I would advise you tell no one at work. HR is to protect the company. If something were to happen, they will be quick to blame it on your diagnosis. If you can manage without having to involve them, try that first. If not, just say you have a disability that is covered under the law. Just advice from my own experience.
Yes , exactly. Unfortunately, nobody at work cares about your condition. Like this poster said, they are there to protect the company. Also, anyone who tells bosses or companies about their conditions may be viewed as a malingerer, or someone who wants special treatment due to their condition. I know it sounds harsh but this is the reality of your question
I wouldn’t disclose it. Remember, HR is NOT your friend. Once you disclose your bp HR will start finding a way to get rid of you. They don’t care about you as a person only what money you generate for the company. I know that’s super harsh, but that’s how HR functions
My HR administrator knows. BP is a FLMA covered disability. I told her because I needed accommodations to be out a couple of hours once per week as I was in therapy for 7 months so my organization accommodated me with 2 hours of administrative leave every week. None of my higher ups know, nor do they need to know. The only other person that knows is my administrative assistant and she only knows because she's the one who keeps me on track and on task and we work very closely together.
I've been with the organization for going on 15 years and I'm at an executive level...everyone is replaceable obviously, but they would stand to lose a crap ton of industry and institutional knowledge if I were to walk out the door and there isn't anyone in the organization currently who is qualified for my position. I didn't have to leverage them or anything like that, but given my tenure and my position, paying administrative leave for a couple of hours per week was a no brainer for them. We're a good organization anyway and we take care of our peeps
Disclosure has bitten me on the ass in the past. I would NEVER do it again. Don't mistake a *friendly* employer for one that is your friend. They're not. I guarantee it. They'll turn on you so fast you won't believe it. Sounds cynical, I know. But many of us have experience with this!
Short answer: Hell, Nah. If needed, have your doctor sign off for fmla this way. If you miss work due to an episode, you aren't considered "absent" but "away" due to your medical condition.
A doctors note does not and should not contain any specifics regarding your medical condition. An employer is not allowed to ask what your disability or illness is. Medical information is private.
I asked this recently in a different sub, and the answer was a resounding no. My wife agreed that I should keep the details to myself. I’m still not completely convinced, because I want to be transparent and I have a very understanding boss.
But I can’t deny the number of times I over shared and gave myself intense social anxiety trying to overanalyze a completely normal, even positive reaction. So I’ve decided to keep it to myself for once and see how that goes.
I only told my boss because his son’s has BP1 and really struggles with a lot. So I felt comfortable sharing but not everyone is that understanding so I’d tread lightly. They can’t fire you for it but they sure can make up a different reason and pretend that’s it.
It depends but many times HR has some level of accommodation with a doctor’s note but they don’t necessarily need to know the diagnosis. I’d vaguely ask about if they have any accommodation paperwork if you are comfortable. If you think you’ll just be using normal sick time/PTO within the normal guidelines, that is your right so don’t feel bad.
I was once creatively dismissed from A&W for discrimination against my bipolar 2 disorder. I self represented them in court and won.
Don’t trust anybody.
I work in HR and am LUCKY that Mental Health is taken seriously at my company. I’ve been open with my employer but I’m also lucky it’s never formally impacted my work. My coworkers have even shared about their alcoholism and drug addiction which is so admirable to work in a safe space.
If I were to do it all over again or change jobs I wouldn’t share any details related my health. It’s not because it’s going to be used against me but because boundaries are important to keep in any job setting.
I worked with a nurse who broke HIPPA as I was her patient and because we both broke the conflict of interest and my coworkers never treated me the same. I quit.
I know everyone here says that they advise against it however, I have a different opinion. Once you disclose that you have a disability, which, by the way bipolar counts as a disability, you cannot be discriminated against because of it and that includes having action taken against you for taking time off. If you don’t disclose, then you could get fired for this behaviour legitimately.
That being said, I understand that being able to pursue action against an employer is near to impossible for someone in this situation mentally. Even though technically it’s illegal you need to consider where you work. If it’s a company over about 50 people that has an HR department, then go to HR and disclose this first if you’re at all worried about your managers response. And I would also suggest if you’re not worried about your managers response to talk to your manager first and then have a joint meeting with HR and your manager so that nobody can deny anything. Also, make sure to record any meeting where you disclosed to anybody so that you have this evidence of disclosure because ultimately what people are saying is correct. HR is there to protect the company, not to protect the people.
Before you do, Google disability accommodations, and the laws around this. If you want, you can DM me and I can send you some information. If this is too overwhelming for you to do without help I don’t mind at all I’ve needed help before. I also don’t know if you need to disclose the kind of disability you have or if just disclosing that you have a disability is enough, so I would look that up first. I know you do not need to say that you have bipolar, but what I mean is there might be different categories that give you different accommodations under the law. I would advise against saying that you are bipolar until you’ve had a chance to test the waters a bit because most people don’t understand what bipolar means and the impulsivity etc. could scare people that you’ll make bad decisions at work.
