Would being open about my bipolar disorder hurt my career? I want to be more out about it.

I'm medicated and it doesn't affect my quality of work but I'm afraid if people knew then they would scrutinize my behavior build a bias opinion of me.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Honestly, IMHO this is the type of thing people pretend to be supportive about but will use against you. I’d keep it to myself

likesmart

It makes me sad, but this was my first thought. We say we want a diverse industry but neurodiversity is a long way off.

like

It's no one's business.

likesmart

If it’s not affecting the quality of your work then it’s not worth volunteering personal information. You’re good!

like

No one’s business. In my experience people will openly be supportive of your vulnerabilities, but ultimately judge you and use it against you when it suits their agenda. It really is too bad, though. But you can use your own personal experience to be supportive of your coworkers who are all dealing with their own challenges, whether they are open about them or not. And I hope you will.

like

I don’t hide my bipolar disorder if it comes up and is relevant, but I wouldn’t bring it up proactively.

like

I am a chronic oversharer and have gotten mixed results.

like

If it comes up and you feel comfortable sharing, I say go for it! I find it endears me to people who are open about this stuff. I’m personally open with my depression/anxiety as well as my sobriety. I don’t talk about any of it constantly, but I also don’t feel it’s anything to hide. I hope more and more people will grow to feel the same, which part of why I don’t keep it secret. Talking about it helps normalize it 🖤

likesmart

I’m the same way. Dealt with the same issues (anxiety, depression and addiction) for a large part of my life and have been sober for a while as well.

I don’t promote it but will bring it up if I feel it’s appropriate, especially if it could help someone else.

But like you said, I never hide it. If someone really wants to get to know me, it comes out.

likeuplifting

One of the developers that used to work for me - who I had no prior knowledge of being bipolar - changed his medication and ended up going through a really difficult time. His work/output suffered tremendously, to the point that I was ready to fire him, but he finally managed to explain the situation to me and I immediately gave him 2 weeks off and time to adjust - assuring him that I would be fully supportive moving forward (he was ready to quit - but I talked him out of it). He is a great guy and went on to become one of my most valued team members. YEARS later, he reached back out to me to express his gratitude towards my kindness and patience all those years ago during that difficulty period in his life - which turned out to be a lot more complicated than just the new meds.

Ultimately, do what you feel is right. You certainly don’t have to share, but if you feel the need to, I hope you have a team that is committed to your well-being and is fully supportive - anyone with a mental health condition certainly deserves that.

likeuplifting

I think if it’s a “work wife/hus” situation, sure, I think vulnerability and showing your authentic self can strengthen work bonds. But as everyone else is saying in this thread, I would be selective, if at all, about who you choose to share that information with.

like

Apples to oranges: Recovering alcoholic here. Sober a long time. Open and honest about it — but still nobody’s business. Especially in an interview.

like

So wait, you want to be more open about but also feel that people will judge you for it?

I say fuck it and go with your gut. If people are going to judge you for something that doesn’t affect your work or personality on a daily basis, then maybe they’re the ones who need psychological help.

like

I think it’s ironic that you’re the one instigating. I get that my advice was bad but making the leap to assume that I’m a certain writer is lame.

like

It’s nobody’s business. I can’t see how being open about it will help you. It may not hurt, although it might, but it definitely won’t help. It’s personal.

like

Echoing google 1. People can be cruel and may use it against you. Not fair and it’s ignorant. Ask yourself how long you’ve been at the company. How have others been treated ? Who are your current allies? Do you have a trusted work bestie you could confide in? I would think about starting there. Sending you good luck. Wait - actually, figure out your corporate counseling options, they can provide support and perspective, they know what’s going on to a certain degree from others who come to them.

like

Oh wow no it’s no one’s business. Talk to a therapist, close friend or family if you need support but don’t buy in for a minute that people won’t hold it against you. Besides the balance of meds often doesn’t last forever, eventually something needs to be recalibrated and the last thing you’ll need is more scrutiny if you have an off day.

like

So well said.

Don’t say anything.

I wish things were different, but I had a friend who was open with everyone they worked with and it did increase bias.

However, in talking it through with them in the future it would be helpful to find that one person (or two if you’re lucky) on your team that you can trust. Best case scenario, your manager, which is rare as we all know.

That person can be your accountability partner to help watch your blind splits when going through a tough time.

I empathize, good luck friend! I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for your needs.

How do you want to be open about it? Why?

