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SnozCasual Contributor
Newbie here and have recently had bipolar 2 confirmed by a psychiatrist after decades of mental health struggles. It is both a relief and frightening at the same time.
I know the condition has been impacting my relationships and work especially recently as the ssri I was on had me rapid cycling.
What I would like to ask is if and how anyone with Bipolar has discussed this with an employer?
In response to: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
Zoe7Senior Contributor
@Former-Member 😍
In response to: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
MDTSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor
Good point too @MDT
Hi and welcome to the forums @Snoz.
In response to: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
Boo13Senior Contributor
Hi @Snoz
Disclosure at work is a decision that only you can make. It is a personal decision that needs to be considered. Do you know what policies or procedures are in place at your work to provide support for mental ‘wellness’? Does your work provide reasonable adjustments to staff for injuries or illnesses, irrespective of whether they are work related or not? Is your supervisor or manager a compassionate person who you trust? These are some of the things to consider. All workplaces should provide support as they have a moral and legal duty of care, unfortunately in reality this is not always the case in practice. There has been progress in this area and in reducing stigma, but we still have a long way to go. Speaking up and disclosing can be very helpful. You can tell your living experience and pave the way for others, however only if you feel safe and supported. A difficult situation and I wish you well with whatever choice you make. Let me know how you go.
In response to: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
Rosemary4Senior Contributor
Hi @Snoz , sorry for your suffering 💜
Thanks for the tag @Former-Member 👍
Personally - I don't tell. Work, I feel my medical conditions are personal information. I found the workplace intollerent of ANYTHING that could undermine my performance. When I once told - the reply from the boss was "if you can't do the job you were employed for, then go somewhere else" $9 I did leave, got worse, disillusioned with the hypocrisy at work (the health system). I left and attempted suicide within 2yrs. There's no guarantee of support. And a friend of mine has found subtle bullying by work colleagues, other workers who resent when management make concession for disabilities. Pears feel they have to unfairly pick up the slack...
Sorry, I'm not very positive about it, maybe things have changed in 20yrs since my experience. Maybe you can sus out attitudes by casually bringing it up in the 3rd person in the tearoom or something.
Also, this is the topic of many discussions here in SForums over the years. if you type "workplace disclosure" in the search bar. Here's a few links from there if it helps. Good luck 🤗
https://saneforums.org/t5/Our-stories/Disclosing-MH-in-the-workplace/m-p/1125609
https://saneforums.org/t5/Special-Events/Career-Chat-Disclosure-what-you-do-and-don-t-have-to-tell-Friday/m-p/200641
https://saneforums.org/t5/Special-Events/Topic-Tuesday-CLOSED-Managing-mental-health-in-the-workplace/m-p/29497
https://saneforums.org/t5/Our-stories/Disclosing-MH-in-the-workplace/m-p/1125609
In response to: Re: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
Unknown userMember
Heya @Snoz, @TAB my strategy is find an equal opportunity employer and disclose there, still working it out - otherwise try working for a year and disclose then. I feel disclosing is important but you gotta see it from the perspective of the employer and how a normal person would feel about it, if you “prove” yourself (hate proving myself) it gives them a look at what you can bring to the table before making a decision and not just view the label so to speak. If that makes sense
In response to: Re: New bipolar 2 confirmation and work
TABSenior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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