When to fess up to bipolar at work

For a long time I have stuck to the advice: Don't disclose your bipolar disorder to anyone at work'. This protects you from discrimination and people will treat you normally.

But if your bipolar disorder should breach ranks and make you do something upsetting at work, it could be time to tell the boss.

Recently one man with bipolar had struggled with a lazy, inept supervisor for months. As Christmas approached and the stress levels increased, he shouted insults at the supervisor in front of a a staff meeting. Disciplinary action was commenced.

Another story is of a woman pressed into an impossible situation by a co-worker. She lost it briefly with a wave of bipolar dysphoria, only to find that the co-worker couldn't cope with her distress.

In both cases, there was little to lose by disclosing bipolar disorder. They are both hoping that a full explanation will work to hold their jobs.

If you do find yourself having to tell a supervisor you have bipolar disorder, get organised first. Do your homework on the anti-discrimination laws in your state and see what is provided. Some states provide for 'reasonable adjustments' to the work or work environment to enable people with disabilities to have a fair go in the workplace.

When you speak to the boss:

1. Be able to explain bipolar disorder as you experience it, in 2 or 3 sentences. "Bipolar disorder is..."
   
2. Next, how you manage it. "I take tablets for it every day and I see my doctor regularly."
3. Next, how it happens at work. "When ... happens, I am likely to experience ..."
4. Next, what your boss needs to know about responding to your illness at work. "If I go completely off my trolley, I would appreciate it if you would call ... "
5. Finally, what you and your boss can do to prevent your illness from occurring at work. "How about if ..."

It can be difficult to do this when you're not well, but timing can be important. You might be able to ask a friend or partner to come to talk to your supervisor with you. Or you could even do it by email, but you won't be able to gauge their reaction that way.

Whatever happens, hold you head up high: you didn't ask for bipolar disorder!

Madeleine

More information on managing bipolar disorder can be found at www.TwoTreesMedia.com