Location: Kansas
I work with a vulnerable population of people… meaning children or elderly. My job is to advocate for this specific population who can’t always speak for themselves. During a very heated discussion about possible misconduct by an employee (I am a supervisor) my boss and I did not see eye to eye to which she found disrespectful (I voiced my opinion and asked to excuse myself after the fact) she then went to my peers office and disclosed that she though I was “manic” due to my bipolar 2 diagnoses and asked my peer if she also thought I was “manic” and that was my reason for being so pissy. Now, I have not disclosed this to many and can count in one hand who knows this.. the only reason my boss even knows if because 5 years ago when I was diagnosed I pretty much had a mental breakdown and she came over to talk to me.. I mistakenly confided in her thinking she is over twice my age and can be trustworthy.. I’ve never formally on specifically opened up about this to anyone at work.. I talk about mental health with the specific peer she went and told but I’ve never read out my diagnosis to her.. she struggles her self which is why she was so quick to pick up the phone and call me to let me know what was said.. I have told my peer about my struggles with post partum psychosis 4 years ago and very lightly touched on the subject of bipolar… I just feel so disgusted. I don’t want to rant off..
Truthfully.. I dont know what to do. Will reporting her cause me to lose my job? Her to lose hers? What if I don’t report but confront my boss herself.. I don’t want her to think that she can just speak about me to people. I’m sick to my stomach thinking others also know my diagnosis especially because the stigma behind it is insane.
Comments
Unless you work for a HIPAA covered entity, it’s unlikely that your boss was required to keep your admission confidential.
What happens if you report isn’t really a legal question. You wouldn’t be covered by any whistle blower law since it’s not a legal issue you’re reporting, and most people can be fired without stating a reason.
It sounds like you disclosed it to them, they didn’t learn of it through their position by reviewing your medical records or requesting an accommodation.
Is your company/HR aware of your diagnosis?
Unfortunately if you told your boss as described they’re free to tell anyone.
If for example you requested ada accommodations or fmla and they knew because of that there are privacy requirements there.