Working on-site again leading to horrendous Anxiety, which I am diagnosed with, can I ask for reasonable work accommodation and not get fired?

16 Comments

1. EmpoweredGirl230367February 21,2025 at 2:18PM UTC

   If you’re in the US, then yes, you COULD ask for an accommodation. HR would start the interactive process to investigate what a reasonable accommodation would be for your role. And even with all that, they could say no or offer something different. While you believe that you can do the work remotely, it may not be deemed reasonable by the company.

   there should be no retaliation for engaging in the process.

   This anxiety sounds pretty intense. You say you’ve tried “everything even therapy” but have you considered a medication supported route?

2. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 2:44PM UTC

   You can always ask. But the company has complete authority over whether or not the will agree. This has been tested in the U.S. courts and the company has the authority to agree or not to agree.

   Perhaps your doctor or therapist can offer a strategy or medication to help?

   I would also look for a new role because it will be hell to try and force yourself to work like this.

3. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 4:19PM UTC

   Ask, but IMO, you need to identify root cause and work through it as well. A doctor's note will be required with explaining they why and for how this accommodation would need to be in place. They need to be fair and consistent in their message to their employees.

4. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   Remember, the wording of the ADA states that the company must provide a "reasonable" accommodation, but the company gets to define what is reasonable and what is not. You would need to have a doctor describe what an accommodation for your anxiety would be, and then the company gets to decide whether it is reasonable. If limiting your access to people and not presenting is reasonable based on the duties in your job description, they might give it to you. If not, you may want to see if there is a different position you could transfer to that would not exacerbate your symptoms.

5. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 6:30PM UTC

   Please see a psychiatrist in addition to your therapist and get some medication to help end this suffering.

6. Kimberly McFebruary 21,2025 at 7:42PM UTC

   Yes but you’ll be better received if you have paperwork from a doctor and if you can work in the office one or two days per week.

7. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 9:20PM UTC

   Therapy is not a one time and you tried it and it's done kind of thing which is what you said you did. You tried it. PTSD, anxiety, etc. can take years of work. And it depends on what kind of therapist you had. Many people have to go through a few therapists to find the right one. I would suggest either a psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety and/or PTSD or at least specializing with anxiety and panic attacks. This type of doctor can also prescribe meds that are not prescribable otherwise. It doesn't mean you have to be on meds, but if needed, they are the go to to get it. Along with intense therapy. One should be able to go into an office and perform. You should be able to live a healthy lifestyle and so that you can find a way around what triggers you. Many people do this and I know those who have done this and are living their best lives, but. It takes work. I've seen it. There are those who have experienced anxiety and panic attacks and they are no joke. Living the way you're living is not good and you need help. However, if one lives with this all the time, you have to get help. Therapy is not a one and done approach. It may take you continuous years to get yourself to a place of some normalcy in your life where you can go to work and be productive around other people. And if you get the right therapist as well, you may be able to get accommodations from them to send to your employer for reasonable accommodations. It doesn't always work as this isn't an illness others can see. It doesn't mean it doesn't exist but some employers are not going to be understanding. If an employer requires you in the office, you must be there. Finding out exactly what your triggers are with a therapist can only help you. It's not one and done. It's work. Focus on your mental health and finding a way to help you interact with others and to be present around others. I get not wanting to be around tons of people but we can't hide from the world. Please be a part of it and get the help you need to get there.

8. AnonymousFebruary 22,2025 at 1:25AM UTC

   Most relevant post on this entire thread.

9. AnonymousFebruary 22,2025 at 5:06PM UTC

   yes I am continuing therapy and extra psychological help. I didn’t clarify that. I meant it’s not helping. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Perhaps I need to try something new.

10. AnonymousFebruary 23,2025 at 2:54AM UTC

    It can take many different therapists or rather a psychiatrist that could take years. We all have stuff and panic attacks come out of nowhere but in reality they come from somewhere. Keep working on this and seek a different doctor. Look online for those who specialize in panic attacks or ptsd and maybe have worked with vets. I hope truly you can get the help you need for peacefulness in your life.

11. AnonymousFebruary 22,2025 at 3:32PM UTC

    Personally suffer from anxiety and panic attacks especially triggered by public speaking. I would highly recommend working with a therapist on coping strategies and a psychiatrist for medication. I knew that my job would require this and I would need to overcome if I wanted to continue in my current role and further grow at the company. Not saying this is the same experience for everyone but it did take quite a bit of trial and error to determine what worked best and it was frustrating and difficult road. Another thing, I felt very strongly that I didn’t want to request accommodations because I didn’t want to put the company in the driver seat for deciding what would work best for me, if that makes sense? I did communicate with my manager that I was having panic attacks and all but never filed anything formally

12. AnonymousFebruary 22,2025 at 5:04PM UTC

    thank you for sharing your experience. You’re a warrior thank you

13. AnonymousFebruary 23,2025 at 4:23PM UTC

    I'm afraid your company dictates what accommodations they provide. They do not have to allow wfh.

    You should look into therapy or meds. I'm shocked that your anxiety is as bad as you describe and you are not in intense therapy.

14. AnonymousFebruary 25,2025 at 1:40AM UTC

    I hope they let you have a little flexibility.

15. AnonymousFebruary 25,2025 at 2:06AM UTC

    You should at least ask.

16. KinnessaAugust 6,2025 at 6:53PM UTC
    That sounds rough, fr. I totally get it’s not just “nerves” but a real issue. If your doc backs it up, you can request reasonable accommodation under ADA—especially if you're doing your job well. Just be clear and document everything. Some ppl focus on health with meds too, like how they Get Mounjaro Online for physical stuff. Mental health matters too.