Asking Employer For Accomodations

[theshadowoftheliving]

Question, for those whom have had experiences, good or bad, in this realm:

I've been feeling like I'm falling apart more and more, and I'm getting scared of what that might mean long term for my employment. To date, I've always managed to pull things off, but some mornings it's been really hard and I've shown up a couple minutes late or been a little off.

I'm thinking of talking to HR about sick leave (just because I have never actually taken any and have no idea how to if I wanted to) and was wondering if it would be helpful to also disclose the PTSD to them. I'm not really looking for accomodations, other than understanding if I need to take a little time off for a therapy appointment. In fact, I'm more just wondering if it makes sense to preemptively talk with them just in case.

Like .... Just incase I do something weird and out of the ordinary. Just in case the wrong version of me shows up for work. Just incase I do something that I have no memory of (to date, this has been limited to me apparently helping coworkers extensively and then having no idea what my coworkers were referring to .... But it's all positive and everyone was happy).

I've been with this employer for a year and a half, and have had my contract renewed for fall, so there is some sense of stability.

Opinions? I don't want to do spe thing that would hurt more than help.

 

[DucatiGirl]

I'm in the process of getting FMLA paperwork drawn up -- have you considered that?

I have what I call a 3 year cycle -- I seem to do well for 2 years and then start to fall apart in the third. I'm trying to prevent that now, and am working with HR and my recovery team to get through it this time.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

It depends on what your rights are, who you work for and if you are covered by a Union Contract. Sometimes there maybe a Union at your work place and if you are a bargaining unit employee the Union still has to represent you even if you are not a member. If you are a non bargaining unit employee.... Then you probably already know where you stand.

Do you have a psychiatrist and therapist? Have you been officially diagnosed?

From my own experience, I wouldn't suggest any "understanding or compassion" conversations. You won't find it.

If you go to anyone you better have some documentation and it better be good.

Sorry to say this but you will more likely be seen as someone making excuses for poor performance. Even if you have not been doing so bad you are putting a negative spotlight on yourself.

Are you military? If you are, you "might" have some leverage. If it is childhood or any other kind of abuse don't expect anything but a "get over it, we all have sob stories"

Now if are hospitalized, you "might" have options but I hope you are not at that point.

Even if you do get time off, when you return be ready to be treated much differently than you are now.

Our culture does not think very highly of mental illness and the stigma is you are either exaggerating or you are incompetent and too unpredictable.

Do you plan on climbing any ladders ?
If you are the least bit ambitious it's another reason to keep it to yourself.
You are better off developing "migraines or inflammation" something that you can take a day here and there when you absolutely have to.

Do your research. Do you know your companies policies well? It doesn't sound like you do. There is an HR book somewhere that should be available to all employees. Hopefully on line, be discreet.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

Sorry but more questions.
How long have you been at your job? Do they supply any sick leave or vacation days? Even if you meet the requirements of FMLA it doesn't mean you will get paid for that time. If you want time for the therapist, see if you can get evening appointments.

 

[Notsowild]

I took stress leave after my verbally abusive manager made my symptoms worse. In my country it is Employment insurance sick leave. It's usually 60% of your normal wage. It was well worth it for my recovery.

Also I would tell HR about your PTSD. It is the company's responsibility to give you accomadation. Just my opinion. And good luck.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

It's the companies responsibility to give you accommodations but without any documentation to back up the claim it's risky. This has only been my experience. I am glad if others had more positive support and I could be totally wrong. Either way I wish you all the best.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

@DucatiGirl I haven't considered FMLA. I don't think I need or want it. Working and staying employed is essential to me maintaining some semblance of normalcy and self worth. I can't stop. I just want to make sure I can continue.

@Alice.in.Wonderland yes, I've been diagnosed. My doctor or therapist could write a letter if needed. No, I'm not military. But, I'm not trying to get time off, persay. Just shore things up incase I need to take time off (I've considered partial hospital programs in the past and am not convinced that they would be a bad idea at all). I just would want the time off to be given freely if needed.bif it gets to the point of a hospital, I don't want to ask permission or have it mean that I lose my job.

