Need Employment Advice: Have Mental Health DX and Work in Mental Health Field

I don't know what to do. I have been off my meds for about 6 months (depression) and have never felt lower. Saw my doc today and will find out in about 2 weeks if I qualify for financial assistance with my meds. The doc also said he thinks I may be bi-polar but without an evaluation, can't be sure.

Part of the reason I'm wondering if i should out myself is because school starts in about 2 weeks and my in school client can be a handful.

If I qualify for financial assistance, and assuming the meds work right (never had a problem with them in the past), I think I'll be OK.

But, I feel I should tell my employer in case I don't qualify for assistance because I don't think I'll be capable of performing my job duties as I should if this mood continues and I can't afford my meds.

Simultaneously, I don't want to out myself to my boss if I get my meds and it all works itself out. And, I'm afraid of losing my job if I tell them what's going on. I do know my employer is big on self advocacy as far as Asperger's and Autism is concerned. I just don't know how it would go over with depression and/or bi polar if that turns out to be an accurate diagnosis.

I can't afford to lose my job and it's hard to find jobs where I live. I spent part of the summer looking for a part time minimum wage job and was repeatedly given the "too overqualified" line by potential employers.

I want to do what's best for my clients but I'm scared I'll end up losing my job in the process.

I can't seem to quit worrying about this whole thing and that is stressing me out, too. I keep thinking that my boss or supervisor are going to think I'm "off" or something, and that I'll end up losing my job. I just don't know how much longer I can keep acting that everything is fine.

If I do bite the bullet and out myself, I don't know what I should say...

Any ideas, advice or suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Wait and see what happens. You don't really know anything yet.

Do you have a therapist?

Have you looked into the generics offered by Walmart for $4? The list is on their website and I do know that the generic for Prozac is on it as well as some others.

Don't have a therapist, am currently shopping around for one...

Unfortunately, there are no generics for my meds either...At least, not last I checked. I better check again...Nope my meds aren't included in the $4 list either.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I agree with Echoes, wait and see. You might want to call your Dr. and explained you are very stressed about this and see if he can give you any meds that are samples to get you by until you see if you can get them free.

I wish you the very best,

January

Hi Cafe,
I don't think you need to out yourself at all. Wait. Time is on your side unless you get so ill you require hospitalization.

Do everything you can to nurture yourself, take care of yourself, good nutrition, enough sleep, etc. to keep the depression at bay.

If and when either 1.) you get too ill, or 2.) you can't afford meds; that is soon enough to tell your employer.

Do you have a GP or other regular doctor? Ask for samples. These docs get truckloads of them. You are most deserving of them and should simply ask for them.
Take good care,
Okie

I agree, hang in there for now. Do you have any sick leave you can take until you find out about the financial assistance and meds? You can always tell your employer, but you can't always take the information back away, you know? I think it's great that you are so concerned, but realize that you might be jumping the gun at telling at this point. Sure, you are "off" a bit, but everyone gets that way. If they notice, then say so... that you're feeling a little off lately and have seen a doctor (or have an appointment) to check things out.

TC!

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Thanks for the response.

I saw my GP today. He's the one that thought maybe i'm bipolar. I did tell him I'm worried about this but no samples.

I do have a stash that would last one week. But, I'm thinking it best not to take them. I think that if i take them and then can't afford them, it could make matters worse.

That's true, about not being able to take it back...guess i'll just hang tight and see what happens...

You need to come right out ans ask. Most docs don't even think about them unless the patient asks for them.

Ask his MA if it's easier!
Okie

Yes, but if you take them (where did you get them again?) and they help, they will help you keep your job, and your health, and that's way more important, don't you think? ((((hugs))))

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

Want to share your Christian faith? Click HERE

I have bipolar disorder and also work in mental health so I know that it can be done successfully. Maybe you could be on the manufacturers plan and get your meds for free. That's how I get my Abilify (880/month) and Topomax(1100/month). I am always up front with my employers and they seem to appreciate it. Now I am working as a group intervention facilitator and doing really well. Of course it involves taking good care of myself which is a full time job and I get a lot of support. I hope you can have that in your life too. If there is any way I can help just let me know. Good luck!

I would hold back until you're sure. I am kind of in the same boat as you andsureal super mom, but my experinces haven't been 100% positive about outing. Here in my country therapists will often talk about how no, it's not crazy to be bipolar, but then when you hear then talking to each other it becomes "They expect me to work on this project with ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE??????? What do they think!!!????"
At the same time, I have told supervisors about my problems and it has worked out alright, so I know it can work. Just use your judgement and be careful. HUgggs.