[beauflow]

i've been wondering on this. telling my supervisor of my dx and i'll be going on medication. to be honest my supervisor has bear witness of my swings and stuff. i know by law she can't fire me due to it does not interfer with work and i've been good with customers. i looked that up and for my state it has that little blurb about if you can work and it doesn't interfer with work then you have the right to work. but just wondering. over the years i have talked more about things with her and about my anxiety attacks at one time with being on day shift. but just was wondering about you all.

[ECHOES]

I would advise against it. It may be law that a person can't be fired for that direct reason, but it can color management's opinion and it can have indirect repercussions. It can be used against you because people have perceptions that influence their decisions indirectly.
Unless you are personal friends, friends outside of work, I just would not provide any information about any diagnosis. If you think your medication might affect your work, I would just advise your supervisor that you will be beginning a new medication and you might need time to adjust to it. That is all that you need to share.

[venusss]

Yeah, they cannot state your MI as official reason to fire you.... but if they want to fire you they will always find a reason. You are too cold to the customers. Too friendly with them. Don't fit witht the team. You make mistakes (everybody does, but it depends how your boss wants to look at it).

[splitimage]

I've had good and bad experiences with disclosures.

At one company I worked with I was very open about my MH Dx and meds. But I'd been at the company for a very long time, and had a really good work record before I disclosed. I never had any serious repercussions, and it was helpful to be open when i needed to take time off for pdoc appointments.

At another company, I was open about my mental health and addictions and again it was fine. They even let me work part time to accomodate rehap and flex time to accomodate aftercare. But then new management came in, and didn't like the fact that I worked flex time and fired me.

Company 3 was an unmitigated disaster. I disclosed - and a week after I disclosed, I was suddenly told, they were concerned that I was a poor fit for the job. 2 weeks after that I was fired. It was still during the probationary period so they didn't have to give a reason. But I believe it was directly related to my disclosure.

After that experience I wouldn't disclose again.

--splitimage

I like to hint that I'm crazy. My employer is a really nice guy, or seems to be, and it's not a real job but an employment agency assisted job where I work for part time hours a week because I'm considered to have a disability of some sort (even tho I'm cured). Maybe the disability is just my tendency to be unemployed a lot.

But yeah, I just like to hint that I'm crazy because to be honest anyone who speaks to me will probably guess that I'm a bit off, and I think i'm doing this so he stops talking to me and making conversation because I tend to avoid chat when I can, plus I'm waiting for the 'nice guy' to stop and for him to start being an arsehole to me like most people are.

[Miss Laura]

Its really your own personal choice. I chose to tell mines and they sacked me as I worked with vulnerable adults who also have Mental Health Issues. If I am honest they did me a favour as I would probably be worse off lol! But the way my work did it was totally not PC!! I have 3 years to fight it. But I worry about fighting it as I did a stupid thing in work but as soon as I did it I went off sick. So I knew I was ill. I kept getting told that I am not in the wrong as I was ill and did the right thing going off sick but don't think my work would see it like that

[pgrundy]

I wouldn't do it. The main reason I wouldn't is, they don't really care, and if you tell them, it makes them notice every little thing you do and every small mistake and attribute it to your illness. I know there are laws about firing, but in my experience, if they want to fire you, they find a way.

Most of my coworkers are on psych meds. Only the people who disclosed have been fired. Management thinks it's an announcement that you can't do the job.

[beauflow]

wow thank you all-- yeah I have been afraid that they will look at me different in ways,

I think right now with my supervisor she knows enough in ways, and that should be good for now-- i just was afraid that she may tell upper management to whom they do not know me that well-- yeah sure they here little good things and some times I am mentioned in good ways but they dont know me -- I cant say that my supervisor knows me knows me either but she knows a lot

thanks all for your stories and thoughts on this--- it is helpful to pick a side and where to stand on it-

Originally Posted by beauflow

wow thank you all-- yeah I have been afraid that they will look at me different in ways,

I think right now with my supervisor she knows enough in ways, and that should be good for now-- i just was afraid that she may tell upper management to whom they do not know me that well-- yeah sure they here little good things and some times I am mentioned in good ways but they dont know me -- I cant say that my supervisor knows me knows me either but she knows a lot

thanks all for your stories and thoughts on this--- it is helpful to pick a side and where to stand on it-

Oh yeah and one time I told my employer and he spent about 15 minutes trying to persuade me that Social Phobia doesn't exist and that's it's a fraudulent disorder designed to make psychiatrists money. So that didn't go well either.

