[deelooted]

I have been loving it without the boss in over the last two weeks... I have an easier time hiding behind my mania then the depression.

Problem is this- my boss actually referred me to the pdoc I have been seeing, and before she left on her holiday, I was a manic mess. My boss knows all about my ups/downs and all diagnosis, as I am very open about my illness. Kind of have to be in my line of work (we work with the mentally ill and homeless, and I am a case manager....yeah, I know!)

When I was first diagnosed months ago, she stated that as long as I can perform, she will not have an issue with my illness.

Now that I have been medicated with Zyprexa, my mania is gone for now, but it has left me in the dumps. She will see this very easily.

Pdoc gave me bupropion xr for the depression(Wellbutrin generic) and it has yet to work. I have already been on thin ice because of my illness, and I have had the toughest week yet. I actually had to go home a few days ago because I could not cope. This will not fly with my boss.

I am afraid my boss will see the magnitude of my depression and that it will present a problem. Financially, I need this job right now, and my wife would kill me if I was let go.

I just don't know what to do. HELP!!

[lizardlady]

Delooted, if you live in the US, have you tried getting accomodations at work under the ADA?

[deelooted]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Delooted, if you live in the US, have you tried getting accomodations at work under the ADA?

I am in the USA. After looking up the ADA, wouldn't I have to apply for SSDI or state disability? Since hitting this hard wall of depression that has been going on for a while, with intermittent bouts of mania over the past year, it is a wonder I am still working at all!

[lizardlady]

Delooted, you don't have to qualify for SSI or state disability benefits to receive ADA accommodations. You have to have a documented (by a doctor) disability. The doctor will have to put in writing what accomodations you need.

I have an identified disability that causes me wide spread body pain and exhaustion. My accommodations include being able to get up and walk around when I need to due to pain and the ability to close my office door and put my head down on my desk for a few minutes. I do not collect any kind of disability payments.

Does that make sense?

[deelooted]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Delooted, you don't have to qualify for SSI or state disability benefits to receive ADA accommodations. You have to have a documented (by a doctor) disability. The doctor will have to put in writing what accomodations you need.

I have an identified disability that causes me wide spread body pain and exhaustion. My accommodations include being able to get up and walk around when I need to due to pain and the ability to close my office door and put my head down on my desk for a few minutes. I do not collect any kind of disability payments.

Does that make sense?

Understood, and thank you for the explanation ...and I think between my boss and I we already have this agreement- not in writing, though. She is so accommodating already, and understanding, as she has a son with the same birthday and diagnosis as me!

I can pretty much take off when I want, take a break when I want, for an hour or more if I want. BUT, she does require me to work the hours she fought so hard for me to get (we work for a non-profit and she got a grant approved solely for my salary).

My worry is that my illness is manifesting more than ever, and there is not much room left to accommodate me anymore except a lay off...then application for SSDI.

[deelooted]

I had a chance to speak with my pdoc last night and we upped the bupropion to 300mg a day. so, this morning I took it and can feel the difference a little more than 150 was giving me. There is hope and a light at the end of tunnel! Thank you all for your support This site has also helped me tremendously.

[deelooted]

So we are here, on the Monday I dreaded and I did not have to. The bupropion is working amazingly after only one week. I look forward to the state of mind it helps bring me to after 6-8 weeks...as long as I don't break out in a delusion, I think I can make it! Must be the olanzapine working well, too.

These two meds, plus the trazodone for sleep, have been the best combo yet. Hope everyone is having a good Monday