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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christina on October 16, 2000, at 8:22:05
Because of my illness, I'm concerned about my poor performance on my job and that I may be fired because of it. Things get especially bad for me when I add/change meds.
How do you deal with this situation? Have any of you been open about your illnesses and the effects of meds to your employer, supervisor or coworkers?
Do they work with you?
Have you had any repercussions?
Help... I'm freaking out!
Posted by Greg on October 16, 2000, at 8:45:39
In reply to Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Christina on October 16, 2000, at 8:22:05
Christina,
Yes, I have told my employer and the co-workers I interact the most closely with about my illness, and while I might be among the minority here, it's been among the best decisions I've made. I am always excused for doctor's visits provided I make up my time. I also have the option to work from home when I'm having an especially bad day, many others don't. Would this be a possibility for you? I also gave them websites to visit to help educate them on my dis-ease. Education is a powerful tool.
I've also asked them to not treat me any differently because of my illness (Bipolar II). I think allowing them to treat me normally makes them feel more at ease, I know it does me.
As I said though, I am probably among the minority here. You are the best judge of what possible repercussions you may have to deal with. Some employers will use this against you. You might want to check and see what, if any, policy your company has on issues such as these. Maybe an employee handbook? So, I would think it over carefully before saying anything.
Please let me know what you decide to do and how it works out for you. I wish you all the best.
Greg
> Because of my illness, I'm concerned about my poor performance on my job and that I may be fired because of it. Things get especially bad for me when I add/change meds.
> How do you deal with this situation? Have any of you been open about your illnesses and the effects of meds to your employer, supervisor or coworkers?
> Do they work with you?
> Have you had any repercussions?
> Help... I'm freaking out!
Posted by CarolAnn on October 16, 2000, at 10:08:05
In reply to Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Christina on October 16, 2000, at 8:22:05
Christina, I haven't had to deal with this, but I wanted to tell you that there was a guy who use to post here (Bob from NY, anyone know what happened to him?) who was involved in a lawsuit against his employers for firing him because of his depression. Don't know how it all turned out, but I think you should know that it is 'discrimination' for a company to fire a person because they are ill (even 'mentally' ill). Telling or not telling your employers depends on what kind of people they are and what kind of company it is. You would know best whether or not your company is supportive of this type of thing. You can be sure though, that if you tell even one person you work with, the whole place will end up knowing about it. Good luck, and my best wishes to you! CarolAnn
Posted by noa on October 16, 2000, at 10:45:55
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness? » Christina, posted by CarolAnn on October 16, 2000, at 10:08:05
About Bob's situation---it turned out that proving his case to the EEOC was really hard, so I would caution anyone who thinks they are easily protected. It isn't that easy.
I think this is a tough question, one that we have had here before. Each individual situation is different.
In my current job, I was SUCH a mess last year, I ended up telling a few of my coworkers and supervisors. That was was I needed to do.
However, in a previous job, only the coworkers I was close to knew, and I am so glad others did not, because my termination there was anything but amicable and it could have been used against me in very "unofficial" ways (ie, ways that wouldn't lead to discrimination charges).
I think you will hear people here weighing in on both sides of this question.
Posted by Ted on October 16, 2000, at 11:06:20
In reply to Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Christina on October 16, 2000, at 8:22:05
I told my employer, both manager and HR department. I really couldn't help it -- I am in a very visible position and when I was in the hospital and recovery afterward, my absence was obvious. I told all -- not my fault that I have bipolar disorder. I took the opportunity to educate my coworkers. :-) The result has been slightly reduced bonuses because my productivity is not what it used to be, but no problems WRT attendance, work hours, sick leave, doctor appts, etc.
