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| Wed, 09-23-2009 - 1:50am |
I'm 26 and have been clinically depressed for almost three months, and today, I have hit rock bottom. My boyfriend and I of 5 years (and whom I thought would soon be my fiance) ended our relationship over my issues.
I have financial difficulties, which I have hidden in the past and that I am working to correct. I am finishing up my college degree, graduating in May with a teaching degree. I work between 30-36 hours a week at my job ( in order to keep up with my tuition and bills...) And I am trying (and apparently failing) at maintaining my 120-mile distant relationship with my boyfriend.
I have alot on my plate, like everyone else and I am not managing things well. I am taking Wellbutrin. My depression has caused problems with school and work and is affecting my grades and attendance. I've cried all weekend long, all day today and I do not want to get out of bed.
Today was the last straw- I feel like I am a threat to myself. I feel like if I could find a way out, then I would. The only thing really stopping me is that I work at my local hospital, and don't want to end up being taken care of by my co-workers. I feel that if I wasn't here, I wouldn't have anyone to disappoint.
I called my Employee Assistance Program and I am meeting with a counselor on Wednesday (today). I'm worried that my mental/emotional health has severely affected my schooling and I do not want my instructors to think that I am looking for an excuse for not being responsible.
Does the Family Medical Leave Act also cover depression related or mental-health related issues? Taking time off of work doesn't really help with my financial situation, but I do not want to lose my job and I can not continue to call in "sick" or show up late. My job performance is lacking and losing my job is the last thing I need. I have extended illness benefits through work, and I'm not talking about being gone for a month or anything. Maybe two weeks to get some things straightened out and get my life in more order.
Any suggestions? I know I can use the university counseling center for free as well.

I think that if you're feeling this bad while you're taking Wellbutrin then maybe it isn't the medication for you. I know how it is to be depressed (I am too) and it interferes with my work and relationships too. I just cannot motivate myself to do anything when I'm depressed and life in general is a huge drag, even when I've got a lot of good things going for me. I'm sure you know what I mean...
Anyway, when I finally found an anti-depressant that worked I felt a lot better after about a week taking it. Likewise, when I'm taking one that doesn't work for me (as is the case now), I feel exactly the way I did prior to taking anything. There's no point in taking a medication that isn't helping. How did you get the Wellbutrin originally? I would go back to that doctor and tell them that it isn't helping enough and you need something else.
Two weeks is not enough time. You need longer. I can't tell you how much longer because I honestly don't know. That is for you to decide. You will know when you are in the better place in your life and can return to the workplace.
Go use the university counseling. Use the services that are available to you. Also, please take note of the phone numbers in my siggy. You can call those if you find yourself in a bad place.
Yes, the FMLA covers mental issues.