[Crook32]

The stigma of being bipolar is a big reason people don’t seek treatment. Another is it can effect their livelihood. I am so lucky to be in the 1% of people that lose their security clearance for seeking treatment for my depression and anxiety. Would they rather I go unmedicated? I mean they don’t seem to think this is urgent because they took 3.5 years to investigate. They also said right now it is just their recommendation and a judge will decide in 30 days. I can write a rebuttal or go to court. But luckily my new job doesn’t need a clearance. I lucked out on this timing. I am just pissed off that they said I was not trustworthy.

But being punished for doing the right thing really stings. Especially looking at all the politicians that have top secret clearances.

I really understand where you are coming from. While I haven't experienced what you're going through, which is bunch of bull crap in the first place, I know the fear and stigma it causes. If my employer knew I took 3 meds with scary names under the title of "Antipsychotic, antidepressant and mood stablizer", I'd probably never be hired as a educator in a public school setting again. Personally, I don't know why your clearance was taken away. It seems rash and unnecessary if it is simply because you sought professional help. Do you plan on appealing it if it comes to that? I really hate that for you

I know it sucks, and I am sorry.

[bpcyclist]

Stigma, labeling, marginalization, discrimination. I am so sorry you have had to deal with this. I had a similar experience with my medical board. They would rather have phyicians commit suicide from non-treatment than be on meds and doing well in the open. In my opinion, they are a bunch of bigots.

Hang in there. you will get through this.

[Crook32]

I just really take offense to being labeled untrustworthy. If they were going to take my clearance why not during the 3 years I was in and out of the hospital? I have been back to work for over 2.5 years without a security issue. And they took 3.5 years to get to this point so obviously they aren’t that worried about me. I did all the right things. I got treatment and I reported it. I went through interviews and investigations and didn’t hide anything. Now I am being punished for it. Thank god I start a new job next week and by shear luck don’t need a clearance. All the other jobs I looked at required one.

[Gray Rider]

Regulations, rules, and red tape have hurt or disqualified a lot of good workers in this country.

If someone does not have their head, you have nothing. What good is a job at that point.

[Fuzzybear]

Allergy to meds

[downandlonely]

@Crook32 that is so wrong that they took your clearance away.

Whenever I apply for a job, they ask if I have a disability and I always pick "Choose not to disclose" Even though major depressive disorder has a bit less of a stigma than bipolar or psychosis, I don't want to give anyone something they could use against me.

People should not be punished for getting help.

[wiretwister]

Originally Posted by Crook32

The stigma of being bipolar is a big reason people don’t seek treatment. Another is it can effect their livelihood. I am so lucky to be in the 1% of people that lose their security clearance for seeking treatment for my depression and anxiety. Would they rather I go unmedicated? I mean they don’t seem to think this is urgent because they took 3.5 years to investigate. They also said right now it is just their recommendation and a judge will decide in 30 days. I can write a rebuttal or go to court. But luckily my new job doesn’t need a clearance. I lucked out on this timing. I am just pissed off that they said I was not trustworthy.

But being punished for doing the right thing really stings. Especially looking at all the politicians that have top secret clearances.

after my inpatient my company cancelled all my gov clearences and I refused to reapply for them afterwards . . . best decision I ever made . . . removed alot of homeland security stress . . . I mostly did not want to officially list bp1 on the required medical form . . .

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by wiretwister

after my inpatient my company cancelled all my gov clearences and I refused to reapply for them afterwards . . . best decision I ever made . . . removed alot of homeland security stress . . . I mostly did not want to officially list bp1 on the required medical form . . .

[neverending]

Same thing here too. Many many years ago I too lost my clearance. When I was able to work I had plenty of other jobs. Wasn't particularly happy to lose my clearance but in the end, looking back it made no difference.

At that time it was just part of the requirements of having the clearance.

[Crook32]

From the research I did it said usually it is people with schizophrenia or psychosis that lose their clearances. That is not me. I am mainly depression with occasional hypomania. Luckily my new job doesn’t need a clearance so I was going to turn it in anyways but I take offense to being told I am not trustworthy yet Trump can have a clearance. I just have to make it through 2 more days but they are both half days so it should be simple. I have a going away happy hour tomorrow and I know only about 5 people will be there.

[*Beth*]

You're wrong about the 5 people. All of us here will be there with you in spirit.

[Crook32]

Survived the happy hour. My boss had enough nerve to show his face and wish me luck. Tomorrow is my last day. I am thinking of leaving at 11 once I finish my check list. I have so much I want to talk about with my therapist tomorrow but I know we don’t have enough time. Why does the hour fly by when you need it the most? I have so many mixed emotions. I have been there since college. It is all I have ever known. Moving to a new job screws up therapy and dr appointments since everything is located around this job. I am hoping I can stick with my T but I have a feeling it will be too much to stay with her.

[Nammu]

People also don't seek treatment cause there's not enough Pdocs and their insurance does not have anyone on the list that is accepting new patients. Or they have no insurance and the initial appointment cost is too much. Or they came on PC and read the psychotherapy thread and got too scared to ever seek treatment

[neverending]

By the way, when I lost my clearance my diagnosis was major depressive disorder unspecified recurrent. There were no schizophrenic or psychotic episodes. However my depression responded poorly to treatment and antipsychotics were added in hopes of helping control the depression. Still lost the clearance.

Now my diagnosis is bipolar and looking back probably was then too.

Anyway I think just the meds I was on and the hospitalizations were enough to cause me to lose the clearance.

[cashart10]

Originally Posted by Nammu

People also don't seek treatment cause there's not enough Pdocs and their insurance does not have anyone on the list that is accepting new patients. Or they have no insurance and the initial appointment cost is too much. Or they came on PC and read the psychotherapy thread and got too scared to ever seek treatment

Do you really think we scare strangers away from treatment? I like to think we just represent a supportive community?

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by cashart10

Do you really think we scare strangers away from treatment? I like to think we just represent a supportive community?

Only the psychotherapy thread, lots of anger there. not PC as a whole.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Nammu

Only the psychotherapy thread, lots of anger there. not PC as a whole.

Yes this ^^^

[~Christina]

Crook I’m glad you have a new job to look forward to

I’m sorry that it will make Doctor and T appts difficult but look at the plus side you are leaving a very toxic workplace so I’m sure your stress level is going to drop tremendously

[Crook32]

Thanks everyone for being so supportive. I am up early and thinking of going in early so I can finish packing and leave at 11. I have therapy at 11:30 and my pdoc at 4:20 so I am not sure it is worth going back in between. Better to just make a clean break. I just need to copy down a few email addresses and phone numbers and wipe my work iPhone clean. It is just hard to believe this day is really here. Almost 20 years it just feels so surreal.

[Crook32]

Fade to black. The start of a new story.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I hope it is a wonderful tale.