Posted by Racer on August 29, 2008, at 11:14:50
In reply to When do you disclose?, posted by mandra on August 28, 2008, at 18:48:31
Hard questions, all right...
As far as work goes, there's a balancing act you kinda have to play -- is the benefit of ADA protection stronger than the risk of stigma in the workplace?
My answer would be to disclose the minimum amount to HR only. A note from the doctor saying simply that shift work is not an option for you for health reasons is another good option. (And monkey brain alert -- I just remembered I gotta do something about a jury summons... never mind) If you have a good relationship with your boss, that's an option, too.
My story, not as bad as Jay's, is having had a job very briefly in a bookstore/cafe. I said that I couldn't work in the cafe, due to a history of anorexia -- and was told, "Oh, no, that's OK -- you'll learn just fine, it's easy." I didn't stay for other reasons, but it taught me to have that doctor's note before saying anything.
As for relationships, that has varied for me. I did disclose to my husband early on -- but I was recovering from a severe depression complicated by mononucleosis at 35, AND once we {you know}, I disclosed medications due to sexual side effects. You know, the "I have to take this pill if you want me to scream with delight" talk. And I was in a sort of F-It mode -- "If he runs, then F-It." So, I didn't much care at that point, you know?
Now I'm done. Good luck, great question, and I hope my random thoughts helped in some way...
poster:Racer
thread:848842
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080822/msgs/848973.html