[Crew]

I would NOT advise you to tell your boss no matter how great a guy he or she are. I did that and I was fired. I would not go there if I were you.

I hope you choose to listen to what people have wrote.

to you in all that you do but I wouldn't do it if I were you.

Peace, Crew

[Perna]

I have disclosed to people I wanted to and felt comfortable with, in the natural course of a relationship. I had to leave work quite early to go to psychotherapy and did not see any reason to hide that. I was teased at work the next day, if I was having a good or bad day one of my bosses would point out I must have had a good or bad therapy session the afternoon before. As awkward and uncomfortable as that could sometimes be (when I was being snarly :-) I found it helpful as it was a great opportunity to practice hearing and using information on how I was perceived by others.

I would not tell someone so they'd know "just in case". I would never use my illness as an excuse for my behavior. Feeling anxious or being depressed, etc. makes it harder to behave in ways we'd like but never impossible and I always want to hold myself responsible for my own words and behavior.

I have divulged my mental illness to a few direct supervisors. I'm a teacher, and it's very difficult to have to be absent due to hospitalization without giving notice, lots of preparation, and explaining why you will be gone. Teachers just can't take off that kind of time without explanation. I suppose I could have lied and told them it was for some other medical reason, but they would have asked what hospital, etc. so they could visit, etc. (We're a pretty close-knit group.) So, I did let my supervisors know just enough to realize what was going on (and that visitation was not an option). I don't give details about my issues or treatment because (a) they really don't want to know, and (b) it really isn't their business.

Everyone has been extremely supportive, helpful, and discrete. Fortunately, I work with real professionals who know how to keep things confidential and how to treat others with respect. That doesn't exist in every workplace. You do have to be careful. I rarely talk about my mental health with anyone at work. There is a time and place for everything, and work just isn't the place. That's why I have therapists and a pdoc.

[beauflow]

The Biggest thing I was worried about was trying these meds and if in the event I got a little worse..... That was my biggest thing- But it will be ok- I have been trying to remember what T has been telling me about stepping back MORE and taking that REST More to let things pass- it is hard for me but I will try harder as I always do

IDK Also for some reason i simi- felt - that I should tell someone--- but then it really does not matter and as one person already put--- they really don't care.

I think my supervisor as outside would care a little- but I will just keep this to myself for the time being

there is one problem- i work with my boyfriend---- I am not sure if he has told our supervisor due to they talk alot and she will ask how I am doing through him some times-- But he is a smart man so it is ok- this is just probably a fear of mine of a slip of the tongue

Thank you all

I just also needed to add- that it is madding that people don't understand this--- I understand that I don't understand everything with my DX's but then again I do realize that people can cope with it---- I was brought up in a family with problems- I saw good and bad coping methods- I myself did good and bad coping methods (and still do even though in therapy right now)..... My thing is--- there are ways

And it really rather upsets me due to we are humans-- we all have faults- even the "normal" human have some issues-- to an extent----

I am sorry to read so many posts of being fired but "not for the MH" but for other issues that they picked out

I wish we were able to live in a world of honesty.

I do appreciate the stories as well that have a good side, where understanding is met. It is just sad that is not all around fully

Be well all- and yes I have headed your stories.

*****Ya know I was thinking more on this and a memory popped up which may be why I am asking all this

My brother and I use to work together at one time-- and he told the supervisor and the contractors upper management in a meeting that was held (i was there so that is how I know)-- they ended up moving him to a different dept. due to our supervisor and him really did not get along- and the upper management knew he was a good worker- she (supervisor) triggered him badly- she does me but at the same time we find common ground and understanding is the difference- I tend to note what she also has in common with me complaints and bring those things up and try best to keep my personal things to myself until I am about to explode and she'll come in early to have just a chit chat with me on things-- not like your doing bad, but what is going on- or I have stayed to tell her what is going on- it is usually other workers or how work is panning out- I always make sure it is valid for work though when talking-- it takes weeks if not months if i do stay sifting out what is my trigger and what is valid work items.

