Comments on: Bipolar in the workplace http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/ Dr. John Grohol's daily update on all things in psychology and mental health. Since 1999. Fri, 25 May 2012 02:09:53 +0000 hourly 1 By: Sarah http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-721558 Sarah Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:05:10 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-721558 Not taking the meds is sometimes one of the things you have to try and overcome if you are bi-polar. you tend to either forget them, and not even on purpose. Or yeah, if there is a side effect you do not like in a medication to the degree that you'd rather stop taking it then deal with that side effect...I kind of believe that to be normal. Many people will take a med for something and have a bad side effect so they stop taking that and try something else, which might be the cause of all the doctors visits, it could simply be that they don't have their meds straightened out yet. Sometimes that can take awhile, and that happens with everyone with a condition that requires medication. While I can understand it must be hard to "pick up the slack" as you say, and I've been there, I'm also that bipolar girl, with bad attendance, trying to constantly make sure her meds are straightenened out, trying to cope with life, trying hard to work, but having a hard time. Your lack of sympathy in thinking of you know in any situation, both sides suffer some negativity and downside. I feel this way but how do they feel? Empathy is lacking. And it really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. That is all I can say. Not taking the meds is sometimes one of the things you have to try and overcome if you are bi-polar. you tend to either forget them, and not even on purpose. Or yeah, if there is a side effect you do not like in a medication to the degree that you’d rather stop taking it then deal with that side effect…I kind of believe that to be normal. Many people will take a med for something and have a bad side effect so they stop taking that and try something else, which might be the cause of all the doctors visits, it could simply be that they don’t have their meds straightened out yet. Sometimes that can take awhile, and that happens with everyone with a condition that requires medication. While I can understand it must be hard to “pick up the slack” as you say, and I’ve been there, I’m also that bipolar girl, with bad attendance, trying to constantly make sure her meds are straightenened out, trying to cope with life, trying hard to work, but having a hard time. Your lack of sympathy in thinking of you know in any situation, both sides suffer some negativity and downside. I feel this way but how do they feel? Empathy is lacking. And it really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. That is all I can say.

]]> By: BipolarGuy http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-697344 BipolarGuy Thu, 10 Feb 2011 05:09:02 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-697344 Can my employer prohibit me from disclosing that I have bipolar disorder to my clients? My employer is saying that it will undermine my credibility and the credibility of the firm. I say that they are ignorant and focused on the stigma associated with this illness, rather than the fact that people with bipolar disorder can be functioning members of society. Does anyone know of a legal case that might help me? Can my employer prohibit me from disclosing that I have bipolar disorder to my clients? My employer is saying that it will undermine my credibility and the credibility of the firm. I say that they are ignorant and focused on the stigma associated with this illness, rather than the fact that people with bipolar disorder can be functioning members of society. Does anyone know of a legal case that might help me?

]]> By: Catherine http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-674623 Catherine Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:11:58 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-674623 I am BiPolar II, and feel bad for all of the coworkers that I've ticked off over the years with my unexplained mood swings and paranoia. My job history is spotty, but I'd found a job this year that I enjoyed, and stayed with them for the longest stretch of work since 2002. Recently, I'd been feeling more and more frustrated with my coworkers, feeling like they were taking advantage of me and not doing their share of the required work. I'd also been thinking about the Trial Work program ending in the next month, which meant I'd only be getting a paycheck, no help from disability anymore. My job paid less on a monthly basis than I had been earning on disability alone. So, I had a lot on my mind, which I tried to keep to myself (no one knew I was BP), and tried to do my best not to yell at anyone or get mad when I was frustrated. I got snippy once or twice, but always apologized right after (I apologized a lot at that job, to everyone, trying to stay non-confrontational and amiable). One day I must have let my frustration and depression leak out too much, because a coworker came down and yelled at me in front of staff, berating me for "disrespecting" her and having a bad attitude, and I'd better watch myself, because she wasn't going to be talked to like that by nobody..." Even while I was welling up with tears and trying to get a word in edgewise to apologize. So I decided to cut my losses and quit. No notice, just a resignation letter the next day. (And a mention to the boss about the woman's unprofessional behavior). That was 2 weeks abo, and I've finally stopped getting anxious when I see someone in person or on tv that looks like her. And now, I'll be making more on disability than working for $10 an hour part time. Kinda messed up, but I didn't make the rules, and I'm not capable of working enough hours or working at a high-paced job to earn enough money to NOT be on disability. I live with my parents, I'm 37, and I feel like I have nowhere to go that won't my life harder than it already is. An aside to folks who are frustrated about people who don't take their comply with their meds: The non-compliance is part of the illness. Sick people can't truly grasp that the meds are FOREVER, not just until they start to feel better. When the meds work (and it takes time, sometimes years, to get the right combination), you feel like everything's normal again. So you feel like you don't need them anymore. Most BiPolars (myself included) that I know have had periods of non-compliance. It takes a lot of falling down and picking oneself back up to be ready to make positive changes in lifestyle to be truly stable. So don't hate them for it, try to keep in mind that it's a long hard road. I am BiPolar II, and feel bad for all of the coworkers that I’ve ticked off over the years with my unexplained mood swings and paranoia. My job history is spotty, but I’d found a job this year that I enjoyed, and stayed with them for the longest stretch of work since 2002. Recently, I’d been feeling more and more frustrated with my coworkers, feeling like they were taking advantage of me and not doing their share of the required work.

