What Are Your Workplace Rights as Someone with Bipolar Disorder?
Working with bipolar disorder can be difficult, as sometimes you’ll be putting in 200% percent and at another times 50%. Many employees with bipolar disorder work hard, but it can be difficult working when suffering from a mood episode. In my opinion, those with bipolar disorder aren’t cut out for standard 9 to 5 jobs. The best option is self employment, which allows for maximum flexibility, or working a job on commission, as hypomanic bipolars are experts at selling things.
Clearly, self employment takes some time to get started and is a lot of hard work, therefore it is not for everyone. If you’re working a traditional job, it is important to know that you have rights as an employee.
So what kind of information about your disorder are you required to report to your employer?
You are under no legal obligation to disclose your condition or how you are being treated. If you wish to be eligible for sick pay, you may need to obtain a note from your doctor identifying your condition and why you were not able to work. You cannot be fired row for suffering from bipolar disorder due to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which covers physical as well as mental illness..
If you suffer a mood episode, and have an extended leave of absence, will you be able to return to your old position?
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are able to take 12 weeks of paid medical leave per year. When you return, your employer must offer you a comparable job to the one that you left.
What about if you just quit? Can you return to your job?
Learning to deal with bipolar disorder is about controlling your moods, which includes not making rash decisions. Ask your employer if you can return, and if not to contact the ADA, who provide services to protect you from discrimination. Your employer is not legally obligated to rehire you, if you chose to quit of your own accord.
Can you receive special conditions at your workplace?
As long as they’re reasonable, accommodations can be made, although this is not recommended as it may cause your coworkers to resent you. Some special accommodations that are acceptable may include asking for certain shifts or time slots, and having a position that minimizes distractions.
Should you tell your coworkers or employer about your bipolar?
From personal experience, I would recommend that you tell no one of your illness, as quite frankly it is none of their business. There’s still a large workplace stigma with mental illness and having a don’t ask don’t tell policy is the best move.
Can your employer fire you for having bipolar disorder?
The Americans with Disability Act makes it illegal to discriminate against an employee because of a mental illness. You’re also not required to disclose your illness.
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