Using the provisions of the ADA

it can be very hard to hold a job when you never know if you will be able to get out of bed, or out of the house on any given day~ some jobs are better than others when allowing for a disabled worker to take care of themselves.
you might consider looking for a job that will give you 'Accommodations' (as provided for under the ADA ...Americans with Disabilities Act).

you have to disclose to your employer that you have a disability and the nature of the accommodations you might need. you do not have to give the name of your disability. so if you need "additional sick days" due to "a recurring movement disorder"... that could describe depression.

the exact wording of the letter must include: "Under the Provisions of the 1990 Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, i am requesting accommodations for a Disability Related Functional Impairment, specifically: __(name the accommodation)_________"

most government jobs are required to provide accommodation, but request them AFTER you get hired~!

best wishes~
Gus

Except for the City of Boulder, in Boulder, CO. Back in 2002 I had recently been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and had many instances where I could not get out of bed, or arrive by 8am. It was a Tech Support job, so I did most of it by phone or computer. Even though I physically was not in the cubicle of hell I still took care of my customers. They didn't care. I sued them for wrongful termination, unfortunately I was not coordinated enough to sue them under ADA. It is a long tedious process. I only got the amount of money if I had gone through unemployment, but I got the lump sum which helped at the time.

Well.. ADA can be tricky and one needs to know its there. Now, also recognized under national & global codes for conduct and work environment. Any employer of a major company should respect there laws. Period

Just to be clear.. commenting from the AE & MEP and work environment side. the code also covers mental health issues as a disability.. not as familiar with those. Read the stacks of books... Thanks

In order to protect yourself from termination due to mental illness the best thing to do is talk to your doctor about writing an fmla directive...or whatever it's called. It is kind of like a prn prescription. It varies from person to person based on what the doctor thinks is needed. For instance you might have the ability to take x number of hours unpaid sick leave with no questions asked. Or excused for appointments if that is hard to work out with the employer. The form goes to hr but nothing about diagnosis or why is included. They or your manager are not allowed to ask and there are strict penalties for doing so.

I have mixed feelings about this. For a certain amount of time or sporadically it's good it's there. But if it is over used it can hurt morale. They basically can't fire you at all so the company is rather stuck if they really need you there and you are gone too often. Other employees don't understand and get resentful. That's not good for you or them. I'm thinking if somebody that would regularly use it at least once a week for half days (often more) over the course of at least two or three years. His doctor of 6 years was horrible. I think if you are that bad for that long treatment needs to be reexamined. He eventually did switched doctors. Problem solved.

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