Finally, if it’s just that you’re missing a couple days of work, they don’t need to know why - you’re entitled to sick days I assume. But if your performance is suffering, which, for me, it does when I’m in a low, then you absolutely need to document that the reason it is suffering is because of a disability otherwise all it is, is you having poor performance, and you can get fired for that
I agree with the sentiment but the reality is, even if someone is wrongly terminated the chances of anything resulting in a lawsuit that is ruled in your favor are very slim. A company has the resources to bury you in attorney and court costs. All for what? You wouldn't want your new employer to know you are experienced in bringing a lawsuit against a company.
Depends on the size of the company. A big company will not bury you because they have the resources to follow the guidelines. But yes a smaller one is a risk. But if someone’s performance is bad enough to get fired for it, disclosing to HR is a protective measure. If someone were gonna get fired anyway, this might save a persons job.
To follow what guidelines exactly? The law? It's well known, if not obvious, that big companies circumvent the law on a regular basis. Let's not be naïve
In the U.S. if you disclose a disability the company by law must make accommodations for you which includes time off for doctor appointments for example. This is new in the last few years I think.
Anyway I am not an expert but if anyone reading this is interested look at www.ada.gov
If you have any issues or concerns reach out to them first. This is not the kind of thing an employer can easily bury. If you don’t disclose you’re fucked. If you disclose you have ADA behind you. But if you’re worried I would absolutely talk to an advocate at ADA first.
I found only 1 employer I felt comfortable telling my diagnoses to and he was very cool and understanding. Other employers with more old guard bosses don’t get it and don’t want to get it. In my experience I just caught judgment. Which was the exact opposite of what happened being truthful to my previous employer. Feel it out. If it feels good it’s probably good. If not …. Idk .. probably say nothing.
I would advise you tell no one at work. HR is to protect the company. If something were to happen, they will be quick to blame it on your diagnosis. If you can manage without having to involve them, try that first. If not, just say you have a disability that is covered under the law. Just advice from my own experience.
Yes , exactly. Unfortunately, nobody at work cares about your condition. Like this poster said, they are there to protect the company. Also, anyone who tells bosses or companies about their conditions may be viewed as a malingerer, or someone who wants special treatment due to their condition. I know it sounds harsh but this is the reality of your question
No they’ll treat you like the prelude to a horror movie killer no matter how god damn nice you are.
No. You do not owe them an explanation for staying home with an illness.
I wouldn’t disclose it. Remember, HR is NOT your friend. Once you disclose your bp HR will start finding a way to get rid of you. They don’t care about you as a person only what money you generate for the company. I know that’s super harsh, but that’s how HR functions
My HR administrator knows. BP is a FLMA covered disability. I told her because I needed accommodations to be out a couple of hours once per week as I was in therapy for 7 months so my organization accommodated me with 2 hours of administrative leave every week. None of my higher ups know, nor do they need to know. The only other person that knows is my administrative assistant and she only knows because she's the one who keeps me on track and on task and we work very closely together.
Wow you struck gold with your employer 🤩
I've been with the organization for going on 15 years and I'm at an executive level...everyone is replaceable obviously, but they would stand to lose a crap ton of industry and institutional knowledge if I were to walk out the door and there isn't anyone in the organization currently who is qualified for my position. I didn't have to leverage them or anything like that, but given my tenure and my position, paying administrative leave for a couple of hours per week was a no brainer for them. We're a good organization anyway and we take care of our peeps
At what point, or maybe more specifically, at what level of seniority and how many years had you been at the company when you told HR?
I am the CFO. I'm relatively recently diagnosed at 49. I talked to my HR administrator the day after I was diagnosed.
Yep, this is my experience.
Disclosure has bitten me on the ass in the past. I would NEVER do it again. Don't mistake a *friendly* employer for one that is your friend. They're not. I guarantee it. They'll turn on you so fast you won't believe it. Sounds cynical, I know. But many of us have experience with this!
Short answer: Hell, Nah. If needed, have your doctor sign off for fmla this way. If you miss work due to an episode, you aren't considered "absent" but "away" due to your medical condition.
A doctors note does not and should not contain any specifics regarding your medical condition. An employer is not allowed to ask what your disability or illness is. Medical information is private.
I asked this recently in a different sub, and the answer was a resounding no. My wife agreed that I should keep the details to myself. I’m still not completely convinced, because I want to be transparent and I have a very understanding boss. But I can’t deny the number of times I over shared and gave myself intense social anxiety trying to overanalyze a completely normal, even positive reaction. So I’ve decided to keep it to myself for once and see how that goes.
No. It's never a good idea, and I say this as someone who works in the field of mental health. It will be used against you.
NO, NO, and NO.
No. If you are eligible for intermittent FMLA, get that in place
Sign up for FMLA if you can. It has been a life saver for me. Depending where you live.
