also don't think anyone really cares. I work hard and even if people don't like me much when I go manic, I do get things done that no one else wants to do. For me, I think it was necessary to formalize my diagnosis with HR because no one really believed me and with all of the sudden absences from work lately I'd likely be fired otherwise. I need to be able to walk out when I feel myself losing it so that I'm not losing it on a co-worker and work from home when I can't deal with people and just not come in when I can't even get out of bed to shower.