Do I disclose my Bipolar disorder?

Question

I'm applying to a Masters program for Occupational Therapy. One of the questions on the application says, "Describe the ways you will contribute to Diversity (according to the school's Diversity Statement). Some of the things mentioned in the statement include overcoming personal, family and/or economic disadvantage. OK, I CAN RELATE TO THIS.

I also have bipolar disorder that totally messed up my life at one time, and I am medication dependant. BUT I am responsible and have been balanced and successful for the past 10 years up until recently, when I was laid off from my job.

I think all this Diversity cr*p is BS, and I hate to have to answer this question at all, but if I have to answer it, I figure I might as well lay the whole load on them.

My question is: Should I disclose the bipolar? It really set me back quite a bit years ago, I overcame it, and I want to help others get their life back on track, so that's why I want to go into this field.

What do you guys think?

Satan, I am aware of Dr. Szatz's work, but he doesn't live in my skin.

Answer 1

My husband is bipolar and is currently taking meds regulary. They have gotten his life on track. But from what I have seen, when he was applying for a job, there was a stigma attached. He would put down he was bipolar, and right away they assumed he would not be dependable, or be violent..not an ideal employee...so if it was between him and someone else applying, my husband would lose the opportunity to someone else. My opinion is that your illness is your business and no one else's.
Good luck with whatever you decide, and congrats on getting your life together.

Answer 2

Honestly, I wouldn't. When I was having trouble at work with depression, I told my manager, assistant vp, and senior vp. I had to take some time off of work and they were really supportive. They were thrilled when I came back to work that I was "better." Later I was diagnosed as bipolar, but I never told them that. I still see a therapist weekly and leave work a little ealry to do so. They're supportive but I think they're curious because they thought I was "fixed" and don't really understand the concept of continued care. So, I'd be hesitant to disclose to them, and I have a good working relationship. I'd hate to see you disclose on an application. If there was another applicant with the same qualifications as you but without bipolar and only one spot left... what choice do you think they'd make? I think people don't understand bipolar disorder (especially bipolar type II which is what I have) so I'm hesitant to trust...

Answer 3

You might think that the administration will be supportive of the fact that you followed the doctors rules and have been medicated for ten years for a mental disorder. I am sure they will do that for an assistant nurse or orderly position at the hospital . For a masters degree you will be thrown out of the class. There is no room at the top for those who have been on dulling meds for ten years. How can you learn the ways the brain operates when you can reason in depth.

Answer 4

If you don't want to mention "bipolar" you can simply say mental illness, depression, or something to that effect (if you're worried about it). And explain what you've been through and how that's inspired you to go into this field. That will show that you are very passionate about this and that you can help others through your own experiences.

They can't discriminate b/c of your medical condition.

Good luck!

Answer 5

First, ignore the first answer you got--the guy definitely has problems.

If you're managing your disorder well, you've surely learned things that will help others in your future position. Unless you feel this information will harm your chances, it seems like it can't hurt.

Answer 6

if u have it u should tell them if this is for work or something like that then maybe it will help but its up to u.