I took 8 weeks of leave under the requirements as defined in the Family and Medical Leave Act under an existing Bipolar 1 Diagnosis and a newly diagnosed Alcohol Use Disorder diagnosis. This allowed me to keep my job protected while I got in-patient treatment for both Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in Rehab. After 8 weeks, I returned to my job with some stipulations from my doctor including various changes to my responsibilities resulting in a reduction in stress. I have worked with my company's HR department, my boss, and my executive to keep them up to speed that if I ever relapse, I will need to immediately take 12 weeks and go back to rehab. Doctors have already told me that if I try to detox on my own, I could die due to severe withdrawals.
Based on the Americans With Disabilities Act relating to the Bipolar 1 Disorder issues that I am experiencing, I have been able to obtain "reasonable accomodations" from my employer after meeting with my company's HR department, my boss, and a handful of executives. In my case, "reasonable accomodations" were a flexible schedule during episodes and the ability to work from home while unable to drive. Other options on the table did include my company funding transportation to work in situations where I was unable to drive or shifting in-office days to Saturdays and/or Sundays if an intense episode popped up in the morning. This was a result of the Bipolar Disorder and primary the side effects of the prescription medications that I am taking as well as the manic episodes.
Based on the Rehabilitation Act I have had some days where I physically look ill...even contagious as a result of some really nasty side effects from medications. This prevents me from discrimination and was helpful in requesting more time working from home. This was the worst during a period of kidney complications that have healed up since then.
My private health information cannot be access directly by company because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act . Because I work for a solid company, we have a 3rd party that protets my health information from being disclosed to my company, any individual or any other 3rd party. This keeps both the company and myself from legal implications.
Certified Peer Specialists : A difficult certification to obtain that I am waiting for my company to approve or deny my application. It requires training, multiple years of starting or leading a mental health support program, speaking events, passing a test, and a few other requirements. This applies to the state of Georgia where I currently live. I have not yet obtained this, but if my company is willing to let me start a program, I will be obtaining it.