Question:

Is that any job in Canada?  What you describe IS true for most government workers and union workers.

Yes it is in Canada  for almost all jobs true. We are protected under the law and the employers can not just do what they want. These protections can be circumvented even in Canada.  Simply move the unwanted employee around so much and reduce their job duties, that they quit. At this point you are 100% right. The employers always find a way to get you out of the company if they dont want you. But does it really matter which way you left the company? Fact is I still don’t a have job. HappyPolarBear /me just having a depressing day today.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that any job in Canada?  What you describe IS true for most government workers and union workers. But, in the USA, they do have to tell you why, unless they lay you off. The big difference is that if you are laid off, you are eligible for unemployment. If you are fired for cause, you don’t get unemployment. Now the law suits come forth!  And that same 6 month rule can apply in the USA–depending on the court and state. There are many ways for employers to get around this, such as hiring only part time people or hiring people to "try out" and never end the trial period. Then there are right to work, or work at will states–employees have no rights. Nevada is a good example. All of this is to protect the line worker from loosing a job when they did everything right.  It is also to help Affirmative Action programs, so people aren’t let go based on race, origin, nationality, sexual preference, disability, etc. I got So sick of people coming to me and saying they didn’t get this job, or this assignment, or some promotion, when they never bothered to apply in the first place.  I still, to this day, do not understand how stupid people can be. Some people think they have some form of entitlement to a job. In any case, labor law is a big business in the USA–so there are lots of law suits out there for wrongful terminations. These protections can be circumvented even in Canada.  Simply move the unwanted employee around so much and reduce their job duties, that they quit.  A very well worn strategy that works way too often.  IMO FWIW, Nancy

Response:

permanently into the ether: But does it really matter which way you left the company? Fact is I still don’t a have job.

I’m really not familiar with the Canadian system, so I can’t speak to any programs or benefits you might or might not qualify for due to how you were let go. The bottom line, anywhere in the world, is that how you are let go will directly determine how difficult it will be to find other employment.  One of the key questions asked on any application is why you left jobs.  You want a non-attention getting answer.  :) Nancy Just knockin’ around the zoo. (James Taylor)

Response:

into the ether: Any job.  He worked for a private company, and everybody had the same protection.  I thought California was an "at will" employer.

No, far from it.  California is one of the most employee friendly states. As far as I know they don’t have to tell me anything except "good-bye".  I would  get unemployment, though, unless they fired me for a cause.  But what’s the difference, anyway, if they lay me off or just fire me.  I’m still out of work.

The difference is your future.  If you get fired for cause, you really can’t hide that from a future employer.  also, think of the reference you would receive from an employer who fired you for cause. If you are laid off–there needn’t be a reason for the lay off.  This makes it MUCH easier to find future employment.  Your reason for leaving is "laid off" and you don’t need to say anything further.  Unemployment is supposed to tide you over until you can find another job. Some employers will allow you to quit, rather than fire you for cause.  You loose unemployment this way, but you also have no paper trail of what happened and why you left that employer. Additionally, you can be fired on the spot for certain causes (such as doing drugs on the job), but if you are laid off, there is normally some form of notice and sometimes severance pay. Keep in mind that the court system upholds these protections.  California labor law is very complex, which is why you need a good attorney, if you want to fight your employer. I recently read about a man who was fired–no reason given about 15 years ago. He sued his employer for wrongful termination and he won $4.1 million in back pay and damages.  These cases take years and you have to go on with life while you are suing your former employer. If you work for a larger company (over 200 employees), you should see the writing on the wall.  IOW, larger companies have very specific procedures for lay off or firing with cause.  You are going to get warnings.  You will get counseling from your supervisor.  You will get corrective action memos.  Many things and lots of time will pass–so you should be fully warned that something is about to happen.   None of this is required in an at will state.  There doesn’t have to be any reason to let you go. (sort of) HTH, Nancy Just knockin’ around the zoo. (James Taylor)

Response:

