Bipolar on the Job

Whether you're looking for your first job or have been in the workforce for a while, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (manic depression) doesn't have to be bad news for your career. The United States and many other industrialized countries offer some protection against discrimination due to mental or physical disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states it is illegal to refuse to hire a person simply because they have, or appear to have, a disability provided the disability will not prevent the person from doing their job. However, having a happy and successful career requires a bit of planning and understanding on both sides.

Getting the Right Job

Due to periods of instability, people with bipolar disorder need to look for jobs that can accommodate at least some of these particular needs. Here are a few job characteristics to look for that may help you and your employer in times of mania and depression.

• Flexibility — Companies that offer generous time-off options, including medical leaves of absence, will give you the flexibility you'll need when periods of depression occur.
• Financially secure companies — Looking for work is stressful for everyone but can cause the dramatic mood swings associated in people with bipolar disorder. A job that is secure and stable helps to eliminate the stress of finding and losing a job.
• Consistent work schedule — Work schedules that stay consistent every week help to avoid many of the triggers that can set off a bout of depression or mania.

To Disclose or Keep Quiet

A key point to remember is you aren't obligated to disclose anything to your employer or potential employer about your diagnosis. This is private information and it's up to you to decide with whom you want to share this information.

If you do decide to talk with your employer there are a number of things you should think about before doing so.

• Who will know? — Talk with a counselor and decide exactly whom you want to disclose the information to. Will it be strictly with your company's human resources department, your boss, your coworkers or a combination of people?
• What do you say? — Practice with your counselor exactly what you want to say, how to say it and just how much of your medical condition you want to disclose.
• Support — You don't have to talk to your employer alone. If you're uncomfortable talking about the specifics of bipolar disorder ask your counselor or physician to accompany you to the meeting to help fill in details.
• Be honest and offer solutions. — If there are limitations with your job, talk about them honestly and openly. If possible, try to come up with solutions you can offer your employer as a starting point. More often than not, they will appreciate you're attempt to work with them to continue a productive working relationship. Conversely, be open to suggestions they may have to offer. There may be options an employer has you may not know were available.