I’d also been thinking about the Trial Work program ending in the next month, which meant I’d only be getting a paycheck, no help from disability anymore. My job paid less on a monthly basis than I had been earning on disability alone.

So, I had a lot on my mind, which I tried to keep to myself (no one knew I was BP), and tried to do my best not to yell at anyone or get mad when I was frustrated. I got snippy once or twice, but always apologized right after (I apologized a lot at that job, to everyone, trying to stay non-confrontational and amiable). One day I must have let my frustration and depression leak out too much, because a coworker came down and yelled at me in front of staff, berating me for “disrespecting” her and having a bad attitude, and I’d better watch myself, because she wasn’t going to be talked to like that by nobody…” Even while I was welling up with tears and trying to get a word in edgewise to apologize.

So I decided to cut my losses and quit. No notice, just a resignation letter the next day. (And a mention to the boss about the woman’s unprofessional behavior).

That was 2 weeks abo, and I’ve finally stopped getting anxious when I see someone in person or on tv that looks like her. And now, I’ll be making more on disability than working for $10 an hour part time. Kinda messed up, but I didn’t make the rules, and I’m not capable of working enough hours or working at a high-paced job to earn enough money to NOT be on disability. I live with my parents, I’m 37, and I feel like I have nowhere to go that won’t my life harder than it already is.

An aside to folks who are frustrated about people who don’t take their comply with their meds: The non-compliance is part of the illness. Sick people can’t truly grasp that the meds are FOREVER, not just until they start to feel better. When the meds work (and it takes time, sometimes years, to get the right combination), you feel like everything’s normal again. So you feel like you don’t need them anymore. Most BiPolars (myself included) that I know have had periods of non-compliance. It takes a lot of falling down and picking oneself back up to be ready to make positive changes in lifestyle to be truly stable. So don’t hate them for it, try to keep in mind that it’s a long hard road.

