hard choice im facing with employer

[evanrick]

should i tell my employer about my anxiety? ive already mentioned to two of my co-workers that i sometimes have depression and was taking zoloft. one of them asked me if i am seeing a specialist and i said yes, but this conversation was completely casual. they may have informed my manager about that since its their responsibility to look after all employees to make sure they are not stealing time or company property etc.

but i dont want it to turn into a slippery slope where word gets around and it becomes something i have to constantly explain.

i feel some responsibility to tell my employer as it is affecting my work performance but there are so many things that could arise if i do.

if anyone has any experience they can share with this kind of situation it would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[kallipolis]

If you are not seeking dismissal from your employment then do not discuss your occasional bouts of anxiety with your work colleagues, and definitely do not raise this matter with your manager.

From time, to time most people experience work related issues that affect work performance, and then recover.

Your anxiety related matters should be discussed only with your immediate family, a close and trusted friend, or your physician.

 

[palemale]

If your depression from time to time requires your absence from work for doctor's visits or other reasons, you should file for intermittent leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your employer should have a form or procedure for asking for such leave. Intermittent leave permits you to take absences from work, up to the maximum allowable time under the FMLA, which is 12 weeks in a rolling 12 month period.

 

[SteveyBoyLA]

If your depression from time to time requires your absence from work for doctor's visits or other reasons, you should file for intermittent leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your employer should have a form or procedure for asking for such leave. Intermittent leave permits you to take absences from work, up to the maximum allowable time under the FMLA, which is 12 weeks in a rolling 12 month period.

I agree with this. If you do inform your employer, it should only be when you submit an FMLA request (assuming your situation merits intermittent leave). Otherwise, if you do tell your employer about your depression and medication, it may give them license to over-scrutinize your attendance ("time theft") that may leave you vunerable to formal performance management that may lead to termination.

Bottom line: none of their business unless you file for FMLA.

 

[kallipolis]

I agree with this. If you do inform your employer, it should only be when you submit an FMLA request (assuming your situation merits intermittent leave). Otherwise, if you do tell your employer about your depression and medication, it may give them license to over-scrutinize your attendance ("time theft") that may leave you vunerable to formal performance management that may lead to termination.

Bottom line: none of their business unless you file for FMLA.

Absolutely, so.

 

[palemale]

It's possible that your state affords greater legal protections than does federal law, so you might want to check with either your state Equal Employment Opportunity office or any worker advocacy groups. Also, if you are in a union, your contract probably gives you even more protection than either state or federal law, so you should check with your shop steward or union representative, if you have one.

 

[TNniceguy]

Hi there. Sometime depression may be covered under the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) if your depression and anxiety meets certain criteria such as it impairing a major life activity. You may want to check with your doctor. An employer may have to make a "reasonable accommodation" according to your problem. Most fear a lawsuit for ADA discrimination but be cautious.

 

[TNniceguy]

I wouldn't.

However, I'm wondering if it might be your workplace that is contributing to your anxieties? Have you thought about another line of work?

This is so true. I know my work contributes significantly to my depression and anxiety.

I was just thinking (which is scary) you may want to check with your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They might give you some ideas on coping with this problem. EAP is supposed to be completely confidential unless it is something they are legally required to break client/patient confidentiality.

 

[TNniceguy]

I've been thinking about this some more. If it is affecting your work, you may have a responsibility to inform your employer. By employer, I mean discuss the issue with your human resources personnel and document this discussion with dates, times, what you discussed and with whom. Take notes during this discussion of what is said to you and the reactions. Use exact quotes in your documentation. This may stop any constructive demotion or constructive discharge that your employer may intentionally or inadvertently do without knowledge of your full situation.

I think the slippery slope will be what your employer faces if they divulge your confidential health problems to your co-workers.

My employer knows of my problem. I made it a point to tell them because I know anxiety and depression is a medical condition that I have no control over and am seeking help for. Look at it this way, would you tell your employer if you suffered a stroke and it was affecting your work? Absolutely no difference except the stigma associated with anxiety, depression or any other mental illness.

Like I said above, if your anxiety and depression is affecting you enough to impair major life activities as documented by a health care professional, you do have protection under ADA.