Ignored, criticised, sacked - working with bipolar

Over one million people in the UK are believed to be suffering with bipolar (stock image)

When Caroline asked her boss why she was passed over for promotion, the response was "we just don't want to stress you out with your bipolar and everything".

It is one of a number of stories bipolar patients told BBC Radio Oxford as part of a wider look at how those with the condition face continued challenges in the workplace.

From discrimination, stereotyping and even being sacked while in hospital, there are concerns that employers are not doing enough to support staff and educate colleagues about bipolar.

Bipolar is a mental condition that is most commonly characterised by extreme changes in mood, from moments of exhilaration to debilitating depression.

In 2024, the Bipolar Commission reported that there were significant employment barriers for those who have been diagnosed.

Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed had lost a job, while 72% had not applied for a position because of their condition.

Caroline said she was now in a "good place" at her work but it took a long time to get there.

"It got to a stage where I actually asked for help because I knew that something wasn't right. And getting that diagnosis was the start of a long journey, but an exciting one, of discovering how to live with it and learning more about myself," she said.

In 2024, Bipolar UK conducted a survey titled Bipolar in the workplace and published the following findings:

• 24% of respondents had not told anyone in the workplace about their diagnosis

• 30% who had told colleagues regretted it

• 44% of respondents reported experiencing stigma

• 32% reported being actively discriminated against

'Finding the right job is like dating'

Frank - not his real name - used to work in Oxford and faced discrimination before finding a job that supports him and his condition.

After experiencing what he described as a psychotic episode on his first day in a new role, he was hospitalised.

The employer asked when he would return and - after explaining it would have to wait until his treatment was complete - he was told he would be leaving the company.

"For me work is a big thing about who I am… I found I'm much better now at sussing out workplaces that are going to be good for me versus ones that aren't. It's like dating - you've got to have a few horrific breakups before you find the work 'love of your life'."

Michelle is a teacher and learned first-hand the challenges work can bring after a bipolar diagnosis.

"I just had to phone my boss one morning and say I can't come in. In the early days I wasn't confident to say anything really because I didn't feel confident within myself that I could maybe say please help me."

What can employers do to support staff?

The Bipolar Commission was launched in 2021 to reduce suicide rates and improve health services for people with bipolar in the UK.

It has published a list of recommendations for employers, including training the workforce, implementing reasonable adjustments and integrating a "culture of compassion".

It listed a flexible work schedule, hybrid working, regular check-ins and time out for medical appointments as some of the adjustments that would support employees with bipolar.

'Let's make the most of their talents'

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal was diagnosed with bipolar at the age of 57

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal was admitted to hospital in 2023 after a manic episode escalated into psychosis in which he experienced hallucinations.

He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has joined the campaign to improve working conditions for those in a similar situation.

"In order to help enable this community to thrive in the workplace and tap into their abundance of creativity, empathy and drive - employers, HR managers and business owners need to gain a greater understanding of bipolar" he wrote, in the foreword the Workplace Report.

"Let's create the right culture in workplaces for individuals with bipolar to make the most of their talents. Let's make things better."

Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds has completed the online training course offered by Bipolar UK and is urging more employers to tap in to the resources available.

Dodds explained that as her staff come into contact with a wide section of the population she is keen to ensure they have an improved understanding of mental health conditions and treat people suffering from bipolar with respect.

Dodds told BBC Radio Oxford: "We've found Bipolar UK to be really easy to work with. The resources that they have are free, they're easy to use.

"We've found them to be really useful in explaining much more about what bipolar is and how people experiencing it can be supported. So I would say, take the plunge."

If you have been affected by any issues in this report, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.