Fired...Mental health issues and jobs don't mix

Lost my job today. I had been a few minutes late punching in too many times and called in sick a couple times. My boss loved my work, but it was a decision from over his head. The place is VERY strict about attendence. I started getting so much more stressed the past couple months or so. I've had everything--the new job, probs with my ex, the kids, money, very expensive car repairs (almost $1,000 this month!), PTSD symptoms, eating issues, increase in cutting.... So much going on and so many times I didn't even want to go to work that day but did. Usually I went in those days after cutting--which made me a few minutes late because I "had to" do it. I wasn't on any psych med during this time. I just started the Adderall XR yesterday and I am sure that more meds will be added soon. The Adderall seems to be bothering my heart more, so chances are that my short-acting propranolol that I now take as needed, and will probably be switched to the long-acting version. I have no money right now as it is after spending so much money on the car this month. I think that the heater blower is ready to die out because of a noise that it started making last night, and trouble keeping it working right. With cold weather here, I am going to need heat in the car. Why do I have the feeling right now that my life is F'd? I haven't had thoughts of cutting the past two days, which I don't know if the Adderall has anything to do with it, but tonight after this I feel like OD'ing. I won't, but it would feel nicer than I do now.

{{{{{{Inkblot}}}}}

I'm so very sorry to hear this. Sometimes everything just seems to happen at once.

Sending warm thoughts your direction...

((((((((((((inky))))))))))))))) I'm so sorry. I wonder if you explained that you have health issues (which were why you were late and sick) would help reinstate you

The proper (ideal) situation is for the employer to sit down with you and explore what THEY can do to help. By law, if you have health issues, they're suppose to accommodate you. If you want, you can PM me and we can talk. Did they give you any severance pay, or anything?

I'm sorry (((inky))) I hadn't been around enough to read... didn't know you got that pharmacy job afterall! Oh well. Once again it's winter for you ...and I wonder what resources you have lined up to help you through?

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((((Inky)))) I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Please know I am thinking of you, too.

Im very sorry to hear that you lost your job. I got fired from my job last month and am still sick over it. I hope things start to look up for you.

Best of luck,
Jag

((((((((((((((((((Inky)))))))))))))))))))))

I got nothing. I told them only limited information that I had some health issues while working there, but I didn't go into detail on anything. I don't believe the ADA applies unless you actually go explain that there are health issues and accomodations are needed. It would be too late now, I'm sure. I never mentioned that most all the times I was late was because of me being stressed and SI'ing. I had thought about seeking a reduction in work hours, but being retail the scheduled hours vary so much from one week to the next, so I didn't. There were a couple weeks when so much was going on with me and I was working 36 hours a week, which was way to much for how I was(wasn't) handling it all. I am still scared. I have almost nothing in my bank account right now. I just paid $250 to a new pdoc this past week--thank God I like him! I am going back to see him in a couple more weeks when my Rx runs out because the pharmacy had to underfill it since they didn't have enough for the full amount (C2 drug=Adderall XR). I'm going back a week early because of it, but it makes more sense to do the appointment then rather than pick up an Rx for one week then go to an appointment a week later for the followup. I can't wait to go back! That will cost $100+ for the appointment. I can almost guarantee, I think, that he will add more meds. I left him a venting voice mail last night that I lost my job, and of course, I was scared about things financially. He had said before to call and let him know how I was doing before the next appointment, so I said that would be my call. I mentioned in the VM that I didn't know if the Adderall had anything to do with it, but being on the drug for two days, each of those days I had absolutely no desire to do any cutting--BUT after losing my job last night, I still didn't want to but thought I might anyway just for the sake of doing something. I actually had the idea and wanted to do something else (OD'ing on something, but not suicidal--just to take me out of reality) but I didn't tell him in the VM what I had in mind. I did say though, that what I wanted to do I wouldn't. I didn't expect a callback and didn't even leave my number, but he called me an hour later "for moral support". I don't think he realized at my first appointment when I mentioned about "playing with sharp objects" that I actually do some cutting on my body. I'll bet he remembers that for the next appointment. I should have asked him last night for something to be prescribed then, but I didn't. I hate asking for help. I could have used something. I still can. I am lucky though, as he said, because the shelters pay for my prescriptions. I at least don't have to worry about not being able to afford whatever he prescribes. He was scared about that because another patient recently lost a job and could no longer afford prescriptions. The pdoc was glad to hear that wouldn't be the case with me. That is the one thing I've got going for me right now--I still have prescription coverage. Guess I will qualify for food stamps again. How do I tell people that I lost my job? What do I say--that I was late too many times because I have psych issues?! I don't want to tell anybody. I am afraid of what they will think.

(((inky)))) I do understand how "mental health issues and jobs don't mix" ... I haven't worked in 19 years and each of my disabilities could cause that individually... including the ptsd... I do understand not wanting the whole world to know, or to have it on your job record... at some point you will have to decide about this, with your T, when you're ready.

I wouldn't tell anyone about being fired! I mean, really! If they really needed to know, they would already, imo...because they would be so involved in your life they would be supporting and suffering with you every step of the way...and we know they aren't doing that. You told your T, and that's who needed to know. Work it out with him as to the wording for those who you feel you need to say something about not working again, huh?

Please put spaces every few sentences, it will make reading your posts much easier for me

I'm glad you have a doctor who cares... that is enough, you know?

Believe in Him or not --- GOD LOVES YOU!

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i've found it better to be upfront as soon as you get the job. i've done that w/my last two employers and they have thanked me for being honest and said they would make whatever accommodations i needed so i could do the job.

most ppl are v. sympathetic & appreciate the truth.

candy

*hugs*

Could be the type of job, too. There is a lot of pressure and stress in a retail drug store.

I'm so sorry inky. Makes me want to cry reading your post. I just want to tell you that you are very special and I care about how you are doing. Sending you lots of hugs and prayed for you too. Hope everything works out.

Oh ((((((((inky)))))))))))) I'm so sorry. Have you worked enough hours to get unemployment insurance? You can tell them that you have health issues and have your pdoc to write a letter to that affect, which explains why you lost your job. Basically, because of your health, you were late and was let go because of that. I told the UI people that I lost my job because of my health issues - and they (UI People) were very nice to me.

I'm also wondering if it's possible to find a part-time pharmacy job - not full time. I know it's hard, but you need the money.

As for telling people (other than your pdoc, and UI) that you lost your job and why - you don't have to give a 'why' - not their business. If you're pressed, just say you had health issues and because you couldn't do the hours, they let you go.

My current job is the 3rd job I had since 2001, so understand.

Right now, take care of yourself - take your meds, and talk to your pdoc at the appt. Hopefully, he can help you.

BTW, I SI too, but I haven't done it in a while because the thought of having to explain the scars to people was worse than the urge to hurt myself. They'd see the scars when I wear short sleeves during the summer. I try to distract myself and go for support when the urge hits me.

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep me posted. huggles