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Hi guys,
Just bumping this up to give you an update.
I've met with our EAP (there was a specialist in disability) and spoken at length with the Disability Resource Coordinator for the consortium of hospitals where I work.
This has all also afforded me the opportunity to work through some things in therapy brought up by this process (my own shame of my mental illness and this making me very sensitive to others' responses to related needs (boss), not wanting to be seen as 'special' or being singled out through this process, my need for privacy, etc.).
So I'm planning now on filing paperwork under the Americans with Disabilities Act -notes from doctors stating my 'disabilities' (I hate to have it put like that, but this is how it works). In the workplace this means that you are capable of fulfilling the duties of your job, but may need certain accommodations. At the moment (and for some time now) acceptance of flexible scheduling due to ongoing appointments, in the future perhaps, for example, reduced hours due to a chronic pain condition and severe spine degeneration triggered by a long ago accident (I asked for reduced hours once and was turned down).
In any case, I'm told that the doctors' notes and forms will go to and stay at Occupational Health -my boss need not know about it (until and unless I need it, even then without details). The Disability Resource Coordinator strongly suggested I do this as it can protect me in the future; I'd already have the 'evidence' I need for any accommodations I might need -regarding mental or physical health.
I haven't started the process yet, have just been gathering info to help me make a decision, but we'll see how it goes.
Just wanted to give an update and thank you guys for your support!
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