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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg on September 17, 2001, at 8:03:19
I posted a few months back that I had lost a job of many years due to layoffs. Well, after diligent hunting, I have found a new one albeit a one year contract thru an agency, it's still a job and pays the bills.
As I always do, I waited until the last minute and opened the job packet I rec'd from the agency over the weekend and lo and behold, there was the infamous drug testing release, which I must do this am before I start. I've seen so many posts here about "Should I disclose the nature of my depression and meds to my new employer?" here, and I thought about doing the same. But I think I've just decided that I'm going to go ahead and do that. I don't like hiding things. This company is a nuclear facility (building power plants, not warheads) and has very strict guidelines. I figure if they don't catch it now, chances are they'll catch it at one of the random tests over the next year.
So, I don't know if I'll be there long. If they tell me I can't take my meds, it's a no-brainer. I worked too long to find a combo that would let me live some semblance of a normal life, and there will be other jobs.
I hope everyone can start finding a way to begin to return their lives to normal (or close to it) this week.
Peace,
Greg
Posted by akc on September 17, 2001, at 8:40:43
In reply to Starting a new job, posted by Greg on September 17, 2001, at 8:03:19
It would be a pretty stupid thing on their part if they told you outright that you a) couldn't work because you were taking the meds because of your depression, or b) couldn't take the meds. Both of those things would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Now the problem comes with indirect discrimination. That is what I always worry about. You are upfront and honest (which I advocate -- the only way to end the stigma in the long run). Down the road (long or short), they "getta" because you are late to work or make a small mistake, etc. There is nothing you can do about that.
But I really believe you are making the best choice in being up front. You don't need to go into gobs of detail -- think what a heart patient would say -- I am on x med for blood pressure. Make it matter of fact, and if you are blessed, they will treat it the same. They probably have lots of employees who are being treated for depression, what, with prozac being prescribed like candy.
Good luck -- I know it must feel good just to get back to work.
akc
Posted by stjames on September 17, 2001, at 10:29:24
In reply to Starting a new job, posted by Greg on September 17, 2001, at 8:03:19
You are not required by law, nor should you, say anything. The drug test only tests for controled substances, not every med you take. If you are taking a controled substance all you need to prove is that this med is perscribed by a doc to you. You do not have to say what condition is being treated, nor should you.
James
Posted by shelliR on September 17, 2001, at 10:47:19
In reply to Re: Starting a new job, posted by stjames on September 17, 2001, at 10:29:24
> You are not required by law, nor should you, say anything. The drug test only tests for controled substances, not every med you take. If you are taking a controled substance all you need to prove is that this med is perscribed by a doc to you. You do not have to say what condition is being treated, nor should you.
>
> JamesGreg, I agree with James. Your depression does not interfere with your capasity to work, so I can't see how it would be in your best interest (or anyone's best interest) for you to divulge that private information. Think hard before you do it, because you can't change your mind after. On the other hand, if there become reasons for you to tell about your depression, you will always have that option.
Shelley
Posted by stjames on September 17, 2001, at 11:10:50
In reply to Re: Starting a new job » stjames, posted by shelliR on September 17, 2001, at 10:47:19
> Greg, I agree with James. Your depression does not interfere with your capasity to work, so I can't see how it would be in your best interest (or anyone's best interest) for you to divulge that private information. Think hard before you do it, because you can't change your mind after.
James here....
The only way I would tell them about a disibility
is if I needed accomidation thru ADA.james
Posted by robinibor on September 17, 2001, at 12:17:05
In reply to Re: Starting a new job, posted by stjames on September 17, 2001, at 11:10:50
Congratulations on your new job, Gerg. I hope everything works out whatever your decision about what to tell. You deserve the best.
Nibor
Posted by afatchic on September 18, 2001, at 16:15:32
In reply to Starting a new job, posted by Greg on September 17, 2001, at 8:03:19
Greg,
How is the new job? Did you disclose your health problems? I hope all is well. Please let us know what happened.
afatchic
> I posted a few months back that I had lost a job of many years due to layoffs. Well, after diligent hunting, I have found a new one albeit a one year contract thru an agency, it's still a job and pays the bills.
>
> As I always do, I waited until the last minute and opened the job packet I rec'd from the agency over the weekend and lo and behold, there was the infamous drug testing release, which I must do this am before I start. I've seen so many posts here about "Should I disclose the nature of my depression and meds to my new employer?" here, and I thought about doing the same. But I think I've just decided that I'm going to go ahead and do that. I don't like hiding things. This company is a nuclear facility (building power plants, not warheads) and has very strict guidelines. I figure if they don't catch it now, chances are they'll catch it at one of the random tests over the next year.
>
> So, I don't know if I'll be there long. If they tell me I can't take my meds, it's a no-brainer. I worked too long to find a combo that would let me live some semblance of a normal life, and there will be other jobs.
>
> I hope everyone can start finding a way to begin to return their lives to normal (or close to it) this week.
>
> Peace,
> Greg
Posted by Greg on September 19, 2001, at 20:33:08
In reply to New job - How did it go?, posted by afatchic on September 18, 2001, at 16:15:32
I went in and told the lady about my BP and meds. I said that I wanted to get it out in the open so that if it was going to be a problem I'd rather deal with it up front than to be embarassed by failing the drug test. She looks at me rather puzzled and says, "We don't do drug tests, that's only if we're planning to send you overseas to our Asian facility". So of course I'm sitting there feeling a little foolish... But still better for having been up front about it. Then she says, and I quote, "Shit, I bet half the people here are on some kind of medication" Hmmm...
I must admit that I don't like the job. I'm way overqualified for it. It's a really "stuffy" workplace, no one talks to each other, very anti-social. I think of myself as being a very outgoing person (provided I remember my Xanax :) and that kind of atmosphere makes me uncomfortable. I'm going to keep looking for other opportunities while I'm there. But with the market being so tough, it's the paycheck that counts right now.
BTW, I was glad to hear that you finally got your thyroid diagnosed (not that you have the problem...well, you know what I mean). That must be such a major relief! I'm sure Noa will be glad to know she was of so much help. She's a great person.
I hope everything is well with you and yours!
Greg
> Greg,
>
> How is the new job? Did you disclose your health problems? I hope all is well. Please let us know what happened.
>
> afatchic
Posted by Noa on September 25, 2001, at 16:52:50
In reply to Starting a new job, posted by Greg on September 17, 2001, at 8:03:19
Hey, congrats!
BTW, I hardly think you will be the first person they have encountered on psych meds.
However, you are entitled to ask about how the info is handled, who has access, etc.
Some companies hire out for the drug testing and only get the info that they are actually screening for, via the drug screening company. Does your company do it in-house?
Posted by Noa on September 25, 2001, at 16:56:44
In reply to Re: Starting a new job, posted by Noa on September 25, 2001, at 16:52:50
Oops, posted before reading the whole thread.
Was it afatchic who had her thyroid dxed? Great. Hope you are beginning to feel better with treatment.
This is the end of the thread.
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