How to Tell Your Boss You Have Bipolar Disorder

Talking to your boss can be intimidating, especially if you want to discuss a chronic health condition. Despite the fact that over 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorder, there is still quite a bit of stigma associated with this condition.



Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by periods of mania and depression, commonly referred to as highs and lows. Informing your boss that you have bipolar disorder is a personal choice, and you are under no obligation to do so.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your HR Manager. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes bipolar disorder as a disability and protects bipolar individuals against discrimination in the workplace, there's no guarantee that your boss will react well to the news of your condition. Informing your human resources manager that you wish to disclose your diagnosis to your boss might help save your job in the future.

• 2

  Schedule a meeting with your boss. Bipolar disorder is not something you casually mention in the hallway or at lunch. Explain that you would like to speak with him or her privately about a personal matter.

• 3

  Keep things brief. Your boss does not need to know specific details about your episodes of mania and depression. Let him or her know that you have bipolar disorder, and use his or her response to gauge how much to reveal about your condition.

• 4

  Ask if your boss has any general questions about bipolar disorder. It is generally best to avoid specific questions tailored towards your personal experiences with bipolar disorder, but it is a good idea to answer general questions about mental illness. Bring along some pamphlets or helpful articles for your boss to peruse.

• 5

  Reassure your boss that you are actively trying to manage your condition. When you announce that you have bipolar disorder, your boss will immediately wonder how it will impact your performance at work. Explain that while you may need to use some of your vacation time for visits to your psychiatrist or counselor, you still plan on doing your best to be a dependable, hard-working employee.