[WIKitty]

I am returning to work on a trial basis starting Tuesday. I was instructed by my psychiatrist to request reasonable accommodation for my major depressive disorder and anxiety (to attend appointments, etc...). He also recommended I sit down with my boss and discuss what happened in general language and side effects of my meds (slow movement, memory issues, etc...). Has anyone else told their boss their diagnosis and if so, how? I'm a very private person and even admitting I needed FMLA due to a mental breakdown was bad enough. How do I do this?

[atomicc]

Hello WIkitty, I know there have been other threads where people have talked about how to approach telling their job about their mental illness so you are not alone.
Speak up anyone can help out !

[SnakeCharmer]

WIKitty, you don't have to reveal your diagnosis at all. Your boss already knows you've been off work getting treatment for "something" and probably knows it was related to a breakdown.

All you have to do is say your "doctor" -- you don't have to say psychiatrist -- recommended you ask for reasonable accommodations to continue your treatment by having time off to attend appointments. If you already know how often that will be, you can give your boss a head's up right then by saying you'll have appointments twice a week, or twice a month or whatever it is.

You also don't have to tell your boss what kind of medication you're on. You can say you're taking medication that's been very helpful, and it causes you to be a little different than in than the past, a little slower and more forgetful, but you're feeling better than before and that's what counts.

And hold your head up and smile if you can. You don't have to give more details to your boss than you feel comfortable with, although the people in HR may require you to fill out some forms and get something signed by your psychiatrist. Depends on the company you work for.

I hope it works out well for you.

[lizardlady]

Excellent answer SnakeCharmer! Your suggestion to not give specifics regarding diagnosis and meds is great!

WIKitty, you might have to get your doctor to put any recommended accomodations in a letter. My employer required documentation from a doc when I asked for accommodations.

[Hobbit House]

Due to the nature of my work, I have to disclose my medical history, to include all meds I'm taking and my diagnosis. I feel raw and intruded upon. I also take a physical every year for work. I guess what I'm getting at is that once you disclose your medical diagnosis, they HAVE to give you reasonable accommodations! If you need to give them your medical history, don't worry about it. I still get insecure about disclosing it from time to time, but the can't fire me for it. I'm good at my job!
Good luck and don't let them get you down