I am Bipolar Type 1?

Question

I am bipolar type 1 and my employer wants to meet with me on Monday about my doctors recommendation to return to work on a part time basis. I just had a baby 4 months ago and was diagnosed with PMDD as well. Does anyone know the limits on what they can as and what an employer cant ask?

Answer 1

Employer cannot ask anything. How did your employer get involved? I have bipolar too and my doctor writes letters all the time to get me off work, but they never asked. I would seek legal advice before they talk. Ask your doctor not to talk until you get an answer you are comfortable with.

Congrats on the baby.

Good luck and G-d bless !!

Answer 2

I don't know. The last place I worked as a therapist i had a similar problem. I started premenopause and had really bad mood swings, sweats, I had everything. So my doctor wrote a note and gave me two weeks off. When i returned I was treated poorly and the Director wanted access to my medical records because she didn't believe that my moodiness was from premenopause. So I released just the part of my record that talked about premenopause. She wanted further access and i refused. My doctor told me i didn't have to supply additional info, that all I had to do was give them the paperwork on premenopause. So I quit and I collected unemployment for 18 months.

What i would do is not share your mental illness with your employer unless he already knows. Instead I would just say that you have post partum. I believe in giving the least amount of info that is needed. Reason being people do not understand medical conditions, they just have their own biased. So that's my suggestion, good luck.

Answer 3

The doctor`s office usually has to have your permission to discuss your medical history with anyone, including your spouse. Trust me, they ask me all the time.