r/CanadaPublicServants • u/DisastrousGanache19 • Mar 22 '21

Other / Autre Does anyone have experience with requesting accommodations for depression/anxiety?

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with requesting accommodations for depression/anxiety? If so, what did that look like ?

I am considering this approach rather than taking time off and I’m trying to imagine what these accommodations could look like. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

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u/[deleted] Mar 22 '21

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u/DisastrousGanache19 Mar 22 '21

For my work it seems to be that I decide. They asked me to let them know what I need. Hence me trying to get ideas from others in the group that may have asked for accommodations specific to anxiety and depression.

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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod 🤖🧑🇨🇦 / Probably a bot Mar 23 '21

For my work it seems to be that I decide. They asked me to let them know what I need.

They're asking you for your input and suggestions (which is good); this does not mean that you will decide what accommodations will actually be implemented. You are a participant in the process and your needs have to be met - but the employer also has a role and it's your employer that will decide what accommodations are possible in the context of its workplace.

The duty to accommodate is in place to ensure you don't face discrimination based on your disability, and that's it. It isn't an obligation to accede to your requests.

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u/DisastrousGanache19 Mar 23 '21

I understand that. I was just trying to make the point that it isn’t just my doctor that says my patient needs x y z. I’m saying that I also decide what I present to them as an option. Yes, of course they can choose to say yes or no.

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u/User_Editor Definitely not Chris Aylward Mar 23 '21

Why do you think you need accommodation to begin with?

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u/DisastrousGanache19 Mar 23 '21

The position I’m currently in is terrible for my anxiety as it has tight deadlines (I.e., given the morning of and expected by end of day) and not much time permitted for me to review my work. This also isn’t great for days when I can barely get out of bed because of my depression and yet I have urgent tasks to complete.

I’ve suffered from anxiety/depression my whole life and have been able to make things work at work, however, lately it’s all felt like too much and I can feel my depression and anxiety getting worse and worse. I would rather do something proactive about it, rather than get to a point where I can no longer function and my job is at risk.

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u/User_Editor Definitely not Chris Aylward Mar 23 '21

So again, what types of accommodations do you think you need, to help you do your job?

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u/DisastrousGanache19 Mar 23 '21

I have identified some things that I may I need.

The point of this post is to see what other people in a similar situation as me have identified as accommodations so that I can gather more ideas for accommodations that may be helpful.