It is an older article but I would say that unfortunately not much has changed since then so it still remains pretty true and accurate.
Bipolar Disorder In The Workplace
Scott Reeves, 05.03.06,
6:00 AM ET
Those with bipolar disorder face a basic decision: Tell the boss about the condition or remain silent.
Under
the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is not
required to disclose it unless seeking an accommodation at work.
The
downside is that you may be passed over for a promotion or demoted. The
ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against a person with a disability
as long as the person can perform the essential functions of the job.
However, defining those functions and demonstrating your ability to
perform them despite your disorder can be a long and expensive legal
wrangle.
"The stigma is real," says David J. Miklowitz, a professor of psychology at the University of Colorado-Boulder and author of
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need To Know.
"It can be as subtle as fellow workers attributing justifiable
reactions to situations to your illness, or as blatant as not getting a
job or a promotion."
People with bipolar disorder can experience mood swings from overly
happy and excited to overly irritable and angry. The highs may last from
several days to a month or more, but the lows often last longer and can
be harrowingly deep. Some experts say this psychiatric condition
affects about one in every 25 Americans.
Miklowitz, who earned a
doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of California at
Los Angeles, says people with bipolar disorder usually adopt one of four
disclosure tactics:
--Tell everyone at work about the condition, including the boss and co-workers.
--Tell one or more trusted co-workers who don't hold positions of authority.
--Don't tell anyone, but admit to having bipolar disorder on
work-sponsored health insurance claims, opening the possibility that the
employer may find out.
--Don't tell anyone at work, and don't use employer-provided health
insurance to cover the costs of treatment for the condition.
"The advantage of telling your boss is that you can ask for reasonable
accommodations at the office," Miklowitz says. "If you have a tough time
in the morning, you might be able to arrange to start later in the day.
Some people don't do well in dark offices and work better in a well-lit
room or near a window. Others find it better to take several short
breaks rather than one long break. If there is some reasonable
accommodation the employer can make, it makes sense to disclose."
If
a co-worker struggles with bipolar disorder, be supportive, but don't
try to become an amateur therapist; your actions likely will be viewed
as intrusive and demeaning.
If you're a boss and one of your workers discloses that he has
bipolar disorder, think what can be done to help. A separate office
might be appropriate if the employee has trouble with the clatter and
chatter of an office. If a good employee becomes depressed during
winter, it might be possible to arrange a leave of absence during the
dark months if extra lights don't help.
"The worst thing for a boss to say is, 'You can't handle this job
because you're mentally ill,'" Miklowitz says. "Some people with bipolar
disorder feel they're not allowed to have the same reactions as others
because it will be attributed to their illness--not because they're
justifiably upset."
Miklowitz stresses that having bipolar
disorder doesn't necessarily limit your career. A survey conducted by
the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University found
that 73% of 500 professionals previously diagnosed with a psychiatric
illness were able to maintain full-time employment in their chosen
fields, including executives, lawyers, professors, nurses and newspaper
reporters.
But bipolar disorder is a chronic condition and requires a watchful eye.
People in the manic stage of the illness often feel they can do things
no one else can do. They may sleep less than usual--or not at all--and
may have great energy, talk faster and express unrealistic ideas. Some
may be easily distracted and act impulsively by spending money unwisely
or driving recklessly, Miklowitz says.
In the depressive stage, those with bipolar disorder may feel extremely
sad, irritable or anxious. They may lose interest in people or
activities, sleep too much or be unable to sleep. Energy levels may be
low. Some may feel bad or guilty. A few may talk about committing
suicide--and some attempt it.
The illness can be treated with mood stabilizing drugs, such as lithium; Depakote, a product of
Abbott Laboratories
(nyse:
ABT -
news
-
people
); Zyprexa, a product of
Eli Lilly
(nyse:
LLY -
news
-
people
); or Lamictal, a product of
GlaxoSmithKline
(nyse:
GSK -
news
-
people
).
Taking such medication requires the attention of a
psychiatrist to be sure that any side effects don't get out of hand.
Many patients find that therapy helps them learn how to prevent
relapses, manage stress, monitor moods and regulate sleep cycles. If
alcohol or drugs are part of the mix, many find that mutual support
organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are helpful.
If bipolar disorder can't be controlled, it may be necessary to apply
for disability payments. This should be a last resort, and, with luck,
you'll be able to return to work eventually. For many, work helps steady
the mood swings.
"Work keeps you on a consistent schedule--when you go to sleep, when you
get up," Miklowitz says. "People who work are less likely to use
alcohol or drugs that make a bipolar condition worse."
Most employers are good people who want their offices filled with happy,
productive workers. Most have no intention of stigmatizing anyone with a
mental illness, and missteps rarely are malicious, but stem from
thoughtlessness or ignorance.
Disclosing your condition can be risky, but if you believe your boss has
your best interests at heart, talking openly about your condition is a
shot worth taking.
Following the article comes a link that takes you to tips to disclosing your illness at work. I will post that tomorrow!
Dinner afterwards at Ryan's Daughter!
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