]]> By: Nicole http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-672251 Nicole Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:05:31 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-672251 Hi. Reading this is very informative. I am working with a person who disclosed her bipolar after she was "assigned" by management to an open position we were recruiting externally for. She also suffers from anxiety disorder (or so she claims). In the past 14 months since starting she has been absent over 10 times for periods of a week or more. This past 3 months period she has missed 30 days of work. She often only gives us one or 2 days notice. Right now, she is out on FMLA. Since we work weekend rotations - this has disrupted our work schedule alot. I know she claims she is seeing a doc & therapist, but can't help feel that she is not compliant with her meds. She recently claimed the doc told her to quit her Xanax but did not tell her she should taper off it - I find this absolutely impossible to believe, and I can only think she made up the story because SHE went off her meds because she doesn't like the way it makes her feel. I know the side effects of the meds are bad, but in this job we ALL suffer stress - when she can't come in our entire staff is affected and frankly I am ready to have a nervous breakdown myself. As a coworker I get to pick up alot of her slack. When do the coworkers have a say in this process? I think that she either needs to accept that in order to function here she needs to take the meds and take them religiously - and realize no med is side effect free. There is no magic bullet that will make her fell normal and still not have side effect!! If she wants to be off meds, she should admit she needs to work part time at a different, less stressful location. (Which there is only one place I can think of in our organization and which means she'd have to accept less than full time employ. Since she is married, this isn't as great a sacrifice as someone who has to work to provide and has no "back up" partner or co-earner.) When she is "on" she is fine - but since she is so unreliable we the staff and coworkers never know when she will call in sick from too much stress - and I'm starting to wonder if she will ever get her act together. From what I read here, the answer is pretty much NO. Not unless she accepts her disability and disease and accepts that there are no easy solutions or answers for her - and of course that treatment IS a neccessity to function here. I hate to say this, but I feel very unsympathetic to her. I feel that its like the diabetic with alcohol issues - he's told he'll lose his foot if he continues to drink but does so any way BY HIS FREE CHOICE. Same thing for taking not taking meds... Hi. Reading this is very informative. I am working with a person who disclosed her bipolar after she was “assigned” by management to an open position we were recruiting externally for. She also suffers from anxiety disorder (or so she claims). In the past 14 months since starting she has been absent over 10 times for periods of a week or more. This past 3 months period she has missed 30 days of work. She often only gives us one or 2 days notice. Right now, she is out on FMLA. Since we work weekend rotations – this has disrupted our work schedule alot. I know she claims she is seeing a doc & therapist, but can’t help feel that she is not compliant with her meds. She recently claimed the doc told her to quit her Xanax but did not tell her she should taper off it – I find this absolutely impossible to believe, and I can only think she made up the story because SHE went off her meds because she doesn’t like the way it makes her feel. I know the side effects of the meds are bad, but in this job we ALL suffer stress – when she can’t come in our entire staff is affected and frankly I am ready to have a nervous breakdown myself. As a coworker I get to pick up alot of her slack. When do the coworkers have a say in this process? I think that she either needs to accept that in order to function here she needs to take the meds and take them religiously – and realize no med is side effect free. There is no magic bullet that will make her fell normal and still not have side effect!! If she wants to be off meds, she should admit she needs to work part time at a different, less stressful location. (Which there is only one place I can think of in our organization and which means she’d have to accept less than full time employ. Since she is married, this isn’t as great a sacrifice as someone who has to work to provide and has no “back up” partner or co-earner.) When she is “on” she is fine – but since she is so unreliable we the staff and coworkers never know when she will call in sick from too much stress – and I’m starting to wonder if she will ever get her act together. From what I read here, the answer is pretty much NO. Not unless she accepts her disability and disease and accepts that there are no easy solutions or answers for her – and of course that treatment IS a neccessity to function here. I hate to say this, but I feel very unsympathetic to her. I feel that its like the diabetic with alcohol issues – he’s told he’ll lose his foot if he continues to drink but does so any way BY HIS FREE CHOICE. Same thing for taking not taking meds…

]]> By: Cheap Accomodation Girl http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-671257 Cheap Accomodation Girl Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:39:12 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-671257 Thank you Sandra for the article and for sharing it. I got lots of information and I learned many things out of it. I never knew about this things that much until I read this. Keep up. Thank you Sandra for the article and for sharing it. I got lots of information and I learned many things out of it. I never knew about this things that much until I read this. Keep up.

