YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I'm two weeks into a new med due to escalation of my depression over the last few months. I feel many times worse than before I started it. My doctor assures me I'll feel better once I get into the highest dosage but I am non-functioning right now. Can't sleep without meds, can't stop shaking, crying. Can't seem to get warm. No energy. Spacey and easily confused. Got sent home from work yesterday (in a nice way) but I couldn't go back today. It's becoming toxic there, which certainly hasn't helped my depression, but isn't at the root of it. I called today to see if I could go on medical leave and it appears it may be an option, at least 'til my meds are figured out. But I'm feeling lousy about abandoning my team during busy season, even though they're part of the toxicity. I've been functioning so poorly the last couple of months, I'm kind of surprised I haven't been fired, and sort of wish I had been. I've been dropping balls right and left. I really don't ever want to set foot in that place again but I know I should count myself lucky I have the benefits I have. Right now I'm just waiting for people to call me back. I still don't know if my doctor will sign off and I don't know if my therapist's opinion would be sufficient. Meanwhile, I had to run to the store for a few things a little bit ago and it took me 30 minutes just to put on socks (yesterday's socks, fresh ones are way across the room) and shoes, which I seriously considered leaving untied. I just want this to be over, I want to be who I used to be.

Good gracious -- OF COURSE your doctor and therapist will give you medical leave, and if they don't, FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR AND/OR THERAPIST! I'm gonna be a little tough with you -- your situation is EXACTLY what they mean by needing Medical Leave! Hello, Newton? Columbine? I am sure you are not violent (accept emotionally to yourself, probably), but those of us who suffer from mental illness need to take care of ourselves and NOT OVER DO IT!!! Respect your symptoms! If you had to take time off to do chemo, you'd get it! THERE IS A REASON THEY INCLUDED MENTAL ILLNESS PARITY IN OBAMA CARE! THE PRESIDENT CARES ABOUT YOU!!!! Feel better? Maybe a little bit? Ok. Good.

Are you in the US? They can't fire you if you have a disability, which you have. They have to give you medical leave. It's in the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Rest, please!