Postal Letter

How does being labeled Bipolar affect your future employment opportunities?

Do you have to disclose this information? What if it's federal and they're doing a thorough background check? Will it matter?

Public Comments

1. Im just stopping by because Id like to see the answers to this question also. {I was going to ask}. Id like to know what to expect for my little boy and my husband. Thanks for asking.... =}
2. You do not disclose this information. It would not be appropriate to do so. As long as you are stabilized and you take your medication as directed you should be just as good an employee as anyone else. Non bi polar people have off days and off times,too. It's part of being human. Regular background checks do not include medical history. That information is protected thru a Federal Law called HIPPA. For some government jobs with very high security clearance, I suppose they find a way around HIPA .
3. I am going to answer assuming you are living in the United States. It depends on what kind of security clearance your job would need, but in-general you do not have to disclose this to any potential employers and they cannot look at your medical records without your permission. Employers cannot discriminate against persons with mental illness since they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
4. i dont think you are supposed to health information, only that you can physically and mentally are able to so the job. when you sign on for insureance, then you are supposed to give that information
5. I have not changed jobs since I was diagnosed so all I had to do was to bring a slip from the doctor for my personell records..I would put this on the applications under other medical. At this time I am not being treated so I think it would probably be a moot point unless it was a federal situation because they WILL find out.
6. living in canada--agree with serena