Are you serious? I thought "the get over it" syndrome was gone, especially in the workplace.
I, too, am really mad. Like Linda, I would have whipped the floor with them and put in a call to human rights. Because they are impinging on human rights.

I don't know how it is in not so Jolly ole England, but in Canada and Ontario, things are slowly chaning. When I had a depression episode at work, with a factor being over worked, I didn't know my rights, and took the blame onto myself. But I later found out, months later, that I had a good cause to make a claim for Workers Compensation. I got on the internet and library and read in Human Resources, Health in the Workplace. I described my case exactly, and my rights were definately not adhered to.
I usually get blank looks from Management and even Employee Assistance Program Counsellors when I ask about "mental health in the workplace", it's surprising how word has not gotten around, especially in non-governmental organisations.

I don't have a Union, which doesn't help, but it got me so angry, that I filled a claim, and only then did they present option of Long Term Disability for progressive return to work after my Employment Insrance ran out weeks ago.

I still can't believe how people are so callous, even when faced with the diabetes analogy. Nobody would ever be so stupid as say that to me, or they would have been metaphorically been *****ed slapped.

I could go on for pages on this, but good for you and your friend for staying your ground, and I'd look into Human Resources booklets and manuals to see what accommodations they can make (within reason), because you are entitled, if only to work from home on some afternoons, etc. Why should your health suffer, because of the ignorance of others.

Hand in there champ, we all wish we could go to work with you, and God help anybody who looks at you with disdain and such. I'd ask to see my personal file to see what is it, because I wouldn't want to find out at evaluation time what they've mistakenly taken for something else.

Cheers
Foxynatty