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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Wildflower on September 20, 2004, at 9:56:09
I'm taking the advice of my T and I've decided to tell my boss (today) that I'm having "health issues". I won't give him details but I do want him to know that the illness is making work a little more difficult for me. I also want him to know that I will need some time off to go to doc appointments. That way, he won't think I'm out interviewing for another job and using a doctors appt. as an excuse.
For those of you who don't know, my depression has been getting progressivly worse. I've been really struggling getting to work on time and I've been so distracted over the past few months that my work performance has been noticably slipping. My T has requested that I go on a medical leave of absence from work but I've been fighting that request. If I took a leave, I'd have to tell my family and friends what's been going on with me lately. No one knows of my secret struggle. They aren't the supportive type so telling them would not help me in any way.
Posted by partlycloudy on September 20, 2004, at 10:11:53
In reply to Positive vibes needed, posted by Wildflower on September 20, 2004, at 9:56:09
I think if you have a good relationship with your boss, it's far better to let her know about your health issues and the time you'll need for doctors' appointments. When I met with my boss (weeping, of course), she took the stance that they wanted a healthy employee and that as many doctor appointments as it took, they would accommodate my absences if they got a happier, healthier employee in return.
That trust that she has in me is so very encouraging. I do try to make appointments at the end or beginning of the work day so there is the least impact on others, but it has made my treatment much easier, and without guilt about my job.
Good luck, and remember that they don't need details. I think I referred to my depression as a "chronic health condition that required ongoing care, and that might sometimes prevent me from being able to perform my job".
Posted by Wildflower on September 20, 2004, at 10:20:06
In reply to Re: Positive vibes needed » Wildflower, posted by partlycloudy on September 20, 2004, at 10:11:53
Thanks partycloudy. It helps knowing that there are people out there who have had positive outcomes from telling their employer.
If you don't mind me asking, was taking a leave of absence from work ever an option for you? I'm not sure if I should mention this to my boss or not as something that I may have to do. He's not exactly the sensitive type.
Posted by partlycloudy on September 20, 2004, at 10:25:33
In reply to Re: Positive vibes needed » partlycloudy, posted by Wildflower on September 20, 2004, at 10:20:06
My p-doc said that I could request a leave of absence if I needed it, but that it would be best for my depression, panic and anxiety if I was able to keep working while being treated. So I mentioned it to my boss as a possibility if things became much worse, but I chose not to take a leave. It's been a real struggle but it does help to have a place to go to to propel you out of bed.
pc
Posted by AuntieMel on September 20, 2004, at 15:35:32
In reply to Re: Positive vibes needed » partlycloudy, posted by Wildflower on September 20, 2004, at 10:20:06
I had told my direct supervisor and had no problem. If anything, this is so large a company that it actually might have helped *save* my job.
Right at the time I was to change groups I ended up in the hospital. There wasn't any keeping it secret then, but only those higher than me and HR knew. I took about 4 months medical leave and still think I came back too soon. A couple more months might have been better.
Where I am, it was short term disability, so I was paid in full.
Family and friends - it's your call, but sometimes they surprise you with support. You could start with one and see how it feels. Outside support can be so valuable.
This is the end of the thread.
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