Getting a little better with that with T as well--- T just reminds me what I already know-- not all are like me and people take advantage of what they can if they don't have to work or find a way to not work-- which I differ from, which then just ticks me off--- any who sorry-- but that just popped up in my head of that meeting-- i think that may be why I thought maybe

But I am going to choose just not to- Only like 3 co-workers (besides my boyfriend of course) I have talked to on this- 1 has a nephew with some issues, and 2 are like me and I just know they are similar-- we all talk and joke about stuff at times

[Perna]

If your meds become an issue/difficulty for you, you can tell someone then; no need to anticipate things being worse than they are now?

[beauflow]

Originally Posted by Perna

If your meds become an issue/difficulty for you, you can tell someone then; no need to anticipate things being worse than they are now?

that is very true very true---
I still have not taken my first dose but will here soon- I just wanted my boyfriend around the first few days incase I start to break out with a rash-

[Sabrina]

It was hard for me not to disclose my illness to my bosses due to my frequent absences and hospitalizations. On the last hospitalization, they scrutinized my internet activity, found PC and promptly fired me!

[mommyof2girls]

I work for a HUGE credit card company as a fraud analyst and have for the past 8 years, and they do know about my illness....I made the decision to tell them about 6 years ago, and they have been so very understanding ans supportive especially my managers.....I guess I am very lucky that my employer has been great with me with all my ups and downs.....

[Unrigged64072835]

My hospitalization is in my personnel record (since I was out sick for more than three days), so I don't have a choice in the matter. My first supervisor was really cool with it, came to see me in the hospital, etc. My last and current supervisor have been too busy to look through it thoroughly, and I'm not going to tell them unless they ask.

[Chopin99]

My boss knows about my anxiety and depression and supports my being in therapy. He has said if I ever need a literal mental health day to take it. I've told some coworkers and employees at work and a coworker who is in therapy also has disclosed that to a few coworkers and employees.

[Umbral_Seraph]

When I had my internship a couple years ago I was required to disclose my health history, mental health included.

Hiya all,

I had no choice but disclose because I was hospitalized for 24 days in June. I was on a hold almost the entire time and had no idea when I'd be back. Now, just yesterday, my co-worker killed himself (he's been missing for over a day, left a note and texted me and hasn't been found...he's dead). Now my boss is really concerned about me because they know my history. Quite honestly I don't care what happens. I don't want to work here anymore and be reminded of my co-worker every day I come in. I know when he doesn't show for work on Saturday they are going to ask me to come it, i won't. I'm not answering my phone, it's that simple.

But they have been understanding. They even paid me disability on my time off in June. When I came back my immediate boss gave me a hug and told me how much he cares about his employees and how my illness has made him realize that.

I wouldn't disclose again because it's not their business. If I'm off sick in the hospital even the doctors can't disclose why. I question why I don't respect my own privacy.

Love and hugs,
Tara

[JLarissaDragon]

I would be very careful about what one discloses about private matters at work. I did that once in hope of getting a little support and it cam back to bite me in the butt. I have suffered from anxiety and depression all of my life, and at different times in my life it has expressed itself in different ways. As much as I would like to be open and honest our society does not accept mental illness in the same way that it looks upon other illness.
One really needs a safe place to be able to share the things on our heart without fear of censure, rejection or retribution. Thank God for PC

[sandworm]

Dear Beauflow, I would tell you what I think and feel. but there is really no point as Echos said almost all of it, just the way I would have.

I would add, I have a general principle I live my life by, don't tell anyone , especially at work, even one's closest confidant; anything you care if it is misquoted and announced over the Public Address system. ... because it one day well may be.

SW.

8*********

Originally Posted by ECHOES

I would advise against it. It may be law that a person can't be fired for that direct reason, but it can color management's opinion and it can have indirect repercussions. It can be used against you because people have perceptions that influence their decisions indirectly.
Unless you are personal friends, friends outside of work, I just would not provide any information about any diagnosis. If you think your medication might affect your work, I would just advise your supervisor that you will be beginning a new medication and you might need time to adjust to it. That is all that you need to share.

[sandworm]

I worked one job, one year they complained I spent so much time in my section and did
not support my co-workers with getting their sections up to snuff. Next year it was
"you spend too much time in other people's sections >socializing< and none in
your own section."

Any thing you do can be slanted no matter how right you are in your performance of
your job, your professional attitude and your tasks.

SW