Any job.  He worked for a private company, and everybody had the same protection.  I thought California was an "at will" employer.  As far as I know they don’t have to tell me anything except "good-bye".  I would  get unemployment, though, unless they fired me for a cause.  But what’s the difference, anyway, if they lay me off or just fire me.  I’m still out of work. Diane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that any job in Canada?  What you describe IS true for most government workers and union workers. But, in the USA, they do have to tell you why, unless they lay you off. The big difference is that if you are laid off, you are eligible for unemployment. If you are fired for cause, you don’t get unemployment. Now the law suits come forth!  And that same 6 month rule can apply in the USA–depending on the court and state. There are many ways for employers to get around this, such as hiring only part time people or hiring people to "try out" and never end the trial period. Then there are right to work, or work at will states–employees have no rights. Nevada is a good example. All of this is to protect the line worker from loosing a job when they did everything right.  It is also to help Affirmative Action programs, so people aren’t let go based on race, origin, nationality, sexual preference, disability, etc. I got So sick of people coming to me and saying they didn’t get this job, or this assignment, or some promotion, when they never bothered to apply in the first place.  I still, to this day, do not understand how stupid people can be. Some people think they have some form of entitlement to a job. In any case, labor law is a big business in the USA–so there are lots of law suits out there for wrongful terminations. These protections can be circumvented even in Canada.  Simply move the unwanted employee around so much and reduce their job duties, that they quit.  A very well worn strategy that works way too often.  IMO FWIW, Nancy

Response:

Is that any job in Canada?  What you describe IS true for most government workers and union workers. But, in the USA, they do have to tell you why, unless they lay you off.  The big difference is that if you are laid off, you are eligible for unemployment.  If you are fired for cause, you don’t get unemployment. Now the law suits come forth!  And that same 6 month rule can apply in the USA–depending on the court and state. There are many ways for employers to get around this, such as hiring only part time people or hiring people to "try out" and never end the trial period. Then there are right to work, or work at will states–employees have no rights. Nevada is a good example. All of this is to protect the line worker from loosing a job when they did everything right.  It is also to help Affirmative Action programs, so people aren’t let go based on race, origin, nationality, sexual preference, disability, etc. I got So sick of people coming to me and saying they didn’t get this job, or this assignment, or some promotion, when they never bothered to apply in the first place.  I still, to this day, do not understand how stupid people can be. Some people think they have some form of entitlement to a job. In any case, labor law is a big business in the USA–so there are lots of law suits out there for wrongful terminations. These protections can be circumvented even in Canada.  Simply move the unwanted employee around so much and reduce their job duties, that they quit.  A very well worn strategy that works way too often.  IMO FWIW, Nancy into the ether: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was shocked when my husband described Canadian job protection programs to me.  According to him, a company can’t simply fire a person without cause. They have to have a reason, and it had better be a good one or they will get sued.  If they "lay off" someone because their job is being eliminated, then that person may sue them if they open a similar position in the company within 6 months.  It’s really hard to terminate someone, except for violence at the workplace.  Getting into a physical fight results in instant termination, sometimes even if it isn’t your fault.  He was pretty shocked when I told him that I can be fired with no reason given at any time.  I’ve learned a lot about other forms of government from him.  The funny thing is that so many things Canadian seem so much better to me – but he really prefer’s the U.S. model.  Go figure. I guess it’s a case of grass being greener. Diane Hi Carmen- In the USA, if you have a 4 yr degree, they usually won’t let you into any special programs, because you are already highly trained.  So, you have an opportunity that many people don’t get. There are many ways they can give you more time on tests–ask what the procedure is.   One of the ways we (USA) do it in special education in public schools is for everyone to take the test.  When the teacher says time is up, you stop with everyone else while the tests are collected and everyone leaves, except those who get more time.  Those like you will be allowed to finish the test without all the classmates being around.  Sometimes this is a problem for the student, as the test is interrupted and the test "mood" is gone.  You have to tell them, if this is so. Sometimes, you take it after class. HTH, Nancy permanently into the ether: thanks Heather, I am in Canada but I think we have the same rules. How can I get extra time on tests and other assistance without other students noticing. I never was  someone who want a special treatment but then I have changed and having concentration problems doesn’t make things easier for me, maybe I will have to asked for that extra help. Carmen He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I don’t know what country you are in, but I do know that in the United States, even a learning disability like dyslexia requires that students have special needs, such as longer time on tests.  By law, they CAN NOT disclose what your "disability" is, and those records are kept confidential and locked away where only a select few can see them. Basically, no one except for a couple of people will know you are mentally ill.  Everyone else will think that you have a learning disability, something rather common in the United States.

