Posted by Adam on November 23, 1999, at 17:30:44
In reply to To tell or not to tell...., posted by Noa on November 23, 1999, at 16:24:27
> this is a really tough question, and always a risk.
Yes. One does have to be careful, and not everyone will give you the treatment you
deserve. I've opted to lay it all out on the table with my employer, my illness, drugs,
the works. Not long after I got out of the hospital I started on Remeron, and was
so groggy I couldn't drive. I called up my boss and told him. I've never really known
what else to do. I lack guile, I guess. I've been fortunate, and was always treated
with respect and kindness, and I'm glad that I've chosen disclosure. I don't see how
anyone could have understood what I was going through without frank discussion. I beleive
it actually helped with my promotion. I did some very good work before things got unbearable,
and when my productivity slipped, they then knew how hard I had tried to struggle through it.
They knew I was still giving it my best effort, and that I needed a break to take care
of myself.For me, part of not feeling ashamed of my illness has been admitting to others that I suffer
from depression. The response has not always been good. I'm quite certain it terminated a
potential "friendship", and that hurt terribly. I know now, though, that this person wasn't
for me. I guess I really know where I stand with the people I have opened up to. It's the
only way I can operate now. I understand completely the desire, and sometimes the need to not
disclose such information. In my own experience, the occasional pain of rejection or
mistreatment has been worth the unexpected understanding and support I've gotten from a choice
few.
poster:Adam
thread:15628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/15704.html