I couldn't help but read this topic, for I had many of the same issues when I was working in Minnesota.

If I may - I'd like to recommend a book that I found at Amazon.com called "Working in the Dark: Keeping Your Job While Dealing With Depression" by Fawn Fitter & Beth Gulas. I'll post the review I made there here to give you an idea of what the book covers:

"It covers everything from how to disclose your illness to your boss/co-workers (if you decide to), your rights under the American Disabilities Act and Family Medical Leave Act, resources within your department/company that can advocate for you and much, much more. You're more protected than you know - and you *should* know - even if your depression is under control this is still a valuable book to have in case the darkness returns. Did you know that if you decide to disclose personal medical information to your boss that he/she cannot use that information against you in any way including talking to colleagues, other managers, supervisors, or co-workers? Did you know that you cannot be fired for disclosing your mental illness? Did you know that if you need to take time off due to your condition that when you return to work you must be placed back in your previous position with your same pay? Don't get me wrong - and as the book states - you certainly can be fired for poor job performance - but you have tools at your disposal to help you and your supervisor keep the communication open and clear. This book saved my job - and my sanity. If you're struggling at work because of depression - GET THIS BOOK."

I highly recommend this book (and I am in no way affilated with the publisher or authors). You can get it for $10. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Working-Dark-K...7468208&sr=8-1

I hope this helps some of you -it did me!

Hang in there
Jerry