Response:

I was shocked when my husband described Canadian job protection programs to me.  According to him, a company can’t simply fire a person without cause. They have to have a reason, and it had better be a good one or they will get sued.  If they "lay off" someone because their job is being eliminated, then that person may sue them if they open a similar position in the company within 6 months.  It’s really hard to terminate someone, except for violence at the workplace.  Getting into a physical fight results in instant termination, sometimes even if it isn’t your fault.  He was pretty shocked when I told him that I can be fired with no reason given at any time.  I’ve learned a lot about other forms of government from him.  The funny thing is that so many things Canadian seem so much better to me – but he really prefer’s the U.S. model.  Go figure. I guess it’s a case of grass being greener. Diane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Carmen- In the USA, if you have a 4 yr degree, they usually won’t let you into any special programs, because you are already highly trained.  So, you have an opportunity that many people don’t get. There are many ways they can give you more time on tests–ask what the procedure is.   One of the ways we (USA) do it in special education in public schools is for everyone to take the test.  When the teacher says time is up, you stop with everyone else while the tests are collected and everyone leaves, except those who get more time.  Those like you will be allowed to finish the test without all the classmates being around.  Sometimes this is a problem for the student, as the test is interrupted and the test "mood" is gone.  You have to tell them, if this is so. Sometimes, you take it after class. HTH, Nancy permanently into the ether: thanks Heather, I am in Canada but I think we have the same rules. How can I get extra time on tests and other assistance without other students noticing. I never was  someone who want a special treatment but then I have changed and having concentration problems doesn’t make things easier for me, maybe I will have to asked for that extra help. Carmen He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I don’t know what country you are in, but I do know that in the United States, even a learning disability like dyslexia requires that students have special needs, such as longer time on tests.  By law, they CAN NOT disclose what your "disability" is, and those records are kept confidential and locked away where only a select few can see them. Basically, no one except for a couple of people will know you are mentally ill.  Everyone else will think that you have a learning disability, something rather common in the United States.

Response:

"I can’t be mentally ill".  I bought societies image of mentally ill people – the image of people with hollow eyes, and a crazed look, often living on the streets because they couldn’t function as full members of society.  I wasn’t like that.

Wow Diane, that’s exactly what I think and imagine when ever I see the box in questionnaires "Are you disabled?" "Are you mentally ill?" Thanks for the encouragement. — HappyPolarBear