I have sick time. I've been accruing it; I've just never taken any. I'm not a bad employee at all. I'm an overachiever. I do well I get really stellar reviews. I just want the option of having time off if needed and not having to explain myself to my superior.

Evening appointments aren't an option, but taking the time for a once weekly appointment hasn't been a problem.

I'll probably just wuss out like usual and continue to do whatever it takes to appear functional - I'm just wondering if the extremes measures I take some times are doing more harm than good.

Edited to add: I'm so competitive it's problematic. Which, frankly, is what has led me to be as successful as I have been. Just wondering if it might be time to stop trying to be a hero and focus on myself.

 

[ghotiff]

I wouldn't ask for "how" to take a day off before you do it. I'd learn your rights (eg can you take 1 day off without a medical certificate and what are the rules, eg do you have to call in the morning to tell them).

Then, if you can, just take the day and claim a physical manifestation of your PTSD, likely you have one eg headaches, bowel problems, inflammation etc. then when you go back the next day ask how to put yesterday through as a sick day.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

Hi @theshadowoftheliving
Don't consider yourself a wuss EVER.
You are making excuitive decisions taking all matters into consideration.
If you are looking at PHP, what do you expect to get out of it?
Check the program out carefully. I am not trying to be negative but if you use sick leave get the most bang for you buck. You're talking about possibly 4 to 6 weeks with PHP, They are mostly designed to teach coping skills for those who just got out of the hospital. Unless you found a PHP that deals specifically with trauma.
My experience is they are not designed to go too deep they make you aware of the abyss help you get to the edge to see it's an abyss and then say, This is how you step back and avoid the abyss.

For myself and I don't dissociate as bad as you do because I am co-conscious, I need to be able to jump in that abyss with a flashlight, go as deep as I can safely and have a harness so someone can pull me back if I need it.
You won't find that in PHP. You will get no more education than you do here if you take the time to look around and ask questions.
You might even be discouraged from bringing up dissociative episodes. I was. But every situation is different.
How can you take your leave? Can you leave early or arrive late and just take a few hours or do you have to use a full day?
PTSD is an emotional blindside. Even more so if you dissociate. You are making decisions for more than just one of you.
Where are you with communicating with your parts? Do you know how they might feel if you suddenly leave work? Is your therapist a trauma specialist?
Are you dependent solely on your income? Are others dependent on your income?
Your leave is a precious resource. It takes time to build and disappears quickly.
Please do some research and see what you are getting for your money. Talk to your T and see what is the best next step in relation to dealing with trauma.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

FMLA just protects you from being fired for having to take time off for being sick or taking care of a family member. If you have leave you are entitled to take then don't jump into FMLA until/ unless you absolutely have to. It covers for a specific number of days/hours per year. If you start out using FMLA before you need to, you might be wasting precoous resources.
It doesn't seem you know much how the system works. Don't depend on others to look out for your interest At the end of the day they get paid by the same employer you do. Their loyalty lies with their paycheck and no one can blame them for that. Again , Please, educate yourself!

 

[Crow]

I was approved for fmla last yeat. First line protection and sets a base for ss if ever needed. My current manager okayed late arrival and now I'm not penalized for lwop. And I've turned down assignments wo being questioned.

 

[DucatiGirl]

Our Director of HR actually recommended the FMLA process for me -- FMLA doesn't just cover leave. I don't need the leave, I need other accommodations (we switched from offices to a fully open office and I am most definitely not adapting well). It's a personal choice, of course, as a course to take, but I'm also in a situation where I have fantastic company owners and HR, but a questionable boss, and EMDR therapy which is making me spacey and short-tempered. That's why our HR director wants it official and on the books -- as much for my protection as the company's. It helps to have good people on your side.

Regardless, good luck to you, and to everyone -- it's not an easy path we all walk.