Feeling singled out because of my diagnosis.

[Mishmish83]

My troubles all came to the surface at the end of last year. Working in a job and being treated unfairly and bullied so relentlessly that one day my mind just snapped and I had a breakdown. I had worked so hard for 10 years and felt like at the end, I got nothing out of it but misery and a diagnosis of major depression (this was not the only factor that caused my diagnosis).

So I was put on antidepressants, first time for me and I gave up my job and decided to embark on a new career and at 34 that’s not easy. But I did it, I took up study and began looking for part time work.......

I got an interview after applying for 61 jobs..... (no joke) I did really well and was sent last week for a medical, at the medical there was a form it asked me what drugs I’m taking? Being an honest soul I told them about the antidepressants. I was at the end of the medical taken to see the doctor, who told me I was considered unfit for duty....... I now have to get a doctors report to and I’m quote the doctor here “ say that I’m not going to go crazy wile in the job and cause a major incident”.

I decided that day that I was no longer taking my antidepressants, I feel like I have been singled out because I have to take these damned things and as a man I feel weak and that I have no control in my life.

Currently I’m on day 4 no meds and the side effects are killing me it feels like my brain is getting electric shocks and I can barely get up. I’m angry all the time and just sit in my room listening to music and avoiding my family. I just hope that I can get myself sorted out in time for my next job interview.

Anyone else gone through something similar?

[geoff]

Hello Mishmish, please let me welcome you to the site.

I'm very sorry for what has happened to you, and there has always been a huge discussion about whether to tell your employer (future)about your depression or whether you are taking AD.

It was not your fault in being honest and owning up that you do take AD's, I'm sure they are missing out on a person fit for the job, and who knows how many other employee's could be taking AD's.

My opinion is to say NO and always has been, that's your personal life and they don't need to know.

Stopping this medication should really be done over a period of time and supervised by your doctor and not to be stopped straight away, in other words going cold turkey.

Can I suggest that you go back to your doctor so they help you come off the AD's because it's not very pleasant but if supervised it maybe less painful.

Geoff.

[Croix]

Dear Mishmish83~

It is sadly one of the downsides of having depression and being treated for it that it brings out ignorance and discrimination at times. Here you have been unlucky.

I guess the first thing to say is that you were given the ADs to help you. The fact you have been able to study and jobseek (which is a horrible thing to have to do) means they probably have been starting to work. Going off them cold is highly inadvisable. As Geoff says it needs to be done under medical supervision, though I'd have to ask -why go off them? Just because one firm is being awkward should not make you stop doing something and affecting your health.

While I'm sure you could get a certificate saying you are fit for duty I'd hesitate, this firm does not sound particularly friendly or caring, and by persevering you will in the end find something else.

Croix

[Mishmish83]

Thanks Geoff and Croix, I have booked to see my doctor this week I’m going to see what he says about the situation. Again thanks for the advise I really appreciate you both taking the time to reply to me.

[Doolhof]

Hi Mishmish,

It really is disgusting that an organisation or company can dismiss the potential of a person because they have mental health issues. I am sure there is a Government department somewhere that deals with this kind of discrepancy. (Not the word I want, but can't think of the right word!)

Like Geoff and Croix have mentioned, stopping your medication without the Drs advice on how to do so properly can be horrible! Hope you have that appointment early this week.

If not, is it possible for you to go to the chemist where you received the medication and ask to speak to the pharmacist. He or she may be able to give you some advice on how to best treat the withdrawal symptoms.

Hopefully your Dr will be able to help you sort this out.

In the mean time, it may be helpful to explain to your family how you are feeling so they may be able to understand and help you.

You may also find it beneficial to call the Beyondblue helpline for further support on 1300 22 4636.

I'm just over 50, have mental health issues and back problems. My employment lady has me doing an Aged Care Course! I have to do 120 hours of placement at the end of the course. I asked her who was going to take me on for placement with my issues?

She told me that Aged Care facilities now have lifting devices. I asked her how did she think the people managed to get into the lifting machines in the first place!

Anyway, I have slipped off topic! I hope your Drs appointment is soon.

All the best from Dools

[quirkywords]

Mishmish,

I am so sorry you were treated in such a way after your honesty. Just when we think attitudes have changed we realised some have not at all.

rs Dool, Geoff and Croix have given supportive advice.

s much as I believe in being honest, I give talks and everyone knows about my illness, when I was teaching there was a question that said "Do you have an illness that interferes with your work". I always said no as it did not have an effect on my teaching and I took medication and was fine. I felt I was being honest. If I had been asked do you take medication I am not sure what I would say.

the irony is that there are workers who are on no medication but are unwell and maybe on the verge of a breakdown. People who take medication are usually aware of their health needs.

I hope your doctor can help you.

Quirky