When do I disclose bipolar disorder?

[WhendoItell]

I’m mid-way through interviews for a management position and I have bipolar disorder. When do I disclose this? Now or when/if I get a job offer?

Personally I just wouldn’t. I know others would disagree with that. I just think there’s so much stigma around it that unless I felt I was going to get in trouble at some point for not disclosing it then I just wouldn’t say anything. (My Dh has bipolar and my Mum had schizophrenia).

I wouldn’t disclose it unless you feel it is necessary, in much the same way I wouldn’t necessarily disclose a physical condition unless it was particularly relevant eg needed reasonable adjustments.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever disclose it, but unless it is prudent to the role at this stage, I wouldn’t bother.

Do you need to disclose it at all?

I've no personal experience of bipolar though I do have depression. I don't think I'd disclose if the condition is well managed and unlikely to significantly affect your work.

If you will need reasonable adjustments and therefore have to disclose it, I definitely wouldn't do it until you've received an offer in writing.

I had a job offer withdrawn less than an hour after disclosing it.

Don’t disclose until after you’ve started and only if you need to.

I wouldn’t disclose it unless it affected my job. They can get rid of you for any reason during probation.

I wouldn't disclose until you've started, and only then if it is affecting your ability to do the job.

If you’re well-controlled, never is a good time. People are so prejudiced against it.

Assuming that it’s well managed and you’re not concerned with legal protections that come with a long term condition, I wouldn’t disclose. I have several longstanding mental health conditions and my current and former employer know nothing about them as they have zero impact on my ability to do my job.

I wouldn't disclose it unless absolutely necessary and if that only after the probation period.

Does it impact your ability to do the job?
A manager of mine who I keep in touch with (referee and now friend) recently told me she had bipolar. I never knew in all the years she was an excellent manager.

I would not disclose it at this stage.

There is so much stigma and judgement from employers when it comes to mental health issues.

I have a long history of depression and I am reluctant to disclose it because I noticed that even the employers who make a big song and dance about diversity and equality and being 'disability confident' seemed to ignore my application and I was even questioned about it in my interview with an organisation that worked with disabled people (so the interviewer should have know better than raised it at the interview...).

If you defnitely need reasonable adjustments then at least wait until you have been offered the role.

I would absolutely never disclose this! They will find a reason to rescind your offer.

Definitely not before you’ve got the job. Once you’ve started, if you would like to disclose it drop an email to HR asking them to make a note, specify if you require any reasonable adjustments and what those are. Or clarify that no adjustments are needed but you’ll reach out if that changes.

You are not obliged to disclose it unless you will require accommodations. Even then, you are not required to disclose it prior to being in the job.

If the most it is likely to involve is the occasional mental health day off I wouldn’t disclose at all.