[socalsad]

i wanted to share a link with everyone that i found a few days ago. it provides great information on what types of accommodations you can ask for and the process for requesting disability accommodations at work for your medical condition.

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/portals/individuals.htm

i have chronic major depression, which is sometimes debilitating in itself. last year i had 36 rounds of ect. the lasting side effects have affected my abilities at work (where i have been for 20 years) and i can not work at the same performance level prior to ect. i have trouble multi-tasking, managing stress, short-term memory problems, focusing, and it takes me longer to complete a task.

several times my psychologist has mentioned to me that i should consider requesting disability accommodations for my medical condition. i was afraid of the stigma at work by doing this, but the situation is so bad that i have decided to pursue it.

this website helped me understand that i can ask for certain disability accommodations at work due to my medical condition. some things that may help me are: requesting that my work schedule not be changed (as it has four times in five months) because this not only interferes with my inability to make doctor's appointments but also negatively impacts my depression, requesting more allowable sick days (often i go to work still crying and have to leave my desk because i start crying) without fear of losing my job, requesting that they make sure there is coverage for lunches/breaks. i can count on two hands how many lunches i have taken in the past nine months because of short staffing, also requesting to not do certain job functions because of my memory issue.

i hope this website helps you realize that there is protection for people with mental illnesses such as depression.

[puckyjan56]

socalsad.......i know exactly what you are going through. i needed to have time for lunch and 15 minutes of break time. did this help "no" because we were short handed and i couldn't be accomodated. instead i worked 7 days a week at 12 hrs aday. when i couldn't take it anymore i had to go in the psych unit where my doc and i decides on disibility. it took me two years, alot of tears, and worry about my future. Of course, i miss my co-workers and sometimes it is hell being home alone but i had to do something for myself. it does sound like you have tried everything to get out of the dark hole. don't let anyone make you feel bad about your illness. most people don't understand especially my family so i'm going to support you in whatever brings you some peace. you are not alone. janet56