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes you write things that literally make me flash back to when I was first diagnosed.  I remember the first months, thinking "I can’t be mentally ill".  I bought societies image of mentally ill people – the image of people with hollow eyes, and a crazed look, often living on the streets because they couldn’t function as full members of society.  I wasn’t like that. Eventually, my mental image of "mentally ill" changed to encompass people who have managable conditions, who need to adapt their lifestyle to cope. I think that you are thinking the same way about "disabled" as I was about "mentally ill". A lot of people need special adaptations to cope with life.  The most obvious ones are the blind and deaf.  But a lot of peple have disabilities that are subtler, and need a bit of help in order to be able to live full lives and contribute to society.   Do you read "For Better Or For Worse"? Yes, the comic strip.  This weeks series talked about a girl who needed help in school because she couldn’t recognize the written word – she had to tape everything and have a special assistant.  Should she simply have to give up school, because her disability is not common, and not visible? Of course not.  It isn’t good for her, and it isn’t good for society.  Even non-disabled people sometimes need special accommodations:  I have two co-workers who have had to take a lot of time off work, one because of problems with menopause and the other because of some mysterious heart ailment.  Another man – an important VP – had to take time off to deal with his wife who had cancer.  The owner had to take a lot of time to deal with premature twins.  All of these people required special accomodations, that we made willingly because it was the right thing to do. It’s better for society that you get the training you need to work, as much as you can.  If that means you need a little longer to take tests because of anxiety, then so be it.  The alternative is that they put you in a low level job that really doesn’t suit you, and you will end up more anxious and probably on permanent disability.  Some bp’ers can’t work, but most can, and I strontgly believe that if you have the chance you should work all you can. Work provides structure and emotional rewards and social stability, as well as financial stability. In short (I know, too late <g)… take whatever help you need to get the training you need.  It’s in your best interests, and societies best interests.  And remember – you have been gradually improving since you were diagnosed.  You may not notice it, but as one who has been communicating with you for a while, I can see it.  You’re sharper now than you were 3 months ago, and I’m betting that you will get sharper as you adapt to the limitations of being bipolar and being on meds.  Life isn’t static.  You may not always need the help.  But as long as you do, take it.  Don’t let bipolarity stop you from being all you can be. Diane I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. thanks HappyPolarBear

Response:

Hi Carmen- In the USA, if you have a 4 yr degree, they usually won’t let you into any special programs, because you are already highly trained.  So, you have an opportunity that many people don’t get. There are many ways they can give you more time on tests–ask what the procedure is.   One of the ways we (USA) do it in special education in public schools is for everyone to take the test.  When the teacher says time is up, you stop with everyone else while the tests are collected and everyone leaves, except those who get more time.  Those like you will be allowed to finish the test without all the classmates being around.  Sometimes this is a problem for the student, as the test is interrupted and the test "mood" is gone.  You have to tell them, if this is so. Sometimes, you take it after class. HTH, Nancy permanently into the ether: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -thanks Heather, I am in Canada but I think we have the same rules. How can I get extra time on tests and other assistance without other students noticing. I never was  someone who want a special treatment but then I have changed and having concentration problems doesn’t make things easier for me, maybe I will have to asked for that extra help. Carmen He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I don’t know what country you are in, but I do know that in the United States, even a learning disability like dyslexia requires that students have special needs, such as longer time on tests.  By law, they CAN NOT disclose what your "disability" is, and those records are kept confidential and locked away where only a select few can see them. Basically, no one except for a couple of people will know you are mentally ill.  Everyone else will think that you have a learning disability, something rather common in the United States.

Response:

HBP, Have you considered that part of the problem could be your brain adjusting to not having nicotine? This last week, since I stepped down on the patch, my brain fog has been much worse! We tend to forget that nicotine is a drug. Part of it could be the meds plus the loss of nicotine… either way it is something that will improve. The most important thing is doing what *you* want. If you can get some help then you should take it and use it. You shouldn’t feel bad about asking for help! You aren’t taking advantage or asking for something that you don’t need. Think of it as doing something to help assure that you accomplish your dream. Rebecca – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Your tests sounds similar to what I had. One full week of testing and it was so exhausting. On my last test I didn’t even care anymore, I just marked of anything. Overmedication? No I don’t think so. I am finally stable. I think some of the memory problem is caused by meds maybe Lithium or Seroquel but I think this side effect is worth it as I hardly feel the irritation I had before and was unable to function. Now I function properly can even spent the whole day in a class where we learn how to write resumes. Is tierening and I have some problems to concentrate but I can do it. So I am hoping that I get my course approved and I can study to become my dream job as a Paralegal. HappyPolarBear

Response:

I guess I will have to put pride aside if I want to become a Paralegal. I will have to go back to school for a full year. So if the price is to acknowledge that I am mentally ill, then so be it. I guess pride is on the wrong place. If I am too proud now and fail later I may regret it. Thanks for pointing that out. — HappyPolarBear