]]> By: Ann http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-667226 Ann Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:26:16 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-667226 I've been diagnosed with BPD since 2003. Recently I had to go on Intermittent FMLA for it because of severe mood swings, and now my bosses know that I have it because of the leave and they approved it. I do have performance issues sometimes....I either do something really, REALLY well, or make an awful mess of it. Overall, it seems like I've been successful. It's very discouraging sometimes though. I work full time and am in school part time to obtain my bachelor's degree and maybe on to my master's. However, if I cannot be efficient at my job, sometimes I wonder if it's worth it and if I should invest the $ in my education. Two weeks ago, our director pulled us all into a room and said there were going to be some layoffs in the near future. That she (Director of HR...I work in Human Resources) and the CEO of the company are going to do desk audits for all of our positions to see what processes are necessary and which are not. I'm SOOOOO afraid they're going to tell me they don't need my services any more. There is SUCH a stigmatism attached with letting bosses know your illness. My boss and I were talking about someone in our company who has BPD and is on a full time leave (I am responsible for leaves in the organization and we were speaking about the leave). Anyway, she made a negative comment about him, saying, "he seems nice and all.....but nowadays it's hard to tell the 'crazies' from the 'normal' people." I was STUNNED to say the least because this is the same woman who approved MY leave of absence (intermittent) and it makes me wonder if she believes that about me as well. It's SO hard to manage things sometimes. I'm on a cocktail of meds that are working for the most part, but sometimes I still get sad and cry a lot for no reason. My chiropractor put me on some different B vitamins and that seems to help with the crying spells, so that was helpful. Anyway, I've been reading the stories of others and wanted to share my experiences as well. Thank you all for sharing...it really helps me not to feel *so* alone in this. Ann I’ve been diagnosed with BPD since 2003. Recently I had to go on Intermittent FMLA for it because of severe mood swings, and now my bosses know that I have it because of the leave and they approved it. I do have performance issues sometimes….I either do something really, REALLY well, or make an awful mess of it. Overall, it seems like I’ve been successful.

It’s very discouraging sometimes though. I work full time and am in school part time to obtain my bachelor’s degree and maybe on to my master’s. However, if I cannot be efficient at my job, sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it and if I should invest the $ in my education.

Two weeks ago, our director pulled us all into a room and said there were going to be some layoffs in the near future. That she (Director of HR…I work in Human Resources) and the CEO of the company are going to do desk audits for all of our positions to see what processes are necessary and which are not. I’m SOOOOO afraid they’re going to tell me they don’t need my services any more.

There is SUCH a stigmatism attached with letting bosses know your illness. My boss and I were talking about someone in our company who has BPD and is on a full time leave (I am responsible for leaves in the organization and we were speaking about the leave). Anyway, she made a negative comment about him, saying, “he seems nice and all…..but nowadays it’s hard to tell the ‘crazies’ from the ‘normal’ people.” I was STUNNED to say the least because this is the same woman who approved MY leave of absence (intermittent) and it makes me wonder if she believes that about me as well.

It’s SO hard to manage things sometimes. I’m on a cocktail of meds that are working for the most part, but sometimes I still get sad and cry a lot for no reason. My chiropractor put me on some different B vitamins and that seems to help with the crying spells, so that was helpful.

Anyway, I’ve been reading the stories of others and wanted to share my experiences as well. Thank you all for sharing…it really helps me not to feel *so* alone in this.

Ann

]]> By: Becca http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-3/#comment-636533 Becca Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:39:36 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-636533 I'm bipolar type II. I am an intelligent and creative young woman in a professional career. I have had the same career for more than 6 years (since I graduated from college) and moved once and have been in the same job for more than 5 years. I'm very good at what I do. I never had problems at work until I disclosed to my supervisor that I was bipolar. 6 months later I suffered from a depressive episode and was triggered into a crying spell by an email I received from a colleague. My supervisor sent me home. He told me to take FMLA and when my doctor released me back to work - I was put on administrative leave and my supervisor says I'm "unfit" for my position. I take my medications faithfully. While I was out on FMLA I had a major skin reaction to my Lamictal - I was taken off it by my doctor and he is tapering me back on to my original dosage very slowly. In addition, I have agreed to start taking lithium as a good faith effort to do whatever it takes to get better. The side effects from lithium (and depakote) have always caused me excessive weight gain that led to diabetes and liver problems. I've had the unfortune of experiencing discrimination and really feel for others in my shoes. People don't know a whole lot about what bipolar disorder is and the spectrum. One shoe does not fit all. There are bipolar individuals who are very responsible and dedicated to their work. Not all of us swing from the chandeliers ... not all of us chase Captain Crunch down the cereal aisle... and not all of us think we are god. I don't know mania... I know hypomania and mixed episodes. I have tremendous sleeping problems. I want my job back! When people get mad at Bipolar individuals for not taking their meds - please understand that the side effects of the meds can be horrible. These individuals need to go back to their psychiatrist and negotiate getting on medications they can tolerate and be responsible in participating with. I’m bipolar type II. I am an intelligent and creative young woman in a professional career. I have had the same career for more than 6 years (since I graduated from college) and moved once and have been in the same job for more than 5 years. I’m very good at what I do.

