gregorygarver.com

dumbestgenius · Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

I have been battling depression for more than a year and have finally found a therapist that I work well with and have just started taking anti-depressants. I feel much better now but I can see that my performance at work during the past year was poor (I was low energy, didn't follow up on things, and generally didn't have the "go-getter" attitude necessary in a high profile job). I can sense that my co-workers and bosses have noticed and I can feel that they have been "working around" me for some time. I accept responsibility for my poor performance but I am not sure how to respond to what I am sure will be a poor end of year review. They may even ask me to leave the firm. Is there any way I can explain my situation to my bosses honestly and sincerely? I work in a very conservative financial services firm and am the only woman in the office other than the administrative assistants.

Isadora · Joined: 24 Jul 2003 Posts: 5

Well as long as you tell them that you were diagnosed with depression this past year, but you have now found a therapist and sought treatment, they cannot fire you. It would be like firing someone because they had diabetes. It can't be done. In your review just stay positive and focused think about what you are trying to say before you say it and promise to do better.

GabbyGal · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 6

well you seemed so problematic about life...give your self a winding atmosphere...shop for your self or travel! your performance will surely increase if better and conditioned mindset will come first...in the long run you dont need to worry about leaving the firm.

TooOldForIdol · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 3

If you are given a poor performance review, just tell them that you are having a problem with depression but that you are seeing a therapist and are receiving treatment and are making progress. Tell them that you enjoy working for them and hope to continue working for them and believe your performance will improve.You didn't mention how long you have been working there and whether they were happy with your performance before your depression problems. If they were pleased with your performance before, then suggest that this is just a temporary downturn that will improve in time.If they suggest to you that you are on the edge of being fired and you don't think you are able to perform to their standards at present, then ask if you could take a job that is less high profile. They may be willing to consider this particularly if your performance was OK in the past.

melissaw2194569 · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 7

You do have to take ownership of the work you did. Yes, depression is a mitigating factor, but you have to accept the results and be able to say "now that I'm in treatment, I feel that I can improve my performance with the company. " Unfortunately, they do not have to keep you as an employee legally.

Mike6957 · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

Nimaeve is right; you can get fired for poor performance regardless of your medical condition. People think that you can't be fired if you do have a medical condition, but that is just a myth. I'm not going to get into the legality of it in here.The best thing you can do is to take responsibility for what you have done. By you acknowledging that your performance hasn't been all there, and explaining your situation, and the fact that you are seeking help, most employers are more than willing to work with you. Just the fact that you have acknowledged your problem instead of trying to hide it, may earn you enough respect of your superiors. I don't believe in anti-depressants. They are just a bit more effective than placebo drugs. There's a book called "Warning: Psychiatry is Hazardous For Your Health," written by a psychiatrist. Who really illustrates the problem with psychotherapy. Look for a therapist (or group if you don't want to leave your current therapist) that teaches a therapy called Cognitive Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Studies have shown it to be just as effective and have a much higher long term success rate than anti-depressants.The idea behind this therapy is that it teaches you how to see what you perceive as reality in a different way. It teaches you that nothing as any meaning except the meaning that YOU want to give it. The same thing can happen to you and me, and we can perceive it in two completely deferent ways. "The fundamental behind this therapy is that people to a large degree disturb, upset and defeat themselves through how they construct their view of reality by the means of their evaluations, beliefs and philosophies about negative events in addition to the events themselves." - WikipediaI wish you luck and I hope that you get better soon. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at any time. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and keep me posted as to what happened with your employer.