I found your article very helpful. I work in a university and am trying to learn more about accomodations for students with mental health issues. I find that it is a fine line on how much they should disclose during fieldwork but I think that many employers can be understanding if the issue is discussed honestly. I agree that labels don't help as much as discussing the functional components. Thanks for writing this!
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I asked for accommodations at one job. Sometimes, they scheduled me to close at 9pm, then open again the next morning at 7am. I tried it a few times and just couldn't do it. So I disclosed the fact that I have sz to my immediate manager (the one who was responsible for my schedule) and asked that on the nights I close, I wanted to come in later the next day. She was helpful and complied with my wishes. On the same job, I also asked not to attend a seminar because being in a big room full of people was very disturbing. I didn't have to go. And I asked not to do any of the "running the numbers" which is done on Sundays. I also asked that the manager make a list every day of what needed to be done, not only for me but for everyone that worked there. She did, and it helped all of us.
Still, if I had it to do over again, I would not have disclosed the sz because my manager was promoted and a less understanding manager took her place and I eventually lost my job because of it.
Now if I tell someone, I say I have a NOS (not otherwise specified) brain disorder that requires some accommodation. But I am not working right now so I am blessed not to have to worry about what I say or to whom I say it. Only my close friends know about it. The others are aware I suffered from depression a few years ago.
Carolyn