I never had problems at work until I disclosed to my supervisor that I was bipolar. 6 months later I suffered from a depressive episode and was triggered into a crying spell by an email I received from a colleague. My supervisor sent me home. He told me to take FMLA and when my doctor released me back to work – I was put on administrative leave and my supervisor says I’m “unfit” for my position.

I take my medications faithfully. While I was out on FMLA I had a major skin reaction to my Lamictal – I was taken off it by my doctor and he is tapering me back on to my original dosage very slowly. In addition, I have agreed to start taking lithium as a good faith effort to do whatever it takes to get better. The side effects from lithium (and depakote) have always caused me excessive weight gain that led to diabetes and liver problems.

I’ve had the unfortune of experiencing discrimination and really feel for others in my shoes. People don’t know a whole lot about what bipolar disorder is and the spectrum. One shoe does not fit all. There are bipolar individuals who are very responsible and dedicated to their work. Not all of us swing from the chandeliers … not all of us chase Captain Crunch down the cereal aisle… and not all of us think we are god.

I don’t know mania… I know hypomania and mixed episodes. I have tremendous sleeping problems. I want my job back!

When people get mad at Bipolar individuals for not taking their meds – please understand that the side effects of the meds can be horrible. These individuals need to go back to their psychiatrist and negotiate getting on medications they can tolerate and be responsible in participating with.

]]> By: Sandra Kiume http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-633596 Sandra Kiume Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:43:51 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-633596 Hi Michelle, I'm really the wrong person to ask, I'm a writer and not a lawyer. My $0.02 isn't worth that much in this situation, but since you asked: If she has been diagnosed with bipolar and given documentation to her employer along with a reasonable request for accommodation, then she can't simply be fired for being ill. But if she's not performing her job duties adequately, with no reasonable explanation and documentation provided, and she's terrorizing coworkers, then I believe she could be terminated for those reasons just like any other person would be. Accommodating disability in the workplace doesn't mean tolerating antisocial behaviour. I hope that helps a little. Again, please consult a lawyer for a professional opinion. Hi Michelle,

I’m really the wrong person to ask, I’m a writer and not a lawyer. My $0.02 isn’t worth that much in this situation, but since you asked:

If she has been diagnosed with bipolar and given documentation to her employer along with a reasonable request for accommodation, then she can’t simply be fired for being ill. But if she’s not performing her job duties adequately, with no reasonable explanation and documentation provided, and she’s terrorizing coworkers, then I believe she could be terminated for those reasons just like any other person would be.

Accommodating disability in the workplace doesn’t mean tolerating antisocial behaviour.

I hope that helps a little. Again, please consult a lawyer for a professional opinion.

]]> By: Michelle http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-633578 Michelle Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:33:02 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-633578 I work with a person whom I believe to be bipolar, possibly something else. She mentions "meds", but I have never pursued this, as it really is not my business. She is a very bullying,abusive and manipulative person. She has stalked people both in and out of the office, eavesdrops and snoops. She causes a lot of disruption when she cannot quit talking, and her monologues are all negative gossip and vicious opinions about others. She purposely "bumps" into people in the hall and seems as if she might get physically abusive at times. She appears to be trying to get a medical disibility due to asthma caused by scents in our building. She has ordered people to not wear perfume or after shave, and has even complained that one woman's shampoo or creme rinse was making her sick. Before she was (very recently) diagnosed with asthma, she did a lot of "tattling" trying to get people in trouble. Now they are all making her sick. How do coworkers who would like to come to work to work, get their jobs done when there is so much disruption? This a small company and the owners don't know what to do about the problem. Is a group of people that basically gets along well required to be held hostage by this person? Thanks so much for any advice you might have. I work with a person whom I believe to be bipolar, possibly something else. She mentions “meds”, but I have never pursued this, as it really is not my business. She is a very bullying,abusive and manipulative person. She has stalked people both in and out of the office, eavesdrops and snoops. She causes a lot of disruption when she cannot quit talking, and her monologues are all negative gossip and vicious opinions about others. She purposely “bumps” into people in the hall and seems as if she might get physically abusive at times. She appears to be trying to get a medical disibility due to asthma caused by scents in our building. She has ordered people to not wear perfume or after shave, and has even complained that one woman’s shampoo or creme rinse was making her sick. Before she was (very recently) diagnosed with asthma, she did a lot of “tattling” trying to get people in trouble. Now they are all making her sick. How do coworkers who would like to come to work to work, get their jobs done when there is so much disruption? This a small company and the owners don’t know what to do about the problem. Is a group of people that basically gets along well required to be held hostage by this person? Thanks so much for any advice you might have.

