Is it your employers business whether you're mentally ill or not?

Question

Being bi-polar myself, on job applications I've always had to fill out the disability section, (bipolar disorder is considered a disability). Do you think that it's an employers business whether someone is bi-polar or any other type of mentally ill? Do you think it should be mandatory to tell your employer, or the opposite, where you don't have to tell them at all? (Unless something comes up and it interferes with work?)

Answer

I think it is their business, more from the sense that then they can understand you better and will *hopefully* understand if a couple of days off work is needed. 
Where my friend works they are 100% hot on mental health, they get to take 4 mental health days off a month (1 per week) if necessary and have meetings to discuss whatever they want, personal or work. 
I think it's so important in the workplace that they understand mental health is an issue and something that can affect everyone. 
HOWEVER, 
That is in a perfect world and I could see how it is a hard thing to discuss. I can also see that if you have to "declare" it, they could use it against someone. 
I see both sides, but personally i would tell them! I dont think it should be mandatory though.

Answer

Legally it is not. They are not allowed to ask and they are NOT entitled to know. You can open up to them of course, but that is your medical information and you're entitled to privacy. 
Know your rights as an employee.  These women voting yes don't know the law, they're just voting off what they feel should be true. Don't get yourself discriminated against based on an internet poll.

Answer

I personally don't think its an employers business and I've never had to tell an employer about my mental health.

Answer

Only if it will effect your quality of work

Answer

I'm bipolar and check yes for disability.  However I don't elaborate.  If they ask about accommodations I just tell them "not at this time but the situation may present itself".  This way they are aware that something may be going on but not exactly what the issue is.  
The only exception is when I have to get a pre-employment physical.  I do tell the doctor but they are required to keep it confidential unless it will impact my job. I only had it impact my job once and it was when I was hospitalized for a severe manic episode.  Still never told them exactly why I was in the hospital, just that I was "very sick".

Answer

If you have a desk job and have depression/anxiety for example which doesn't significantly interfere with your job then I don't think it's something you need to disclose. On the other hand some jobs may need certain things disclosed for safety reasons. If you're prone to panic attacks, disassociation, hallucinations to name a few, due to mental illness, certain high risk, fast paced jobs might not be safe for those people, especially if it puts the lives and safety of other people at risk, such as being part of an emergency crew, a lifeguard, operating dangerous equipment etc.  or I've heard of some jobs which have a habit of causing mental health issues for workers due to stress or even trauma would very likely not be appropriate for someone with depression for example, who might have a much harder time handling the emotional impact of such a job. it really depends on the person and the job they're applying for.

Answer

Not if it doesn't interfere with your work. 
   
They do if they need to make reasonable accommodations.

Answer

It not really their business and the employee should only be able to decide whether to tell them or not.

Answer

When I worked at a daycare they asked and I told them. I don't think it's something we need to feel ashamed about.

Answer

I say yes so then they can understand and support you better however I work for the NHS who are pretty good and take these things seriously. I understand why people in other environments would be reluctant to tell their employer though. You just have to judge it the best you can and do what feels right, you could also tell them later on.

Is it your employers business whether you're mentally ill or not?

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