Lived Experience Forum

[BJSB]

Having been diagnosed with Bipolar type two in 2014, I have always been open to my employers about that and my clinical depression I was diagnosed with in 1999. Working hard to have a healthy mental health hasn't been easy but I have managed in conjunction with my treating specialists to come off the medication for my bipolar and only be on the medication for my depression. So it was with shock that four weeks ago I get referred by my boss to the departments occupational physician to be assessed for fitness to work. Especially as there has been no performance issues, no problems with my mental health or anything else. 
so now I am fighting for my career, my financial stability and my reputation. In the meantime my boss is spreading rumours that I attempted suicide (I didn't) and that I wasn't safe around people. 
how do I fight this without it impacting my mental health. I have been so strong for a long time and now a single person is attempting to destroy me. 

[Schitzo]

Hi @BJSB  welcome to the forums. Sorry to hear that you having problems with your boss. Have you thought of getting in touch with the fair work ombudsman. They will be able to tell you your rights in the workplace. It sounds like work place discrimination and that is illegal.

I wish you all the best🌼

[Rebel]

Its a hard one. I understand where you are coming from. I have previously been 'let go' because I needed 2 weeks off for my mental health. The sad truth is that now I  don't tell my employers anymore because I either won't be hired or I will be scrutinised. Have you been to see the work physician yet? If not make sure you make it clear to them ( the physician ) how you are currently functioning. If you are feeling uneasy about your job let Fair Work know, as suggested earlier ..good luck

[Whitehawk]

Hi @Rebel and @BJSB 

Welcome both of you to the SANE forums! It's great to have you here and thanks for telling the community a bit about yourselves.   I'm sure the forum members will be able to offer you support, information and connection. I'm the moderator on duty right now.   Feel free to ask the SANE forum team or the members if you need help with how to use the forum. You might like to check out the Guidelines as they can be pretty useful in understanding how it all works  https://saneforums.org/t5/help/faqpage#community-guidelines. 

Take care.

Whitehawk

[Schnauzerkisses]

Good on you for travelling so well and looking after yourself!!!  It would have been shocking to be notified about this test.  Did they do this test for everyone?  If just for you, why did he make you do it?  I know it's easy to assume he is trying to destroy you but try not to jump to conclusions which you may be creating which aren't exactly true.  I know how my brain thinks in these situations!  I recommend keeping a diary of everything that happens and is said including dates to cover your tracks.  Are you absolutley sure these were words coming from your boss and it's not a case of chinese whispers where it's been twisted along the line?  If he did say such a thing, if not comfortable to approach him about it, I would definetley recommend talking to People Advisory/HR about this as it is not acceptable.  

This is a stressor so just take extra care of yourself at this moment. Read some positive affirmations, exercise, and try not get too carried away with too many negative thoughts.  It's understandable and totally okay and normal to be upset by what's occured so don't beat yourself up for feeling those emotions either.  You've got this! 

[BJSB]

If I don’t get cleared my next step is Fair Work. I’ve actually had no performance management at all in regards to my mental health. This was out of the blue. Now i just need to get through with my mental wellbeing intact.

[BJSB]

Yep sadly I think it will be the last time I am honest. People say they understand but clearly don’t.

[BJSB]

The letter came from my boss. She then told people I was suicidal (I have that in writing), of course all was not true. But as I live in a small remote community her spreading rumours has damaged my reputation.