There is no legal obligation for an employee to disclose information about their mental illness or a disability unless it is likely that it will put their safety, or that of their colleagues or workplace, at risk. Disclosure of a mental illness can be a difficult decision for someone to make.
Considerations before disclosing:
Who to speak to at work (usually your manager, but only if you are comfortable doing that)
Be prepared for your own reaction to disclosure ... it may be triggering or challening as vulnerability may be brought up. Have supports in place beforehand, whether that is a friend you can call, an appointment with your treating practitioner (counsellor, GP, psych etc) booked in, a nice dinner planned to cook that evening.
Be aware that your manager may not respond the way you 'expect' them to. They may respond in a positive way, however, it still may be a surpise.
Your manager may also move into 'performance management' mode if you disclose that your illness effects your ability to be engaged, motivated or focused at work. Although this is not the most appropriate response, it is good to be aware it could happen.
Having disclosed, you many not receive any ongoing 'check-in' chats or support at work. Sadly, this is still true for many workplaces.
