Asking for FMLA this coming week. Scared to death

[XanaDUer2]

Many of you kind people have been following my mental-health journey to get SSDI and the stress that my job is causing me. I thank you for your kind words and support that I have received in this community.

Including this bizarre aggressive incident:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215414863

I have gone out on FMLA twice in the last 8.5 years; this will be number 3. I feel so weak sometimes. However, my anxiety is off the charts, and I also have depression. I cannot take is anymore and maintain my physical health as well as my mental health. I keep hoping Biden will reverse what the orange asshole has done to average people who need it getting SSDI- making it more difficult than ever, and it is pretty difficult now. This is the sixth day in a row I will be working

I do know Biden overturned the constant reviews the disabled were to be subjected to go through with the end game of throwing them off SSDI. I hope more is happening behind the scenes.

I am worried that there will be an absolute shit show when I ask for FMLA. I hope to get my short-term disability for the 12 weeks, and then go on long-term disability( paid for by my employer) until I, hopefully, get SSDI. We are chronically short-staffed. This will cause a hardship on my, some nice and normal, co-workers. My boss can be very abrupt and volatile. I would consider getting an attorney if there is some issue with me , either, taking FMLA or them trying to fire me. I have saved up some money for the time I will be out.Or, because they have to, there will be angry calm. Due to being worn out for years dealing with this, I have a hard time bearing anything, and I used to be quite confident and resilient in the past. That is now not the case.

So- I am SO FRIGHTENED of asking for it again. Like, shaking thinking about it. I will be ruminating on this for the next few days. Part of me is like take a deep breath and do it. I anticipate arguments with me doing my annual evaluation. Also, doing the evaluation of my young man I supervise. I need zero contact with this job.

I have been reading the NOLO guide to getting SSDI, and I have an attorney ready to rep me when I get turned down, if I do, and am anticipating being turned down.

I took a doctor-prescribed anti-anxiety med, and am having shallow breathing in anticipation of, I think, this Tuesday coming up.

Tired of being scared. Just so tired.

[area51]

1. I'm so sorry this is happening to you.

i hope you'll have no trouble getting the FMLA leave.

[XanaDUer2]

2. Thank you so much

God give me the strength.

[jpak]

3. Hi X

I'm struggling with pandemic depression and anxiety.

Boy it sucks never experienced anything like it.

Stay on your meds and get them adjusted if you can.

My kitties helped a lot.

Sending kitty head buts

[XanaDUer2]

7. Awww, thanks

is there a kitty emoji?

[dawg day]

4. I'm sorry, Xana.

Fingers crossed that it goes well and you'll be able to rest a bit from the anxiety!

[XanaDUer2]

12. Thanks, Dawg nt

[Hortensis]

5. Rooting for you to be out of there as soon as possible, XanaDUer.

Itm, the rx for kittens sounds like a good one. We could all use more kittens and less politics.

[XanaDUer2]

13. I wanted an office cat

but no

[Hortensis]

17. :) In the past, Xana.

[forthemiddle]

6. Do you have all the necessary paperwork from your physician

If so, don’t worry about it. If a provider deems FMLA necessary, and if you have your requirements met to fulfill the act, your employer can’t deny it.

[XanaDUer2]

18. Yes, he's very good about paperwork.

Great doctor

[ismnotwasm]

8. I use intermittent FMLA for my disabled husband

With I fill out the paperwork, my boss doesn’t get to know particulars, that’s for HR. They never ask why. They are not supposed to.

Good luck!

[XanaDUer2]

9. Thanks

I feel bad taking it again, but if you have to, you have to. I'm so exhausted

[Treefrog]

10. I think I read your boss actually hit you.

That should be enough. Horrible.

[XanaDUer2]

11. yes

I know. Bizarre

[Treefrog]

14. Anything i can do to help.

Please let me know. Your story frightens me.

[XanaDUer2]

15. Thank you

people care, and that means a lot

[Treefrog]

16. Message me if you need to.

Take care.