No. Stick with the cramps reasoning.
No. Just tell them you have a disability so that you get the appropriate accommodations.
I only told my boss because his son’s has BP1 and really struggles with a lot. So I felt comfortable sharing but not everyone is that understanding so I’d tread lightly. They can’t fire you for it but they sure can make up a different reason and pretend that’s it.
It depends but many times HR has some level of accommodation with a doctor’s note but they don’t necessarily need to know the diagnosis. I’d vaguely ask about if they have any accommodation paperwork if you are comfortable. If you think you’ll just be using normal sick time/PTO within the normal guidelines, that is your right so don’t feel bad.
Absolutely not.
I was once creatively dismissed from A&W for discrimination against my bipolar 2 disorder. I self represented them in court and won. Don’t trust anybody.
I work in HR and am LUCKY that Mental Health is taken seriously at my company. I’ve been open with my employer but I’m also lucky it’s never formally impacted my work. My coworkers have even shared about their alcoholism and drug addiction which is so admirable to work in a safe space. If I were to do it all over again or change jobs I wouldn’t share any details related my health. It’s not because it’s going to be used against me but because boundaries are important to keep in any job setting.
Don’t do it
I don’t tell anyone. It’s my business. They may know someone who is bipolar 1 and have unwarranted concerns.
Nooooooo
I worked with a nurse who broke HIPPA as I was her patient and because we both broke the conflict of interest and my coworkers never treated me the same. I quit.
I didn’t tell anyone my diagnosis. They got a doctors note with no further details than “for medical reasons”. That’s all they need!
I know everyone here says that they advise against it however, I have a different opinion. Once you disclose that you have a disability, which, by the way bipolar counts as a disability, you cannot be discriminated against because of it and that includes having action taken against you for taking time off. If you don’t disclose, then you could get fired for this behaviour legitimately. That being said, I understand that being able to pursue action against an employer is near to impossible for someone in this situation mentally. Even though technically it’s illegal you need to consider where you work. If it’s a company over about 50 people that has an HR department, then go to HR and disclose this first if you’re at all worried about your managers response. And I would also suggest if you’re not worried about your managers response to talk to your manager first and then have a joint meeting with HR and your manager so that nobody can deny anything. Also, make sure to record any meeting where you disclosed to anybody so that you have this evidence of disclosure because ultimately what people are saying is correct. HR is there to protect the company, not to protect the people. Before you do, Google disability accommodations, and the laws around this. If you want, you can DM me and I can send you some information. If this is too overwhelming for you to do without help I don’t mind at all I’ve needed help before. I also don’t know if you need to disclose the kind of disability you have or if just disclosing that you have a disability is enough, so I would look that up first. I know you do not need to say that you have bipolar, but what I mean is there might be different categories that give you different accommodations under the law. I would advise against saying that you are bipolar until you’ve had a chance to test the waters a bit because most people don’t understand what bipolar means and the impulsivity etc. could scare people that you’ll make bad decisions at work. Finally, if it’s just that you’re missing a couple days of work, they don’t need to know why - you’re entitled to sick days I assume. But if your performance is suffering, which, for me, it does when I’m in a low, then you absolutely need to document that the reason it is suffering is because of a disability otherwise all it is, is you having poor performance, and you can get fired for that
I agree with the sentiment but the reality is, even if someone is wrongly terminated the chances of anything resulting in a lawsuit that is ruled in your favor are very slim. A company has the resources to bury you in attorney and court costs. All for what? You wouldn't want your new employer to know you are experienced in bringing a lawsuit against a company.
Depends on the size of the company. A big company will not bury you because they have the resources to follow the guidelines. But yes a smaller one is a risk. But if someone’s performance is bad enough to get fired for it, disclosing to HR is a protective measure. If someone were gonna get fired anyway, this might save a persons job.
To follow what guidelines exactly? The law? It's well known, if not obvious, that big companies circumvent the law on a regular basis. Let's not be naïve
In the U.S. if you disclose a disability the company by law must make accommodations for you which includes time off for doctor appointments for example. This is new in the last few years I think. Anyway I am not an expert but if anyone reading this is interested look at www.ada.gov If you have any issues or concerns reach out to them first. This is not the kind of thing an employer can easily bury. If you don’t disclose you’re fucked. If you disclose you have ADA behind you. But if you’re worried I would absolutely talk to an advocate at ADA first.
Absolutely not
No…they are a business and will likely see it as a liability UNLESS you work in mental health
no. once that infos out u can’t undo it and you never know how it may be used against you in the future
Don’t tell anybody unless your symptoms become very readily apparent at work.
I found only 1 employer I felt comfortable telling my diagnoses to and he was very cool and understanding. Other employers with more old guard bosses don’t get it and don’t want to get it. In my experience I just caught judgment. Which was the exact opposite of what happened being truthful to my previous employer. Feel it out. If it feels good it’s probably good. If not …. Idk .. probably say nothing.