i've talked about work before, but this issue is different than others i've discussed.

i work at a call center that supports the technical help desk needs of major learning institutions and non-profits. since school is coming back into session soon, and it is the most major semester (fall), it is going to be CRAZY at work.

there is going to be a lot of pressure for overtime, and if i don't do something, my life will be consumed with work and i may not be able to handle it being bipolar.

without giving away my disorder, which would lead to job discrimination and possible termination based on that bias, how do you recommend i deal with possibly having my pdoc write a note for reduced hours? i honestly have trouble working my regular 40 hrs/week. i know many of you do too. how can i cope? is going with the ADA an option if i want to keep my job? what should i do?

thanks in advance,

melinda

could your work really fire you for having bi-polar? thats like firing you for having cancer, i didnt realize that having bi-polar could jeopardize my job, i was a hairstylist for 15 years before recently going back to college for graphic design. Good luck with what you need, i hope it works out for you and i will be watching to see about the job situation.

thank you, surviving, for your support...
i've been canned for "reasons" that were very fishy after asking for ADA accommodations at previous jobs. i need these accommodations though, so i have no choice but to ask for them. I just spent 2 years on SSDI, and will eventually find an employer that won't be year afraid of bipolar disorder. in the meantime, i have to be careful.

maybe i should be an artist!!! there seem to be enough people in the artistic field with mental health issues that it comes as no surprise to employers :)

my ex of 6 years was a photographer for a major newspaper, and he had MI issues. they were supportive. maybe i need to go to school for photography :)

Call the ADA for assistance with your disability. Explain the situation with your job. If you've used ADA services in the past, you know what is required and what they can do for you. Discrimination against "challenged" employees is against the equal opportunity/anti-discrimination labor laws. You cannot be terminated due to MH problems. However, if you become disruptive, abusive, etc. with other employees or customers, that would be grounds for dismissal with any company regardless of your issues. Proving discrimination is difficult, too. Being BP I, I know what it's like to be under pressure to perform and keep myself on track. The struggle for stability is a daily process. If your current meds are keeping you stable, be compliant with them.

Taking care of you is a priority.
Sheepwoman

thanks sheepwoman!

i know the ADA is supposed to be there for us, however it's almost impossible to prove discrimination based on mental health issues. I made up my mind that I'm just going to be open about the ADHD part, because there's less stigma attached to that. if i have to, then we'll talk bipolar 1. until then though, i can "pass" for "normal" at work, at least somewhat :)

i work in the tech field,where everyone is a little different anyway.

I'm also having a bit of trouble at work. Course this culd all be in my head. I had an anxiety attack at work today and have to leave. I think my boss seemed a little ticked that I had to leave, but then again I think she was in a general bad mood anyways. Well her typical mood anyways. I'm so afraid of getting fired.

She was helpfull, and told that I needed to get a doctor's note if I needed to leave again if this happened so I wouldn't get in trouble. She also told me to get the LOA papers ready in case I needed some time off from work.

I know I'm reading to much into her reaction, but they all seem to think this has to do with my breakup, but honestly it dosen't.

Dante~