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You are what you are. Bipolar is a recognized disability. Put pride or ego aside and try it to see if it can make a positive difference in the outcome of the testing. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Response:

Your tests sounds similar to what I had. One full week of testing and it was so exhausting. On my last test I didn’t even care anymore, I just marked of anything. Overmedication? No I don’t think so. I am finally stable. I think some of the memory problem is caused by meds maybe Lithium or Seroquel but I think this side effect is worth it as I hardly feel the irritation I had before and was unable to function. Now I function properly can even spent the whole day in a class where we learn how to write resumes. Is tierening and I have some problems to concentrate but I can do it. So I am hoping that I get my course approved and I can study to become my dream job as a Paralegal. HappyPolarBear

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. thanks HappyPolarBear HPB: I, too, have a Masters Degree from a highly selective school, and yet, early in this 4 1/2 year disabiltiy adventure I was turned down for Voc. Rehab because I was determined to be too disabled to be able to take advantage of their program. They sent me to a 40 hour 1 week program at a profession evaluation center where I took nothing but tests, tests, tests.  I think my verbal was rated at the 12 grade level, which may have been as high has their ratings went, but my math was reported at the 8th grade or less level, despite the fact that’ I’d bumbled through calculus in college. I could barely do simple math.  When it came to the Manual Dexterity tests, I did so poorly on the first four tests, one of which invlvolved producing a woven leather belt, that I threw a tantrum and told them  that I would cheerfully accept a zero in this section but would absolutely not subject myself to more testing in this area.  (I was carrying a Vennetta Bottega woven leather purse which I’d had been easily able to afford while working most of my adult life before becoming disabled with BP……like I was just dying to get a job in a leather working factory!) A large part of the problem was the fact that I was not on a mood stablizer and was doped to the gills on Exxeffor (300 mg per day) which resulted in hand tremors so bad that my bank called to see if someone had forged my name on at $15.60 check to the Pizza Hut, where I’ve been a longtime frequent check writing  customer. I I was so doped up that I’d stay home for 4 or 5 days rather than venturing 2 blocks to rhe convenience store to buy cigarrettes.  Complete nicotine withdrawl, feeding Stoffers to my pets rather going to the grocery to buy dog food at least twice a month was just no big deal.  Yeah, I should have just quit smoking then…very easily, but didn’t.  don’t know why. Often…10 times a day, I’d go into a room, trying to find  something and couldn’t quite remember what I was looking for. Any possibility that you are over medicated with something that disagrees with you?  When I switched p-docs and got on the right combo of meds these problems disapated dramatically and significantly. As you can see….BTDT and completly relate to what you’re going through! BTW:  They weren’t able to detect, or at least didn’t mention,  the lifetime slight dyslexia that is no secret to anyone who’s read me on news groups. Charming! Maggie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special  needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion.

Perfectly grammatical English. You obviously don’t have a problem with English. Can you use a calculator? I don’t see a problem with maths for law. What the tests are designed to do is to weed out people from the lower social classes, who tend not to have had particularly good schooling. However they are also catching you, since they cannot distinguish problems in concentration from low social class. Since it is a school and not a job personally I wouldn’t have a problem about being totally upfront about my bipolar. I ticked the box for "mental health problem" at Leeds. So far it has only had an effect once, maybe. On a field course I was getting stressed about the amount of work we had to do. Some of the tasks were timewasters because some people were working on bats, which are active only at night, so had nothing to do during the day, so they gave us all some tasks involving identifying plants and the like to keep them busy. I was told I needn’t do those, which meant I could devote full time to my main project.