Related Posts

What kind of shoes do you wear for long COVID shifts? My crocs are starting to get uncomfortable now. I guess no footwear is meant to be worn for 16+ hours straight.

like

I’m absolutely this teacher. 104 days left in the year for me 😁. And we have this Monday off. It helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Post Photo
likefunnyuplifting

Anyone got a Google Cloud contact or know what their email format is?

like

Reposting in this bowl to see if anyone has recommendations:

Post Photo
like

When a lackluster creative director complains that they’re never on any projects but continually bails on creative briefings....? 🤔

like

How much makeup do you wear to work? I do the whole shabang (primer, foundation, concealer, contour, blush) paired with modest matte/light eye shadow... Bad look?

like

Does anyone have suggestions for criminalist entrance exam? And what is the salary range for this job?

like

What are your favorite sources of entertainment industry news?

like

Anyone buying ? Got 7k in pocket from previous profits.

like

Wasserman is currently hiring for a ton of roles. If you see something you are interested in, please let me know. Happy to provide insight.

like

Anyone willing to share their annual TC and how much of it they typically spend on luxury watches or what their most expensive watch is based on their income. I'm starting a new job with TC over 300 but still feel guilty paying more than a few hundred bucks for a watch.

like

I know of a few high quality si’s that are recruiting. If you’re interested in making a bigger splash in a smaller pond dm me and I’ll intro you. Looking at sales, consulting, dev, and architect for salesforce partners.

like

Has anyone ever felt like some of the feedbacks you received is because you are Asian? Like i keep being told that I sound unsure, unconfident and not poised enough.. I've been told once that I didn't have enough presence on a call but.. I did the presentation so I talked 90% of the call..

like

Who wins the space race? Musk vs. Bezos?

like

Just got through my first year end review cycle. Employment is still intact even though I'm on a PIP so that is a huge relief considering what I've been reading here.

like

In this current advertising climate, if I get a freelance gig in pharma, I’ll be extremely grateful. Am I the only one who feels this way?

like

Who wants to get 5 referral bonuses and hire 5 audit members that were promised a bonus on 6/30 and it still hasn’t hit our accounts? 🤣🤣

likefunny

Hi there, I am CS grad, I am looking for referrals. Pls dm in case you can help. Thank

35 M - never married. Going through the matrimonial process now + looking to date seriously, but it often strikes me that I may have already missed the boat. Most of my friends got married by their early 30s.

Thoughts/perspective welcome from both M and F 🐠 who may be in a similar situation. 🤷🏽‍♂️

like

Hello Fishes,
Please give few minutes to this post.

I'm looking for a job change. Having experience of 1.8 years. Currently working as Data & CloudOps Engineer.

Skills: AWS, Linux, Ansible, Git, SQL, Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift, Hadoop, Kafka.

Notice period of 60days (negotiable)

Looking for an opportunity as DevOps/Cloud/SRE role.

Any reference or lead is much appreciated.

Additional Posts in Advertising

I almost tripped over myself because I was checking out a slice of pizza.

like

Congratulations. You just won the lottery and now have an additional 5 million dollars. What do you do?

like

With layoffs slowing down. Does that give anyone reassurance of things going back to normal?

likefunny

Some job advice I have for everyone... instead of going to recruiters for a job, go straight to anyone working at the agency who can connect you. The higher up the better of course...

likesmarthelpful

Is there a way for a Senior Art Director with a decade of agency experience to break into the gaming industry? Or at least figure out a way to find a gaming client?

like

Best career advice. Chase opportunity, not money or titles

likefunny

What companies have in-house agencies?
I know of Netflix, Verizon, Casper and Intel. But can anyone help me out with some other good examples?

like

working from home? say Aye!

like

Politics aside (please), what's the strategy having ads set up like this? I've seen ones that are asking people to sign "happy birthday" to Trump. Is this really the best way to collect and survey?

Post Photo
like

Burning question: Laundry Service tried to counsel Papa John’s on potential media crises and John blows it like the idiot he is. Where was Edelman in all of this? Aren’t they the PR firm?

likesmart

Creative Director or Product Design Director. Which one would you pick for the next 10 years?

like

Name a dating app just for people in advertising.

like

How many agencies give cost of living/yearly raises vs just a “yearly bonus” ?

Can ya guess which one Barkley is?

like

To anyone who got hired as a creative team (CW+AD), what questions did the CD ask you and your partner during a job interview?

like

Starting my Sprinternship on Monday. Any advice?

like

Anybody got any variation of the phrase “spread like wildfire”. I’m just trying to pop it in a script for the lols

like

Just got a one year contract to work in London UK for 1 year. Where should I live in the city? (30y.o woman)

like

Industry-wide layoffs tomorrow or nah?

like

After being laid off for like the 4th time in the last 10 years, I’m ready to go full time freelance and work for myself. Are there any resources out there for non-creatives on this journey? My background is strategy, analytics & general brand. I can also do media planning/buying for smaller clients.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal