How do I tell new job about my bipolar?

[JH20000]

Need to tell them as I assume I’ll need reasonable adjustments in the future. Currently feeling stable on medication so right now I don’t feel I need adjustments however I want to let them know formally.

Sounds silly but how do I start this conversation? It’s making me anxious thinking about it as it feels so personal. It’s making me want to not tell them but the illness caused so much trouble in my previous role and I didn’t tell them about my diagnosis. I obviously don’t want this to happen in the new role. The diagnosis is also pretty recent so I’m struggling with the acceptance of it all.

Any advice would be fantastic. Thanks

I haven't been in the same situation as I was diagnosed while with my current employer, but I totally understand how you're feeling.

Honestly I think you're better off telling them. I know it's awkward and feels really private but they will need to know in the future.

I had to change jobs within the same employ because my occupational health wouldn't let me do anything that was safety critical until I'm "stable on my medication" which means practically that I've been taking the same medication at the same dosage for a year. That was in 2023. My year "reset" everytime my dosage needed adjusting. I was doing really well and had my dosage adjusted last in April 2025 so I was hopeful. Unfortunately I had a manic episode just after Christmas and my dosage has to be adjusted again in January. So I'm back to waiting another 11 months.

Not saying that this will happen in your case, but had my work been unaware I would have had loads more hassle. All I had to do was say to my manager "I'm having a manic episode and need to see the mental health team" that was it. No pressure. Called in once a week to let them know I was still alive. Fit notes from doctor and a back to work when I finally got sorted after a month. No pressure to come back. No snide comments.

Also if you're only recently been diagnosed it's a huge thing to get your head around. So make sure you give yourself some time. Bipolar is covered by the disability at work act so they can't actually sack you for having bipolar. However some companies are a bit sneaky, but you've got a better shot if they're aware of the condition. If they don't know and you do need time off or other adjustments then you can't argue if you haven't told them about it.

Oh. Just realised in my ramble I didn't actually answer the question.

Tell your manager you need to have a chat to inform them of a recent medical diagnosis. Get a meeting. Be frank. Tell them you're having a hard time getting your head around it yourself.
All my managers have been pretty chill, however they may want to ask questions. I normally get asked "how do you know if your bipolar is getting bad? (Or words to that effect) So I just describe my symptoms. So for mania I'm snappy, irritable, have trouble sleeping etc. you don't have to go into detail, but I find if I'm clear that x, y or z happens then they know how they can adjust for you. In my case I'm a shift worker, so if the sleep issues surface they'll change my shift to a later shift of I'm having issues falling asleep at night.

I’m also bipolar / depressive and work is aware. I told them as soon as I took the role on, had a frank conversation where I explained that my medication keeps me stable for the most part but that sometimes it doesn’t.

I’m lucky in that they’ve been great; I can move my hours around to take account of any issues which they might not have been if they weren’t aware.

I’d ask for a chat with your line manager in the first instance, explain that you’re newly diagnosed and coming to terms with meds but that you will keep them updated. Check your staff handbook as there may be Mental Health First Aiders or a Safeguarding officer who can help you with this.

Good luck; take time to come to terms with the diagnosis and recognise the signs when you’re getting overwhelmed.

Have you started the new job yet?

How big is the employer? Do they have a HR department or policies you could consult?

One way to approach this would be to explain to HR that you have a long term health condition and ask for a referral to occupational health. OH can then advise on reasonable adjustments and also the right level of detail that is appropriate to disclose to your employer.

What kind of adjustments do you think would help? If any of them go beyond "reasonable" adjustments it may be worth applying to Access to Work to see if they will fund anything, e.g. a support worker.

Not silly at all love, this is really brave and the right thing to do for yourself. You could keep it simple and professional, something like "I wanted to let you know I have a health condition that's well managed at the moment, but I may need adjustments in future and wanted it on record." You don't have to share details or the diagnosis name if you're not ready. Ask if there's a form or if they'd prefer it in writing to HR. Once it's done you'll feel lighter, I promise. Well done for looking after yourself properly this time.

I told my manager when I started. He was lovely and like pp asked what my symptoms would be and how they could help.

I’m in the midst of a depressive episode at the moment and they’ve reduced my hours temporarily on full pay and taken me off the really stressful projects.