It can be quite a quandary about whether or not to admit your bipolar disorder at work. On one hand you want to build a comfortable support network for when you are experiencing bipolar symptoms but at the same time you don’t want to place a stigma on yourself for having a mental health issue.
It can leave you in a difficult situation. By not admitting medical issues to your employer or co-workers, you risk being suspected of other issues that are not even relevant should you experience episodes on the job. For instance, many may mistake your irrational behavior is caused by drugs. These perceptions can cause problems on the job and potentially even jeopardize your relationships with coworkers.
If you choose to disclose your medical information with your employers, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore you can not be discriminated by your employer for your medical history. If you choose to disclose your medical condition with co-workers, you stand a chance of being a target of unkind jokes or other harassment.
Unfortunately not all of society considers mental health disorders as actually illnesses. Many times harassment follows disclosure about personal issues by those who may not act with maturity and logic on the job.
If you feel you will receive the support you need on the job for dealing with the mental health condition, having a strong network of people around you can be beneficial if something does go wrong. Making the decision to let others at work know you suffer from bipolar disorder is ultimately your decision.
If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s medical issues or employer neglect of safety, contact our office for a free evaluation of your situation by calling toll free at 855-614-4351 or use our online contact form