]]> By: Donna http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-631734 Donna Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:59:52 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-631734 So glad to find your site. I was diagnosed BP in 2002 after the death of my daughter and a five year drug rampage which ended up with me being homeless. (Self medicating) This after a 22 year career in financial services. I have been on various med 'cocktails' since rehab and diagosis, have seen various therapists, and somehow managed to work for the last seven years at a small town newspaper. Tomorrow I have another 'meeting' w/the owners about my 'issues': I am perceived to be a whiner with a negative attitude. Now I realize I have been asking for accomodation of my disability and they're just not listening. I keep saying I need to be moved out of the hall in the front of the office to a more quiet location so I can focus and concentrate, as my workload has steadily increased. But they don't have the money, or they need me upfront; they are unwilling to change things so that I can keep my livlihood. I am in tears two or three times a week because I can't seem to please them no matter how hard I work, or how many lunches I work through to make up for doctor's appointments. So, I'm terrified of what will happen at tomorrow's meeting: will I be fired? reprimanded yet again for having a bad attitude and mood swings? or totally lose my temper and quit without another job in the wings? You're guess is as good as mine. But at least now I know that I'm not alone and I do have some rights. Wish me luck. Thanks for listening. So glad to find your site. I was diagnosed BP in 2002 after the death of my daughter and a five year drug rampage which ended up with me being homeless. (Self medicating) This after a 22 year career in financial services. I have been on various med ‘cocktails’ since rehab and diagosis, have seen various therapists, and somehow managed to work for the last seven years at a small town newspaper. Tomorrow I have another ‘meeting’ w/the owners about my ‘issues’: I am perceived to be a whiner with a negative attitude. Now I realize I have been asking for accomodation of my disability and they’re just not listening. I keep saying I need to be moved out of the hall in the front of the office to a more quiet location so I can focus and concentrate, as my workload has steadily increased. But they don’t have the money, or they need me upfront; they are unwilling to change things so that I can keep my livlihood. I am in tears two or three times a week because I can’t seem to please them no matter how hard I work, or how many lunches I work through to make up for doctor’s appointments. So, I’m terrified of what will happen at tomorrow’s meeting: will I be fired? reprimanded yet again for having a bad attitude and mood swings? or totally lose my temper and quit without another job in the wings? You’re guess is as good as mine. But at least now I know that I’m not alone and I do have some rights. Wish me luck. Thanks for listening.

]]> By: What Works For Mental Health At Work? | World of Psychology http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-627962 What Works For Mental Health At Work? | World of Psychology Sun, 31 May 2009 07:33:14 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-627962 [...] person with bipolar recently commented on my post about bipolar in the workplace seeking [...] [...] person with bipolar recently commented on my post about bipolar in the workplace seeking [...]

]]> By: Sandra Kiume http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-627961 Sandra Kiume Sun, 31 May 2009 07:30:37 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-627961 To everyone looking for advice about your personal situations, the best thing you can do is consult a lawyer experienced in disability issues. This issue is too serious not to - it's your livelihood. To everyone looking for advice about your personal situations, the best thing you can do is consult a lawyer experienced in disability issues. This issue is too serious not to – it’s your livelihood.

