Seeking Accommodation

Not really sure exactly where this should go but I have been thinking about asking my employer for accommodations to my diagnosis of Major Depression. (which in my case has gotten worse as I've gotten older).

The following is what I propose to my employer and I appreciate any and all comments from readers.

""I am seeking some accommodations due to my diagnosis of Major Depression (which I am willing to provide documentation stating this). First and foremost, I always have the company’s best interest in mind. I am a loyal employee and I have never taken my position here lightly or for granted. Hence the delay and hesitation in approaching this matter. I appreciate the flexibility granted to me thus far.

I am asking for an additional sick leave accommodation to be made on a more permanent basis. I know our policy limits sick time and I would never take advantage of it. I wouldn't abuse it - it would be a very respected privilege. However, with my diagnosis, there have been days where I have come to work, when I should have stayed home, to work through my illness. I have come to work depressed and suicidal and most unproductive (which just compounds anxiety and depression). Coming to work is something I look forward to because I know I am healthy on those days. I would rather take the day to stay home to level off and be more productive the following day. I do not want to put my co-workers into a position of constantly having to cover for me, therefore, I would only take time off what is needed. I also enjoy coming to work because of a paycheck. I would not expect to be paid for any additional sick time. Therefore, taking additional limited time off would be crucial to me as well. Paying me to come to work when I don’t feel well is unproductive. I would ask that vacation time be exempt from this request because I need those days to look forward to. Having occasions to look forward to is very beneficial for my mental health.

I know I have many appointments and I do my best to schedule them at times of day that will be least disruptive to my co-workers. It is not always possible to schedule them after work and I am unclear if I should make them all on one day or spread them out. I do not expect to be paid while at these appointments. Just the time to go to them.

If I need a mental health day, it’s because I can’t get out of bed. I love going to work. It helps me know I’m not so depressed. I would go to work on those dark days if I could but sometimes I just can’t. It's more than just thinking positively and crawling out of bed even though you don't feel like it. I actually enjoy going to work because then I know I'm healthier. But those days when I'm really feeling sick, work is just something I can't function very well at.

I am asking for not to be penalized for taking additional sick days when I truly need it. In return, I will give more than my all. I am willing to make up time on weekends when needed, I am even willing to take on additional responsibilities which aren’t quite as time consuming as fusion equipment rentals is. I have already asked to be more involved with Freight Claims and am willing to help with specific projects for any department, which will benefit the company as a whole.

If approved, I would at least have the calmness of knowing it’s there if I need it. Which I might not need. Not having this accommodation approved means greater anxiety for me and less productivity.""

I know I have some rights under ADA but I'm not totally clear on what they are. So if anyone out there can help me with that, I would be very appreciative.
Thank you for reading.

Much will depend on where you work and their policies. When you accept a position, you agree to fulfill the responsibilities/expections of that position. If I hired you...
and had a meduim to large size business - my first priority is the business and being as fair as I can with all employees....per policy. Not everyone understands mental illness and resentment could creep in as to why you are being favored.

If I am a small busines, I would have you set up as an indepentand contractor - within the guidlines the government has put forth. That way you agree to do a job and would be paid accordingly - getting the job done on your terms. For me...I might be working at 6:00 in the morning or 10:00 in the evening depending on how I feel.

I personally enjoy the freedom.

If I found this out about you after I hired you...I might not take that well. I might need a person to fulfill certain obligations and would need to be able count on you.

If it is a small company and they are aware of your struggle and value your work...they probably will accommodate you.

It's a very tough call!!!

I disagree with your approach. Just my opinion but I think you are giving way too much information in your letter. Have you considered just getting a note from your doctor?

I had to leave work exactly on time every day for a few weeks because I'm doing a procedure, TMS, that is every day. That means I couldn't stay for meetings or other after school day events. I ended up applying for a 504 with a doctor's note. I only gave them as much information as they needed to approve the 504.

I'm a little worried that you mention that some days you are suicidal. I would worry that your job might think you are a liability because of that.

I agree with TheWell, in my opinion, you are sharing way too much information. When I applied for ADA accommodations for a physical problem I had to provide documentation from a docotr to prove my problem and suggested acoomodations. If I were you I would limit my disclosure to my employer to that information.

I have Ive always been against disclosure at work , reason being people just dont understand MI and seems strange that majority of people loss the job just a lil bit down the road for a" lame excuse" ..; Yes there is ADA be its a huge huge process and I have yet to see anyone that has been actually helpful

Good luck with what ever you decide to do

Is your employer large enough that you are covered by FMLA?

Thank you for all the responses. I've already taken a leave of absence in May for a month. My company is mid-sized (like 300 employees company wide) but at my location we all know each other and we all get along pretty well. I have already disclosed some information to HR and a boss. I'm even willing to talk to the President of our company, if that's what I need to do. I am not ashamed to have depression. I want to de-stigmatize it. I do agree that exposing that I've come to work suicidal is a bit over the top. I will take that comment out.

However, being pressured to go to work when I can't perform just increases my anxiety. That's why I want the accommodation - even if I never use it, just to know it's there will be a huge relief.

I will discuss with my Psychiatrist to see what she suggests. For now, I'll just have to deal with the anxiety as best as I can.

Thank you everyone!

Many times the employer doesn't care and might cut hours or eventually replace you altogether. I've heard this happen once or twice before, someone gave a mental health disclosure and found himself fired just weeks or months later. Because of his anxiety, they placed him in a room with minimal things to do and before you know it, they said we don't need your services anymore and he was fired. That's just one story I've heard about this type of thing, so be really careful and smart before you give them anything they could use against you. Reminds me of the saying, "Don't give anyone a stick to beat you with."

I agree with the others. I would tread lightly when disclosing you have a mental illness. It came out at my last job, I ended up in the hospital and the place is a gossip factory, so there was no avoiding it. Some people were very supportive, but others were skeptical, downright mean and resentful that I got time off while others just treated me differently or avoided me altogether. You shouldn't be ashamed of your illness, but having everyone around you know is different and I doubt it will stay under wraps very long. In my case, you don't "have" bipolar disorder, you are bipolar. It's the same with depression and other mental illnesses and they will use it to explain everything. I found I could no longer just have a good or bad day like anyone else. If I had one it meant I was about to go nuts.