Need inpatient and short term disability, but scared

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 22, 2019

It is none of your employer's or co-workers' business what your time on short-term disability is for. You have no obligation to tell them anything. The only way they'll find out is if you speak up about it. They can (and probably will) speculate as to why you're out, but there's not much you can do, it'll just have to run its course and then they'll be on to other peoples' business.

I think you're smart to go out of town for treatment, even though it will be expensive. The fewer people who know, the less the likelihood of being found out. It's such a shame that we have to hide mental health issues! But stigma around mental illness is strong within our profession, so we would do well to stay closeted if we hope to keep our jobs. I've had jobs go sideways because of the fact that I have a mental health diagnosis that I confided in my supervisors. Big mistake. I'd never do it again.

Wishing you wellness and peace. Viva

zephyr9 · Nov 23, 2019

The manager doesnt find out any information? I don't understand the process, and not sure who to ask. Isn't the employer the one who has to approve the disability?

Ironic, working in mental health...and that the stigma here is so strong.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 23, 2019

It's my understanding that disability issues are handled by HR and not management. You will have to disclose the reason to whoever is in control of that department, and you'll need a doctor's note releasing you back to work when you're ready. But all that is information that your manager and your co-workers aren't privy to. You are protected (somewhat) by the Americans with Disabilities Act, but you have to know your rights. Check with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as to what you must disclose and when. Good luck to you.

ertoclinics · Nov 24, 2019

I have had to fill these papers out more than a dozen times for mental health issues to cancer treatment and every thing else between. It is suppose to stay between you and HR. But, in all honesty, my managers have found out what I was on leave for. I never lost a job because of it and I felt safe that my job was secure because I got help when I needed it and I came back and did my job well. One time I did come back too early and went back out on leave and they supported me.

zephyr9 · Nov 26, 2019

Thanks Viva I can't imagine HR wanting to approve my disability. How do you approach it? I am trying so hard to hang on, hoping my medication starts to work, to avoid going inpatient. So great that you received support at your job, ertoclinics. Any advice you can offer is appreciated. Do they have guidelines for approving a disability claim? Do I have to have a trail of failed treatments?

Guest1142305 · Mar 8, 2020

Your health is the first priority.

areason4stars, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2020

I know for my short term disability to be used I would first need a Dr note/form filled out stating I physically/mentally could not work at this time.

Then would need a note stating I was cleared to go back to work.

The short term disability part should be just between you, your doctor, and the company you short term disability is from. It comes out of my paycheck pre taxes and is arranged through my company but its like health insurance... my job has no right to the same records that blue cross has even tho my health insurance is through my job ya know.... The going on leave part would have to be worked out with HR and your manager would prob have some part of it.

If you have worked at current company more than a year and have a Dr willing to fill out the form it would be a good idea to get FMLA paperwork done. That way legally they would have to have your job waiting for you if you were medically ( I believe mental health would be included ) or taking care of someone in your immediate family due to medical issues. ... and were out for up to 12 weeks.