Posted by Ted on December 4, 2000, at 22:32:20
In reply to what happens when the boss knows about you!!!!!!!!, posted by kellyR. on December 4, 2000, at 20:55:24
Hi Kelly,
Here is what happened to me: I was hospitalized on a Saturday, my wife had to call my manager and say I wasn't going to be in for a *long time*. Then my wife had to call my secretary & HR & get the disability stuff started without help from me.
Since I "disappeared" with no warning, everyone was very curious about what happened. So, this is what I did:
I TOLD EVERYONE THE WHOLE STORY.
Yup, that's right. I told everyone who wanted to know as much as they wanted -- what the psych ward was like, the quality of the food, what the nurses were like, how the meds made me feel, etc. I made it my mission to EDUCATE so that depression, and in my case bipolar disorder, aren't stigmatized.
So what happened? Nothing at all. It took me about 6 months to get back up to speed at work, and I have been doing my part since. I still get bonuses, raises, etc. And no one appears to think any differently of me. They knew I was a bit, ummm, wierd to begin with, so this really isn't a surprise. Sure, life isn't the same for me and I have side effects from my meds which interfere, but my manager understands and cuts me some slack.
You might ask Mrs. Stoddard is she might talk to your coworkers on your behalf. That might improve the situation between you and them a bit. Take advantage of the leniency provided right now because it probably won't last, especially if you have to change jobs in the future.
Take care, and le us know how it turns out.
Ted
poster:Ted
thread:3431
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001117/msgs/3436.html