Part of reducing the social stigma of mental illness is how we present it to others. Take every opportunity to educate those around you. Nevertheless, I wouldn't put it on my resume or mention it in an interview. :-)
Ted
Posted by coral on October 16, 2000, at 16:19:43
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Ted on October 16, 2000, at 11:06:20
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection for people with disabilities, including mental disorders. The ADA also requires an employer to make "reasonable accommodation" to assist the employee. To qualify for ADA protection, an employee is obligated to notify the employer of his/her condition. However, this is not a blanket recommendation that everyone immediately disclose their mental disorders to their employers. Much of it depends on the culture of your workplace and the sophistication and compassion of your employer, as well as the degree your disorder is impacting job performance. Unfortunately, employers can find ways to terminate an employee, avoiding the ADA issue altogether. Job stress certainly impacts recovery, as does the unfortunate stigma that still exists.
Posted by Snowie on October 16, 2000, at 17:37:40
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by coral on October 16, 2000, at 16:19:43
Coral, I couldn't have said it better myself. To tell or not to tell is a personal decision, and only you can decide which is right for you in your present situation. In my situation, my disorder does not affect my job, so I see no reason to make my business my employer's business. On the other hand, my sister had to tell her employer due to the nature of her illness (bipolar). Her employer has accommodated her illness and her need for frequent absences related to her disorder. However, when my sister is on the job she is quite able to perform the essential functions of her job.
Snowie
> The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection for people with disabilities, including mental disorders. The ADA also requires an employer to make "reasonable accommodation" to assist the employee. To qualify for ADA protection, an employee is obligated to notify the employer of his/her condition. However, this is not a blanket recommendation that everyone immediately disclose their mental disorders to their employers. Much of it depends on the culture of your workplace and the sophistication and compassion of your employer, as well as the degree your disorder is impacting job performance. Unfortunately, employers can find ways to terminate an employee, avoiding the ADA issue altogether. Job stress certainly impacts recovery, as does the unfortunate stigma that still exists.
Posted by coral on October 16, 2000, at 19:24:23
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Snowie on October 16, 2000, at 17:37:40
Dear Snowie,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad the situations are working out for both you and your sister. I'm a management consultant and work with clients in areas of employee performance, which includes such things as the ADA, workplace violence, sexual harassment, etc., and most people (management and employees) do attempt to find reasonable working relationships that are beneficial to both. However, I also see abuses on both sides. I'm waiting for the day when a sexual harasser claims protection under the ADA as a sexual addict.
Posted by stjames on October 16, 2000, at 19:43:34
In reply to Thank you, Snowie, posted by coral on October 16, 2000, at 19:24:23
I'm waiting for the day when a sexual harasser claims protection under the ADA as a sexual addict.
James here....
Too late, it has already been done !
james
Posted by shellie on October 16, 2000, at 21:07:14
In reply to Re: Thank you, Snowie, posted by stjames on October 16, 2000, at 19:43:34
I hope I'm not being too contraversial or nonsupportive here, but owning a business has given me a different perspective than I used to have.
Actually, I don't have any employees--I contract out. But when you are running a business you make promises to people and they have to be met, or the business will not succeed. I guess my take would be to accomodate an employee as much as possible, e.g., absences for appointments, extra sick leave, etc., as long as the time is made up.
However, it would seem to me imperative that an employee be able to carry out his or her responsibilities while on the job. In your case, Christina, if you told them about your depression, what would be your expectations? Would you be expecting them to accept your lower productivity? Or would you be trying to work out a plan to increase your productivity, e.g., working part-time instead of full-time, flexible hours, etc.
I think with any illness, if someone cannot handle the responsibilities of their position, they must be willing to make a change. Like take a leave of absence, cut back on their hours, accept a less demanding position, or do something that prevents a compromise of the company or organization's productivity. And likewise, the company must be flexible to support their employee to be as productive as possible within the limits of their illness.
Worst case scenario (which I have done in the past) is quit the job and apply for social security disability. But I think that is a definite last step-- when you feel you are unable to work at all, until your depression is treated.
(god, I am actually sounding like a capitalist)
Maybe my bottom line is about deciding why you would be telling your employer about your depression, before you actually make the decision.
shellie
Posted by shellie on October 16, 2000, at 23:01:04
In reply to Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by Christina on October 16, 2000, at 8:22:05
Christina. I went back again and reread your post and want to apologize for writing a reponse that totally negated your emotions. I'm really sorry that you're having such a hard time, and I can't imagine that med trials wouldn't effect anyone's job. I've actually been going through that myself these last six months and it is hell. And I have gotten behind on work orders and lied to customers about the type of illness I was experiencing.
