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MadMumCasual Contributor
Hi all,
I have bipolar and have not yet disclosed it to my employer. Just wondering if anyone who has could provide some advice/experience of how that went for you? I'm quite worried about it and wondering if I should/shouldn't.
Thanks.
In response to: Disclosing your mental illness to employer
NatureLoverSenior Contributor
Welcome, @MadMum , it's good to have you here 🙂
Is it necessary to disclose your bipolar? Has your employer asked you to disclose all conditions?
I have disclosed my MIs to my employer but then again it's a volunteer job so it's different. So I don't feel able to comment on your question really. I hope others will come along shortly to offer answers to your question.
An important forum tip is if you type @ and then click on a name in the drop-down box, that person will get a notification and won't miss your reply.
In response to: Disclosing your mental illness to employer
MillymoonNew Contributor
In response to: Disclosing your mental illness to employer
WhatsagoodnameContributor
In a way I was forced to disclose, I went on a work trip, and it had said do you have any illnesses, I was in a position that I could not lie… therefore I disclosed manager/boss was fine about it, but not the rest of the staff… sad really… I’m still figuring out @MadMum . I’d say it’s a 50/50 at best. Hope that helps!
In response to: Disclosing your mental illness to employer
pepsSenior Contributor
HI @MadMum
I've had good and not so good outcomes from disclosing my mental health at work. One job was very supportive didn't have a problem with it and if I was struggling at work or needed a moment they were happy to support me with it. The job I have now is not so supportive I was told by my immediate manger that the general manager didn't want to give me the job because of my mental health. I only had the chance because of my immediate manager speaking up and saying that my mental health doesn't mean I can't do a good job. The mangers at this job are not very approachable so I feel like I have to hide my mental health.
I think that you need to consider the reasons for and against disclosing at work. If your mental health is likely going to affect you at work it may be good to have the conversation and explain what you need. If your mental health isn't affecting you at work then you have more of a choice to keep it private. At the end of the day it's up to you to decide what you're comfortable disclosing.
In response to: Re: Disclosing your mental illness to employer
tymeModerator
Work places are becoming more understanding @MadMum @peps . @peps made some really good points. If it is going to affect your work, then yes, maybe it's good to have those conversations with management. However, if it doesn't really affect work, then maybe it's not needed.
Also, maybe it's about how you disclose it. It'll be good to organise a meeting rather than tell them out of the blue. It'll help you prepare. Have a think about what you want to disclose (if you want to), and how you think your workplace can help.
Bottom line, please take care. Do what's right for you.
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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.
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