'Covering' Do you do it?

[Kurra]

Brilliant @mrkotter!
You have done well. I too have found that when people know that I have bipolar, they too will speak about a mi problem that they may have experienced or a partner, uncle, cousin, grandma or friend etc. I too have noticed signs of relief that there is someone who they can talk to about mi. My experience in disclosure has been very similar to yours.

I get the feeling that you feel quite comfortable about your decision and your actions. It's quite liberating, isn't it? 🎶💃

[mrkotter]

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@Kurra wrote:
Brilliant @mrkotter!
You have done well. I too have found that when people know that I have bipolar, they too will speak about a mi problem that they may have experienced or a partner, uncle, cousin, grandma or friend etc. I too have noticed signs of relief that there is someone who they can talk to about mi. My experience in disclosure has been very similar to yours.

I get the feeling that you feel quite comfortable about your decision and your actions. It's quite liberating, isn't it? 🎶💃

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@Kurra It's kind of scary that we have had similar experiences. All these problems hiding under the surface because of stigma. People not talking about because of fear. Sad really. 

How do you find talking about it with bosses? I find it mostly to be an education piece. 

And yes I'm really comfortable with it. Thanks, it is liberating. Most of my close friends know already (that's where I want it), I just want change in the workplace. I find it messes with my head trying to hide it. Again I just love these lyrics by Jay Z:

Check out my hat yo, peep the way I wear it
Check out my swag' yo, I walk like a ballplayer
No matter where you go, you are what you are player
And you can try to change but that's just the top layer
Man, you was who you was 'fore you got here
Only God can judge me, so I'm gone
Either love me, or leave me alone

Maybe you might like them as well. They definitely give me a lot of confidence. 

[Former-Member]

When you have a job and they know you,it probably is less confronting for employers.Im going for another job interview today and worried what to say if they ask "why have you been out of the workforce for four years?".If you mention anxiety and depression they would conjure up unreliability,moody,behavioural problems,and any conflict with anyone it would be projected on my problems.If you have that trust and support you are one of the lucky ones,because many can't get their foot in the door due to their mental illness.

[mrkotter]

@Former-Member sorry Im heading out the door to work but my advice here is to lie. I've got 2 one year gaps on my CV. I make something up. I think its ok because if you tell the truth I think you're right. Good luck! 

[Sahara]

Hi @Former-Member,

personally, if someone asked me why I had been out of the workforce for 4 years, then I would tell a little white lie and make something up.  I would only do this in a job interview situation, however, I would be a lot more honest with my friends and family.

You could just talk about what you actually have been doing and avoid talking about your illness. For example, travelling, writing, painting, volunteer work, caring for someone, studying; then just weave a nice story around whatever you choose to talk about.  

That's what I would do.... but it's totally up to you. Then if you do get the job, you could eventually tell them that you have MI, but it would not necessarily negate what you had told them earlier. 

Just as an example- I am an artist; I love to paint and draw. I have never managed to make my creativity into a business that actually makes any money, though!

If I had to take 4 years off, then I would say that I wanted to concentrate on my artwork and see how far I could take it. That I had a very, very rewarding 4 years in the studio and went to see a lot of exhibitions, read a lot about art, learned so much, felt like I got in touch with my creative self, met lot of other artists.... do you see what I mean?  It wouldn't exactly be a lie... I actually would have done some of those things while I wasn't working. It's just that they weren't the real reason I wasn't working, but who is to know that???

That's just me- I cover up a lot. You have to do what you are comfortable with, @Former-Member.

[Sahara]

But yeah, I would strongly suggest weaving an interesting story around something you actually like doing with your time off... I story that makes you appear interesting and unique- it makes you memorable to potential employers. 

[Former-Member]

That's so encouraging @mrkotter.  You've had two big wins and I hope it continues.  You're bound to hit someone with less emotional intelligence/open-mindedness at some point but it sounds like you'll manage just fine when you do.  It must feel good to not only be making the situation better for yourself but, by being part of this bigger change we need, for all people with mental illness.

[Kurra]

Talking with bosses hasn't been an issue @mrkotter. When I applied for a position with this employer I stated in my application that I have bipolar. I didn't expect an interview but got one anyway. The rest is history. Whenever I move to a different position in the organisation I put it out there from the start.

I do take the time to educate my bosses about bipolar. Most have little or no knowledge of the condition. I also take the time to tell them how it affects me and what action they should take if x+y×x÷z=disaster.
It has made it easier for them and for me.

Love the lyrics! They're very bipolar. Love me or leave me alone. 🎶
All the best 🎭

[Former-Member]

Yes Sahara I state on my resume my time off has included caring for a elderly mother,I went for a group interview today .My only thing is they mentioned one job there is full on .If I got a second interview and they asked if I wanted to do that job,I dont know how to say I won't because I don't like putting myself under pressure,but I don't want to give a sob story.I know what I can and cannot do but the "chaos"I have had in my head plus in the past I have had strong psychotic illusions including a voice telling me "You know it's Hopeless".Very powerful and part of anxiety and depression.Thanks for advice.:ok_hand:Today I had to introduce myself say" I've had time out of the workforce,looking for a workplace to have the patience to train me in a entry level position".Bit of humour and yes covered up to feel normal  and to get through it ",suck it up" in  the hope that my life is worth living.