Posted by claudeah on August 26, 1999, at 21:43:41
In reply to Re: Depression and Work--regional discussion, posted by Roo on August 24, 1999, at 7:40:18
Hey, hey, hey....enough about the puritanical midwesterners. I grew up in Detroit, lived in OKC, OK, San Antonio and finally managed to land in Chicago in 1990. All the moves were for work. Anyway, I was diagnosed as bi-polar in 94 at 32 years old. And the only reason was because I was sick of moving---I knew everytime I moved or made a major life change I became manic, so when I became depressed I moved.
Oh, right, back to the topic---disclosure at work. I am blessed that I work for the Feds, so they kinda have to play by there on rules, but that is not why I disclosed my illness. For one thing I was greatful to find out what was wrong---going from an almost perfect appraisal to one that is really bad in 2 years because of productivity and I wanted to share that. Another is telling my co-workers, since I am single, is like creating my own system of checks and balances. They see how I am everyday and if something seems to be changing. Once a co-worker even called my doctor because I was not acting right.
I am not ashamed even to tell the contractors (I administer contracts) that I have to deal with everyday. I use them as another monitor as well. Also, by 'coming out' about my mental illness I hope to dispel any negative stereotypes people may have. Most folks are surprized that I have a mental illness.
I don't brag, don't use it as a crutch and I sure as heck am not about to be disabled by my disability!!!
poster:claudeah
thread:10514
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/10704.html