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Originally Posted by goodguy
I am not paranoid and I hope someone can help me. I am a professor. I am diagnosed with bipolar illness and am being treated for it. Unfortunately, last fall I had to take a medical leave after experiencing symptoms that made it impossible for me to continue to teach. I formally requested modest accommodations last spring upon my return, which were denied. In order to get my job back, my employer made me sign a document stating that I was deficient in my duties and that I was now on probation. I expect I will be terminated in January for a variety of unsubstantiated reasons I won't go into here. My question is: are there things I can be doing now that will give me a foundation on which to challenge a dismissal like this? Should I again ask for accommodations? Should I protest in writing the actions that are singling me out as a "problematic employee"? If anyone has any good ideas, I would love to hear them. I would also like to correspond privately or publicly on this--especially with someone who has dealt with this kind of situation or any group I could connect with! Thanks!
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Hi goodguy, this is no way to be treated. Not only do you have to deal with your illness but also fight for your job and and intellectual license. I am in Australia so I am not familiar with American Law, however, human rights are universal and it would probably be a good idea to know your rights(unicef Maybe?). A lawyer or your union rep would help. I was working for the government when I was diagnosed bipolar last year. I had a hospital admission(at the same hospital I worked at, mind you, so my colleagues received my blood and processed it and they observed all my confidentiality requirements. My scientist colleagues were most sensitive and even sent me flowers in hospital!). When I returned to work, I was on a rehabilitation program and had direct contact with a rehabilitation officer who also liaised with my line manager. I was also put on light duties and worked 3 days a week. I was also given time off to attend doctors appoint.s and shrink appoint. I could not have asked for a more supportive process. Unfortunately, due to stress and physical illness, I had to resign from my job and I am applying for disability pension. My manager said he would be happy to be reference for me when I am ready to go back to work. This is what we all deserve. By being mentally ill, we do not lose what is essentially us. We are mentally ill, not morons and quite frankly I think bipolar should be put on your resume as an important skill. Yee ha! Hope that helps, good luck.