Dealing with work/bosses

beccalucy

So, both a colleague and my boss have requested that I see a doctor today for a number of reasons however my boss doesn't know I have an eating disorder although the reasons he wants me to go are a cause.

Should I go? Should I tell him?

littlemili

YES you should go. As to whether you tell him - up to you. He should be aware of any potential side-effects which might come about while you're working. If you might pass out he should know that it's something to look out for but he doesn't necessarily need to know why it happens. Some, no wait, most people don't fully understand EDs and as such might have negative misconceptions about them, or the kind of people who develop them. If you see a doc like your boss suggested, they will be able to advise you whether you're well enough to be working and to what extent people should be aware.
I had to make my college aware because it was affecting my health and ability to work to the extent that I might well have been kicked out had they not been informed that it's a mental health issue. Remember that declaring an ED gives you protection under the mental health act or disability act or something in the UK, it means that you can't lose out in any way as a result of anything stemming from your ED, but that's only the case if you openly declare it to your employer/college/whoever it concerns.

flyawaybyebye

Why do they want you to go to the doctor? And what prompted them to request that of you? I know you don't live in the US, but it would be considered pretty improper for a US boss to request an employee go to the doctor. I'd be careful about telling your boss anything you don't have to - your medical information is your private information, so I wouldn't be overly eager to share it. I think going to the doctor is probably not a bad idea, but it worries me that your boss felt like he had the right to make that request of you.

beccalucy

My eating disorder doesn't really affect my work though, that's why I'm slightly annoyed.

I didn't tell him anything but my colleague has expressed concern to him as my BP has been consistently low for quite some time and I had another period of time in which I was extremely dizzy and blacking out last week. I can't not do my BP as it's part of the introduction to the session for my job. The thing is I know my limits and know when it's likely to happen therefore would never allow it to happen when at work or in the presence of anyone who's employed us

cowlover22

ok I had the (or should I say have) the same situation. I didnt think my ED was effecting my work but it really was. Most of all they are saying this b/c they are concerned. Nobody knew about my ed(or so I thought) now that it is out in the open pretty much everybody supports me. Even the guys(I was surpised by this..shouldnt have been but was) anyway talk to who you feel comfotable with and it will get easier from there. Do you see a therapist at all?If so ask her opinion to.
And by your bp being low and blacking out that does effect work b/c it is time away from your job, plus you really dont think as clear when your brain is starving. That is why I eat before and at work..I dont want to hurt somebody b/c of my ED. Good luck..wasnt easy but well worth it

beccalucy

The guy that I work with the most is fairly supportive as long as I don't cry at him or freak too much as a restaurant when working away. He's the only one that knows and that was more out of necessity. I don't have a therapist, I had one but he was useless.

I try to eat at work, having a real issue as foods often provided but I'm trying to take it with me more often so I can cope.

rkass323

my eating disorder has definitely affected my work before, i work at a hotel putting out the evening appetizers for the guests. sometimes i'm all alone in the lounge and stuff my face with the food only to go to the employee bathroom and purge. once it happened four times in one shift! of course my boss gets super angry when we run out of food or i'm not there to greet the guests, but i can't bring myself to tell her the truth about what is going on...

busterbluth

I'd go to a doctor; I'd recommend going to your own doctor if you want privacy, though.

Employee EAP programs (I don't know if they have these in the UK or where you work) are not held to the same type of confidentiality as most medical or counseling services.