Response:

thanks Colleen, I agree the first step is fully to accept that being Bipolar is now part of me. And knowing that I will have it for the rest of my life I will have to work with it not against it. I will have to learn not to be ashamed of it. I can’t run away from it neither can I hide from it. It is there and always will be. — HappyPolarBear

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was in college (graduated ‘98 so it’s recent) I was the VP of the Disabled Advocates group.  We made sure students had the allowances they needed for their individual problems.  There is nothing wrong with needing allowances to complete your studies.  You truly need them.  I agree with Lindy.  You need to learn to accept that you have bipolar.  You don’t need to identify yourself by it but it is a part of you.  It doesn’t make you less or more intelligent.  It doesn’t make you a criminal, unless you choose to be, and it isn’t your fault.  It’s a medical condition.  If you had limited vision would you not seek the help you need?  What you experience is not different. IMO take the help and then use you education to the best of your advantage. c I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. thanks HappyPolarBear

Response:

thanks Malcolm, that sounds encouraging. Maybe I am lucky too and get a good school, I am convinced with a little bit of extra help I can do the schooling again. — HappyPolarBear

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special  needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. Perfectly grammatical English. You obviously don’t have a problem with English. Can you use a calculator? I don’t see a problem with maths for law. What the tests are designed to do is to weed out people from the lower social classes, who tend not to have had particularly good schooling. However they are also catching you, since they cannot distinguish problems in concentration from low social class. Since it is a school and not a job personally I wouldn’t have a problem about being totally upfront about my bipolar. I ticked the box for "mental health problem" at Leeds. So far it has only had an effect once, maybe. On a field course I was getting stressed about the amount of work we had to do. Some of the tasks were timewasters because some people were working on bats, which are active only at night, so had nothing to do during the day, so they gave us all some tasks involving identifying plants and the like to keep them busy. I was told I needn’t do those, which meant I could devote full time to my main project.

Response:

thanks Heather, I am in Canada but I think we have the same rules. How can I get extra time on tests and other assistance without other students noticing. I never was  someone who want a special treatment but then I have changed and having concentration problems doesn’t make things easier for me, maybe I will have to asked for that extra help. Carmen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I don’t know what country you are in, but I do know that in the United States, even a learning disability like dyslexia requires that students have special needs, such as longer time on tests.  By law, they CAN NOT disclose what your "disability" is, and those records are kept confidential and locked away where only a select few can see them. Basically, no one except for a couple of people will know you are mentally ill.  Everyone else will think that you have a learning disability, something rather common in the United States.

Response:

Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. thanks HappyPolarBear

HPB: I, too, have a Masters Degree from a highly selective school, and yet, early in this 4 1/2 year disabiltiy adventure I was turned down for Voc. Rehab because I was determined to be too disabled to be able to take advantage of their program. They sent me to a 40 hour 1 week program at a profession evaluation center where I took nothing but tests, tests, tests.  I think my verbal was rated at the 12 grade level, which may have been as high has their ratings went, but my math was reported at the 8th grade or less level, despite the fact that’ I’d bumbled through calculus in college. I could barely do simple math.  When it came to the Manual Dexterity tests, I did so poorly on the first four tests, one of which invlvolved producing a woven leather belt, that I threw a tantrum and told them  that I would cheerfully accept a zero in this section but would absolutely not subject myself to more testing in this area.  (I was carrying a Vennetta Bottega woven leather purse which I’d had been easily able to afford while working most of my adult life before becoming disabled with BP……like I was just dying to get a job in a leather working factory!) A large part of the problem was the fact that I was not on a mood stablizer and was doped to the gills on Exxeffor (300 mg per day) which resulted in hand tremors so bad that my bank called to see if someone had forged my name on at $15.60 check to the Pizza Hut, where I’ve been a longtime frequent check writing  customer. I I was so doped up that I’d stay home for 4 or 5 days rather than venturing 2 blocks to rhe convenience store to buy cigarrettes.  Complete nicotine withdrawl, feeding Stoffers to my pets rather going to the grocery to buy dog food at least twice a month was just no big deal.  Yeah, I should have just quit smoking then…very easily, but didn’t.  don’t know why. Often…10 times a day, I’d go into a room, trying to find  something and couldn’t quite remember what I was looking for. Any possibility that you are over medicated with something that disagrees with you?   When I switched p-docs and got on the right combo of meds these problems disapated dramatically and significantly. As you can see….BTDT and completly relate to what you’re going through! BTW:  They weren’t able to detect, or at least didn’t mention,  the lifetime slight dyslexia that is no secret to anyone who’s read me on news groups. Charming! Maggie