So, maybe it would be appropriate for you to say something about going through some "medical tests", and ask how they would like to handle it. Or maybe just wait and see what they say; perhaps you are being harder on yourself than they will be.
Anyway, just wanted basically to say, although I gave my true opinions about work situations, I was totally insensitive to your dilemma, and I apologize. Shellie
Posted by Racer on October 17, 2000, at 0:48:12
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by shellie on October 16, 2000, at 23:01:04
Like Shellie, I've lied too. In my case, I've blamed it on drugs to control diabetes, something which is somehow less frightening to people. I guess because it is not contagious? Maybe we should remind people that mental distress isn't contagious, either...
As for your situation, Christina, I'm somewhere in a waffle myself: unemployed, and wondering what I'll be doing next...
From the standpoint of my former functioning self:
Make a list for yourself. Include things like the amount of time you anticipate needing for doctor visits, days you're likely to be too med-sick to make it in, how productive you can realistically be when you're there (with med problems, etc), and whether it's time to consider a different job.
Then make a list: what sorts of accommodations can your company make for you? What sorts of accommodations can you make for them? Is your postiion one that can be done as a telecommuter?
Here's the bottom line: if you're willing to risk it, tell your employer, but only after you've worked out a way you can continue to be cost effective for them. There are positions, in sales, in other high public contact positions, which must be done in person, at the customer's convenience. There are other jobs, which just need t obe done by someone who knows how within an allotted timje. The second type is ideal for those of us who can manage weekly productivity schedules better than hourly ones.
Good luck to you, and remember my advice: before you say anything, be ready to show how it's in their best interest t oaccommodate you! Like saving the cost of training someone new...
Good luck, and go get'em!!!
Posted by coral on October 17, 2000, at 7:44:05
In reply to Re: Thank you, Snowie, posted by stjames on October 16, 2000, at 19:43:34
Dear James,
Could you give me some more info. on the incident? Obviously, without breaching any confidentiality, but I'd like to add to my professional knowledge library.
Thanks,
Coral
Posted by Christina on October 17, 2000, at 14:48:43
In reply to Re: Have you told employers about your illness?, posted by shellie on October 16, 2000, at 23:01:04
I wholeheartedly agree with your position as an employer.
I work for a massive publicly held company and I would not expect my employer to make concessions for my decrease in productivity that could ultimatley piss off clients and result in a loss of revenue.
I think my concern was whether to alert my supervisor of possible problems with med trials so she doesn't think I'm a total idiot.
I feel like being proactive instead of waiting for my sporadic incompetence to catch up to me!
I'll read a little more, then decide.
Posted by stjames on October 19, 2000, at 17:40:46
In reply to Request for StJames, posted by coral on October 17, 2000, at 7:44:05
> Dear James,
>
> Could you give me some more info. on the incident?James here....
It was reported in the press. A man said he had a
sexual perversion that caused him to rub his "person" on other female coworkers. Frotage, basically. I'm a little fuzzy on the details but I think the accomidation was to retire him early.james
Posted by Snowie on October 19, 2000, at 18:35:49
In reply to Thank you, Snowie, posted by coral on October 16, 2000, at 19:24:23
coral,
That doesn't surprise me ... your knowledge is very obvious. I work for an employment law attorney whose practice is limited to the representation of companies. It amazes me how uniformed and uneducated many high-level human resources managers are today regarding basic employment practices and laws. Thanks for your insight.
Snowie
> Dear Snowie,
>
> Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad the situations are working out for both you and your sister. I'm a management consultant and work with clients in areas of employee performance, which includes such things as the ADA, workplace violence, sexual harassment, etc., and most people (management and employees) do attempt to find reasonable working relationships that are beneficial to both. However, I also see abuses on both sides. I'm waiting for the day when a sexual harasser claims protection under the ADA as a sexual addict.
This is the end of the thread.
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