I Just Lost my Job due to Discrimination Against Mental Illness

in #money7 years ago (edited)

36734dccee8206a20a09bd80b83d24de--work-discrimination-workplace-bullying.jpg

Yep, that's right, I am now jobless. I lost my job because of discrimination against me and my depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder. A job of which I had never been written up, had worked for the sister company 3 years and this one 2. So, 5 years of my life completely unappreciated by this company. Whatever. I know my patients appreciate me. I specialize in geriatric physical therapy. I love my old folks.

I do not love corporate America's BULL SHIT way of treating people like myself with severe depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

mental-illnes-discrimination.jpg

There are a couple people here on steemit who know me IRL ( @tabzjones for one who I know won't mind me mentioning her.) If my "IRL" peeps read this, which I'm sure they will, I know they will vouch for me.

Despite my issues, I have ALWAYS done my best for the patients I serve and tried to do right by the company I work for.

I've jumped through all their hoops. I went on intermittent FMLA. That "benefit" is ultimately what screwed me too by the way. At best it gives you a "legit" reason to call out. However, it mostly just served to re-traumatize me. The benefit "covers" you only if you call out 4+ hours of your shift start. I have always thought that was bull shit. What if I am triggered on my ONE HOUR commute into work. Then what??

But, I digress. I have always played by their rules on that one. Until, I recently slipped up. Yep, I didn't give them 4 hours notice, rather, only one because after a FITFUL night of sleep, my pet robot malfunctioned and didn't send the life saving message out in time.

I was then told, I needed my doctor to sign off on that 3 hour slip up. OKAY FIRST OF ALL,
MY DOCTOR DOESN'T WORK WEEKENDS. Secondly, WHAT THE FUCK. Third, run a drug test on me, you'll see I want chock full of illicit drugs fueling some all night rave/party.

I'm not being very objective, sorry. I'm upset. I just lost my job. Fortunately, IF ALL GOES WELL, I should be back up on my feet in about a month I hope. Meanwhile, I will have a lapse in healthcare. Money will be tight. I'm looking for what we call in healthcare "per diem " work. Pays better, and I do not have to work as much and I will have more mental health days.

685044b2d92eceb140fe07eeedaabe7b--mental-health-awareness-alcohol-awareness.jpg

In the meantime, and I NEVER DO THIS, but any upvote or resteem to help me through this interim period would be so so appreciated.

At the very least, show some love or empathy to someone in your life suffering an invisible disease.

Image 1: Pinterest
Image 2: http://www.naimamohamed.com/what-the-law-says-on-disability-discrimination/
Image 3: http://profilepicturequotes.com/robin-williams-aladdin-quotes/

Sort:  

I have been made redundant not once, but twice, so I know how your feeling, I don't want to offer any cliché advice like it'll will be ok or everything will work out. Because I don't know what will happen for you, but I will give you my upvote (its only worth 0.01 at the moment but thats all I can do) encouragement from Gyro Take care and be strong!

Thanks a lot for the kind words. As @eiawo would say "it will work out!" =)
Following you.

Been there!

I once managed part of a security firm here in Manitoba. Was acceling at my work but needed another body to help with the workload. After months of pleading with the boss and him ignoring me I ended up writing an email to him explaining exactly how I was feeling... Which just so happened to include the string "This workload is making me want to step in front of a bus".

That got his attention, but you know rather than get me another worker to spread the workload the wanker made me an ultimatum that I go seek professional help or be fired. I quit right then and there.

Fuck employers that can't see that their horseshit effects more than their profits but also the people trading their life hours to make them rich.

You'll find more work, maybe something that makes you happier and less miserable. Good luck to you chelsea88.

P.S. I'm bipolar as well. An incredible gift and curse we share. It doesn't define who you are though.. Just means the highs and lows are a bit more intense than what "normal" people can fathom.. <3

Oh man. Wow. I'm sorry. Thanks so very much for your insight. I really do think that "they" think we are just making it up. WHY would anyone do that?? Beyond me.

Thanks again so much. Your words of insight and encouragement mean more than you know. I plan to keep everyone posted as i go through this process

I, too, suffer PTSD. Find yourself a good attorney that will work on contingency. It's illegal to fire you for this. If you are a veteran and this is service connected, contact them immediately.

Thank you. I'm not a veteran though. The PTSD is derivative from anther source

I'll give you an upvote. Also I notice from your language that you refer to the depression as 'my' depression and 'my' issues. I would consider changing the way you refer to it as 'the' depression and 'the' issues in your internal dialogue and conversations with others. That way you are not taking ownership of the illness and it will be easier to release it in time. It takes some practice and persistence but I'm sure it will help. All the best.

Thanks @unclehermit
I never thought of it in that way. I will work on this

Hope all goes well for you my friend! Best of luck, keep your head up and keep on STEEMin'

Very Sorry for your job loss. Hopefully a door will open as this filthy window closes. Sometimes not getting what we want can be a great blessing. Hope better changes come soon! warm regards @tilak

Thanks @tilak. I have to keep reminding myself of that

So sorry to hear about your problems. It makes me seethe.

Another notch in the resulting regulations and big government.

  • regulations and rules.
    In a real market, and you were doing your job well - no issue. You are an asset.
    Employers want staff who do their jobs - simple.

Good luck with your job hunting!

Thank you very much. I know I did a good job. For them, i guess they will never know "what they had until its gone "

Congratulations @chelsea88! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

Award for the number of posts published
Award for the number of upvotes received

Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here

If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

By upvoting this notification, you can help all Steemit users. Learn how here!

This post received a 20% vote by @minnowsupport courtesy of @isaria from the Minnow Support Project ( @minnowsupport ). Join us in Discord.

Upvoting this comment will help support @minnowsupport.