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Re: How do you work, keep a job, with Depression?

Posted by jerrympls on May 10, 2003, at 21:40:16

In reply to How do you work, keep a job, with Depression?, posted by Giget on May 8, 2003, at 11:55:11

> This is my first post here, but I have been an onlooker for a while.
>
> I am EXTREMLY depressed and my phic is working on meds with me. I have been put on Zyprexa, with 80 pounds weight gain, Effexor, with terrible rash, stomach problems, fever, no help for depression and other really bad side effects, and now he put me on Wellbrutin, which needs time to get into my system.
>
> My question is how do you hold down a job when you can bearly wash your hair? My work is seeing problems and they offered me some time off, not firing just some time off. I want to take it but I called the phic, who is only in on Mondays by the way, and the nurse sounded like she did not think he would document my problem for work.
>
> I have been living hour by hour, but I am sinking at work. All I do is put all my energy into going to work and going home to bed.
>
> How do you keep a job?
>
>

I've been struggling with this as well. First, let me tell you about an EXCELLENT book about keeping a job while being depressed: "Working in the Dark," by Fawn Fitter and Beth Gulas. I can't remember how I came upon - but I am SO glad I did. It's paperback and only about $16.00. Anyway, it explains everything from how and how much to communicate to your supervisor about your illness to explaining your rights under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) I strongly- strongly urge you to get a copy of this book!!

Here's what I have learned - especially in the past 9 months as my depression started to really break though and effect work:

- Seek out your HR dept and talk to someone there. I work at a fairly large organization that has a dept. called Disability Services that helped me work with my supervisor and doctor to document and work things out to a reasonable degree at work.
- In the Unitied States, you do not have to disclose your illness to your supervisor and you can request "reasonable accommodations," including working out a flexible work schedule, having the option of working from home part-time, etc. There is a lot more to it than that, but as long as you are able to perfom the essential duties outlined in your job description and the accomodations you request do not interfere with the normal operation of your dept. - then you are protected. Of course, you do have to formally register with disability services - however - at least for me - this was a quick and easy process. Diability Services talks to your doctor and requests some very basic info about your illness and treatment and that's it (it may be a slightly different process in different states)
- Also, under the Family Medical Leave Act, certain employees are allowed to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave without losing their job or health benefits.
- Contact the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - it's a federal agency that offers free advice on employing people with disabilities - including mental illness.

There is much, much more - and I urge you to get this book and seek out info about the ADA and JAN. Also, do not confuse any of what I have written above as various ways to be able to excuse bad performance through protection under federal law - one MUSt be able to perform the essential duties of his/her job. I just wanted to post some info to let you know there are laws/organizations out there to help you work whil being treated for depression or other mental illness. You do have people on your side and resources that can help you through rough times.

I hope this helps some.

Jerry


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