]]> By: TJ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-625954 TJ Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:12:24 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-625954 I found out I was bipolar in 2006. When I fist started taking my meds I had to take a few days off work to get myself use to the new changes. At the time I was embarassed to tell anyone, especially at work. When my boss asked why I had missed so many days I told her that I was taking meds that I needed to get use to (it is my understanding of the ADA that I don't have to formally disclose any medical information). She asked no questions and time went on. In Novemeber of this year I lost my 15yo cousin to a drunk driver. I was really depressed but put it behind me. Then in December I stopped taking my meds and seeing my doc and therapist. I moved away from my support and stability and got my own place.I even ended a 5yr relationship. Everything went downhill from there. The depresson hit me hard. I was living in an empty apartment (i spent money but not sure on what) and missing lots of work. My new boss was concerned and she started asking questions. I never came out and told her of my bipolar disorder ( i was in denial that this was the cause of my downfall) but I did tell her that I was really depressed and was having a hard time and I really didn't know what to do. She just told me to hang in there and things would get better. A couple days later she told me I was being written up for missing calls and I was on my last warning. Well a week later I was placed on suspension with pay. I finaly told her my situation and I thought things would get better. However they got worse. I was told to get a doc not abt my illness and submit it to HR. But when I got the letter HR told me it would not be needed. In the end, I got fired. Is there anything I can do abt this? How is this fair? I am back on my meds but don't know how much longer bc I can't afford them if I'm not working. What do I do? PLEASE ADVISE. I found out I was bipolar in 2006. When I fist started taking my meds I had to take a few days off work to get myself use to the new changes. At the time I was embarassed to tell anyone, especially at work. When my boss asked why I had missed so many days I told her that I was taking meds that I needed to get use to (it is my understanding of the ADA that I don’t have to formally disclose any medical information). She asked no questions and time went on. In Novemeber of this year I lost my 15yo cousin to a drunk driver. I was really depressed but put it behind me. Then in December I stopped taking my meds and seeing my doc and therapist. I moved away from my support and stability and got my own place.I even ended a 5yr relationship. Everything went downhill from there. The depresson hit me hard. I was living in an empty apartment (i spent money but not sure on what) and missing lots of work. My new boss was concerned and she started asking questions. I never came out and told her of my bipolar disorder ( i was in denial that this was the cause of my downfall) but I did tell her that I was really depressed and was having a hard time and I really didn’t know what to do. She just told me to hang in there and things would get better. A couple days later she told me I was being written up for missing calls and I was on my last warning. Well a week later I was placed on suspension with pay. I finaly told her my situation and I thought things would get better. However they got worse. I was told to get a doc not abt my illness and submit it to HR. But when I got the letter HR told me it would not be needed. In the end, I got fired. Is there anything I can do abt this? How is this fair? I am back on my meds but don’t know how much longer bc I can’t afford them if I’m not working. What do I do? PLEASE ADVISE.

]]> By: Tony http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-624427 Tony Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:56:50 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-624427 Ask your lawyer if it would be beneficial for you to take medical leave soon. The sooner you follow up on this, the better. Legally, I don't think a company can terminate you when you are ill and on disability. Your lawyer's advice on this may protect your disability payments and/or medical plan, and you. You may be in a better position financially. When you select a lawyer, do your research so you get one experienced in this area. Good luck Ask your lawyer if it would be beneficial for you to take medical leave soon. The sooner you follow up on this, the better.

Legally, I don’t think a company can terminate you when you are ill and on disability. Your lawyer’s advice on this may protect your disability payments and/or medical plan, and you. You may be in a better position financially. When you select a lawyer, do your research so you get one experienced in this area. Good luck

]]> By: Sandra Kiume http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/01/23/bipolar-in-the-workplace/comment-page-2/#comment-624235 Sandra Kiume Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:56:27 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=730#comment-624235 Hi Ariana, sorry that things are so distressing. For your mental health problems you turn to a professional, right? And if your car had trouble you'd go to an experienced licensed mechanic. Now you have a legal problem and need a legal professional, not just info from a professional writer, which is my expertise (as well as having been through the disability process). <a href="http://www.abanet.org/lawyerlocator/searchlawyer.html" rel="nofollow">Here's</a> one referral site and <a href="http://www.abanet.org/disability/disabilitydirectory/home.shtml" rel="nofollow">here's</a> another. Please contact a lawyer to protect yourself. I wish you the best. Hi Ariana, sorry that things are so distressing. For your mental health problems you turn to a professional, right? And if your car had trouble you’d go to an experienced licensed mechanic. Now you have a legal problem and need a legal professional, not just info from a professional writer, which is my expertise (as well as having been through the disability process). Here’s one referral site and here’s another. Please contact a lawyer to protect yourself. I wish you the best.

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