I am writing a paper discussing Disclosure and Hidden Disabilities. The paper will be directed toward individuals who have disclosed having a disability such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, or bipolar mood disorder. I would appreciate comments from individuals coping with any of these in their daily life. Have you disclosed your having depression/mood disorders/etc to an employer? What was the reaction? Did disclosing help or hinder you and in what way? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I may quote your reply but will not print any names or identifying remarks. Thank you so much for your time.

I don't think this is precisely the response you're seeking, but I told a temp agency that I have schizophrenia. Previously, I had been on very good terms with the person I spoke to, but, after I told her I had schizophrenia, I think she wanted to drop the phone. :) Granted, the fact that I told her I could only work part-time might have been a factor, but, as I recall, her tone changed immediately from the word "schizophrenia." I just assume she was not well-educated with regard to mental illness. Shortly afterward, I learned I qualified for vocational rehab, so I've been in community college since. I work part-time for my brother, who, as family, obviously doesn't care that I have schizophrenia. I don't actually know if the owner of the company knows I have schizophrenia. Going forward, if I seek employment elsewhere, I think I'll probably disclose schizophrenia at interview time, just because there's really no other explanation for the seven undiagnosed years of my life. Vocational rehab will pay half my wages for three months to sweeten the pot for reluctant employers, although, ideally, well-managed mental illness shouldn't be an issue with regard to employment. I have a 4.0 cumulative GPA and I've always been a bit defiant, so we'll see how disclosure works in the future.

Actually your post was exactly the type of responses I need. My husband has also faced the same challenge and that is why I chose this topic. He has faced discrimination most of his life but still keeps going on. I am so very proud of him. It sounds like you are also not letting discrimination or schizophrenia stop you. Continue to be proud of who you are. I appreciate your comments and will be using them in my term paper. Thank you very much.

dont tell them sz put it in different terms I lile chmical imbalance.betty