Telling employers you are Bipolar

[BP2PROFESSIONAL]

Here's a question, if you tell an employer at work that you are Bipolar and then lose your job.  Can you make it so they are unable to tell future employers that you are Bipolar?

[Lizz67]

I have had two former emplyers reveal that I had bipolar - and not in nice ways.   There may be laws against this, but once the words are out of person's mouth, they are not forgotten.  I'd suggest being very, very careful about disclosure.

I had occassion to attempt an EEOC complaint - but was turned down and their attorney said it was "really hard" to prove a discrimination case.
I'm a professional have unfortunately had several experiences with discrimination.
Investigate your workplace if you can to get an idea about their likelyhood of using that information for you or against you.
Sorry to sound like a bummer but I've been there.

[cqui]

I'd talk to an employment attorney about that first. I thought that too but it turns out that many companies, especially large corporations make that an internal company policy. It's not a law. Sorry.

[Xila31]

I would say to check with the laws in Australia as I'm sure that there is some form of protection for people with chronic illness in the work place. Discrimination does happen regardless of laws, but if you know the law at least you will also know how to protect yourself if that happens.

[BP2PROFESSIONAL]

Sadly I'm in Australia and on probation which means they can fire me for no reason until that period ends which is 6 months.  More worried about what they might say to a future employer, if they stigmatise me.

[chris3375]

I would also check with your therapist / doctor regarding your situation.  You may be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Employers are required to at least make an effort to come up with reasonable accomodations for your conditon.  Also check with your insurance and HR department.  Waiting until after you're terminated may not be the best time to bring up these issues.  Good luck

[Xila31]

I do believe, in the USA at least, that it is illegal for an employer to reveal anything about your medical history to anyone. Co-workers, future employers, family members, anyone. That is confidential information and your health information is a protected right by law.

I also believe that by law all an employer can say about you to another employer is:
Yes, Jane Smith worked at Dairy Queen between March 2009 and July 2009. (or whatever.)

I hope that helps.