In the United States, you are not required to disclose a dissociative disorder to an employer or a potential employer. However, some people choose to share this information. The decision to disclose is personal and should be made carefully, since once the information is shared it cannot be taken back.
Some people decide not to disclose in order to protect their privacy or because of concerns about stigma or workplace safety. One alternative approach is to think in terms of disclosing needs rather than diagnoses. For example, instead of explaining that switching may sometimes result in a part not knowing how to perform a task, you might explain that you work best when instructions are written down.
In situations where disclosure is necessary to access workplace accommodations, some people choose to disclose PTSD instead of DID. Many people with dissociative systems also have PTSD. This condition is generally more familiar to employers and may carry less stigma, while still allowing access to accommodations that support job performance.
This page is part of the DID and Work section of the CommuniDID site, which explains how switching, internal disagreement, and variable capacity influence work life and explores options for disclosure, accommodations, and navigating workplace challenges safely.
Explore more:
- Questions about DID and Work
- Finding the Right Work Accommodations for You is a free PDF you can download to identify which accommodations may help you at work.
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