How To Handle Bipolar Disorder Or Any Mental Illness And Stigma

How To Handle Bipolar Disorder Or Any Mental Illness And Stigma

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The stigma with mental illness, especially bipolar disorder, can be hurtful and frustrating.  It can also limit you in relationships and job opportunities.  If you are NOT having any symptoms, I would not disclose that you have bipolar disorder in the workplace.  The exception is when you have several years of productive work behind you and have developed a positive reputation in the job environment.
 
If you are having symptoms and need an adjusted work schedule, you will need to tell your boss that you are having symptoms and need that adjusted work schedule.  You can let them know that bipolar disorder is covered under the American's with Disability Act (ADA).  This can save your job, but only if you disclose that you have bipolar disorder to your boss.
 
In my opinion, the best way to overcome the stigma of bipolar disorder is to be a high performer.  To be a high performer, you need to work in an environment that you can excel in.  Some jobs may be too stressful for you, and that's okay; it's not meant for you.  Be sure to pick a job field where you can be a top performer even if you are having mild symptoms.  You should also pick a field that is of interest to you.  A great resource for picking a job field is the book What Color is My Parachute?.  There is a new edition every year so get the most current version.  Most libraries carry it.
 
In your personal relationships, I do recommend that you tell your significant other that you have bipolar disorder.  This can be a really hard and scary thing to do, but you don't want to be hiding that part of your life with someone that is close to you.  You need to be able to be yourself with that person, and not having secrets is part of that equation.  This does not mean you should share every gory detail with them, but help them understand what it means to have bipolar disorder.  If they have no experience with it they need to be educated.  They also should know how to help you when you are in a crisis situation.
 
Tell friends and acquaintances at your discretion.  I would recommend not telling acquaintances, but telling close friends. Friends can be a huge part of your support group, but acquaintances are more likely to gossip about you.
 
I have told my close friends and many of my coworkers that I have bipolar disorder.  I also have worked in the same company for 18.5 years as of March 2011.  I have a good track record.  It might be interesting for you to know that I have had 2 major episodes requiring hospitalization during that time.  I was able to successfully return to work and recover my good performance status.  For more details on how you can excel in your job, please sign up to get my free 20 tip article on being a Happy, Contributing, and Highly Respected Employee with Bipolar Disorder.

I hope you gained some useful insights, and I wish you the best in all your pursuits.

About the Author:
Cassandra L. Good, MA works and resides in Colorado, USA. I have been employed at the same company for nearly 19 years despite having been diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder.

I was initially diagnosed at the age of 18, but in my college years another doctor with a different opinion took me off all my medication. It was a roller coaster ride through my
undergraduate and graduate college degrees both in Psychology. It wasn't until I turned 29 and got into some good counseling that the bipolar disorder diagnosis resurfaced. I had
been working at my current place of employment for 4 years also roller coaster rides. It would take another 3 years to get on a medication regime that actually stabilized my moods.

I now enjoy a fairly stable l



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