[gina_re]

I've been having problems focusing at work. There are some days I can get a lot done, and then I have other days where I literally can't do anything. I sit and stare at the screen and have to end up using PTO because I can't do my job. It's so frustrating. I talked to my boss today about it and he was very understanding. He then had to go to his boss (who is also very nice and understanding of my condition) about what to do. Basically, there isn't really anywhere to put me. If I go back to my past assignment, then it's like a step backward which I don't want to do. And also that sets a bad tone that if you don't like working in this particular group then you can go back to the other. Which doesn't really look good. He then told me that I can go the route of using an ADA accommodation. So I told him I would look more into that and let him know. But that's what I'm leaning toward.
I've never done this before, but I think it's the best option for me. Because I do like what I do, it's just so mentally exhausting. I just think my brain can only handle so much at a time before it poops out. I'm thinking I'll just probably adjust my schedule to be even more flexible than it already is. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?

[BlackSheep79]

I'm on intermittent FMLA. It means that when I have a bad day I can call in or even leave for the day if I want. I'm allowed 480 hours in a rolling twelve months. I have been on it for five years so far. If I wasn't on it I would have lost my job a long time ago. I told my boss about my mental illness within the first few months of working there. He has been so supportive. It's a system that was put in place by the government to protect us and allow us to work like everyone else.

[Hashi/bipolar mom]

What is ADA? That was very brave to tell your boss and kudos to him and his boss for being supportive! I wish more people and companies were like that!

[BipolaRNurse]

ADA=Americans with Disabilities Act

[Keegan2015]

Originally Posted by Hashi/bipolar mom

What is ADA? That was very brave to tell your boss and kudos to him and his boss for being supportive! I wish more people and companies were like that!

ADA = Americans With Disabilities Act. It's a law that provides people with mental or physical disabilities reasonable accommodations in order to perform their jobs.

[gina_re]

I am so fortunate that I work for the APA (American Psychological Association) so they're pretty flexible/knowledgeable/understanding about matters like these.

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

I work from home for my company - it was an arrangement we came to when I moved, not because of my DX. It has been helpful in some regards, because I'm not under a ton of scrutiny and I'm able to make my own schedule, more or less. I have periods where I'm very productive (often having to do with a deadline), and then I will have periods with far less productivity. I'm able to flex my time when I'm productive, and use it up when I'm less so.

I have not discussed my BP with my workplace; I would feel very nervous doing that, even though I have an incredible supportive work environment where self-care is a big thing and we have several therapists on staff for some of our programs. There is a lot of understanding, but I just don't want people to look at me differently. Also, I'm intensely private, so as long as my BP doesn't interfere with my ability to get my work accomplished, I won't mention it.

[boogiesmash]

Originally Posted by BlackSheep79

I'm on intermittent FMLA. It means that when I have a bad day I can call in or even leave for the day if I want. I'm allowed 480 hours in a rolling twelve months. I have been on it for five years so far. If I wasn't on it I would have lost my job a long time ago. I told my boss about my mental illness within the first few months of working there. He has been so supportive. It's a system that was put in place by the government to protect us and allow us to work like everyone else.

FMLA? Family medical leave act? My boss suggested it to me because I took most of janurary off and have a habit of using too many days. She is aware of my anxiety disorder and I told her I have major depression. Didn't want to tell her about bipolar. So what is FMLA I thought it was only for family?

[hopeless2015]

I'm also on FMLA it had definitely saved my job this last year, taking new papers to pdoc tomorrow for this year's intermittent time

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

[gina_re]

I used FMLA when I was in PHP but it's unpaid. So I used my PTO in combination with my FMLA at that time. I also work from home three days out of the week. It could be four, but I need some kind of human contact lol.
NoIdeaWhatToDo I also have my very productive days and days where I just cannot focus. I'm going to try and talk to HR tomorrow and see what my options are as far as work schedules go.
Boogiesmash, you can use FMLA for yourself or family if you have to be out for an extended period of time for medical reasons.
My only issue with FMLA is that it's unpaid, and I support myself. I need to get paid. So I'm hoping a more flexible work schedule is the way to go.

I've shared my diagnosis with a few coworkers based off of the trust we share. Plus I felt more comfortable doing so because of my employer. We all have psych degrees pretty much and read tons of psych articles daily. I understand the stigma, but I shared it after the fact. They've seen my work ethic and capabilities for a couple of years before that became known. I do so at least with immediate supervisors just in case any extended absences are required for me. Despite the diagnosis, I was ahead of many of my coworkers and excelled in everything I did. So I guess that helps in breaking part of the stigma.

[boogiesmash]

Originally Posted by gina_re

I used FMLA when I was in PHP but it's unpaid. So I used my PTO in combination with my FMLA at that time. I also work from home three days out of the week. It could be four, but I need some kind of human contact lol.
NoIdeaWhatToDo I also have my very productive days and days where I just cannot focus. I'm going to try and talk to HR tomorrow and see what my options are as far as work schedules go.
Boogiesmash, you can use FMLA for yourself or family if you have to be out for an extended period of time for medical reasons.
My only issue with FMLA is that it's unpaid, and I support myself. I need to get paid. So I'm hoping a more flexible work schedule is the way to go.

I've shared my diagnosis with a few coworkers based off of the trust we share. Plus I felt more comfortable doing so because of my employer. We all have psych degrees pretty much and read tons of psych articles daily. I understand the stigma, but I shared it after the fact. They've seen my work ethic and capabilities for a couple of years before that became known. I do so at least with immediate supervisors just in case any extended absences are required for me. Despite the diagnosis, I was ahead of many of my coworkers and excelled in everything I did. So I guess that helps in breaking part of the stigma.

In nj they take out fla taxes each check.