Response:

You are what you are. Bipolar is a recognized disability. Put pride or ego aside and try it to see if it can make a positive difference in the outcome of the testing. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Response:

Sometimes you write things that literally make me flash back to when I was first diagnosed.  I remember the first months, thinking "I can’t be mentally ill".  I bought societies image of mentally ill people – the image of people with hollow eyes, and a crazed look, often living on the streets because they couldn’t function as full members of society.  I wasn’t like that. Eventually, my mental image of "mentally ill" changed to encompass people who have managable conditions, who need to adapt their lifestyle to cope.  I think that you are thinking the same way about "disabled" as I was about "mentally ill". A lot of people need special adaptations to cope with life.  The most obvious ones are the blind and deaf.  But a lot of peple have disabilities that are subtler, and need a bit of help in order to be able to live full lives and contribute to society.   Do you read "For Better Or For Worse"? Yes, the comic strip.  This weeks series talked about a girl who needed help in school because she couldn’t recognize the written word – she had to tape everything and have a special assistant.  Should she simply have to give up school, because her disability is not common, and not visible? Of course not.  It isn’t good for her, and it isn’t good for society.  Even non-disabled people sometimes need special accommodations:  I have two co-workers who have had to take a lot of time off work, one because of problems with menopause and the other because of some mysterious heart ailment.  Another man – an important VP – had to take time off to deal with his wife who had cancer.  The owner had to take a lot of time to deal with premature twins.  All of these people required special accomodations, that we made willingly because it was the right thing to do. It’s better for society that you get the training you need to work, as much as you can.  If that means you need a little longer to take tests because of anxiety, then so be it.  The alternative is that they put you in a low level job that really doesn’t suit you, and you will end up more anxious and probably on permanent disability.  Some bp’ers can’t work, but most can, and I strontgly believe that if you have the chance you should work all you can. Work provides structure and emotional rewards and social stability, as well as financial stability. In short (I know, too late <g)… take whatever help you need to get the training you need.  It’s in your best interests, and societies best interests.  And remember – you have been gradually improving since you were diagnosed.  You may not notice it, but as one who has been communicating with you for a while, I can see it.  You’re sharper now than you were 3 months ago, and I’m betting that you will get sharper as you adapt to the limitations of being bipolar and being on meds.  Life isn’t static.  You may not always need the help.  But as long as you do, take it.  Don’t let bipolarity stop you from being all you can be. Diane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. thanks HappyPolarBear

Response:

When I was in college (graduated ‘98 so it’s recent) I was the VP of the Disabled Advocates group.  We made sure students had the allowances they needed for their individual problems.  There is nothing wrong with needing allowances to complete your studies.  You truly need them.  I agree with Lindy.  You need to learn to accept that you have bipolar.  You don’t need to identify yourself by it but it is a part of you.  It doesn’t make you less or more intelligent.  It doesn’t make you a criminal, unless you choose to be, and it isn’t your fault.  It’s a medical condition.  If you had limited vision would you not seek the help you need?  What you experience is not different. IMO take the help and then use you education to the best of your advantage. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. thanks HappyPolarBear

Response:

I would ask for the help.  Until you own your condition you will never be able to deal with it…jmo.

Response:

He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled.

I don’t know what country you are in, but I do know that in the United States, even a learning disability like dyslexia requires that students have special needs, such as longer time on tests.  By law, they CAN NOT disclose what your "disability" is, and those records are kept confidential and locked away where only a select few can see them.   Basically, no one except for a couple of people will know you are mentally ill.  Everyone else will think that you have a learning disability, something rather common in the United States.

Response:

I am feeling restless and can’t think straight. I am in the middle of making a decision for going back to school. I want to become a Paralegal. Now here is the dilemma. I had some Aptitude tests and the result show that yes I work accurate but because of the time factor I didn’t finished to many questions. I blanked out and couldn’t even do a simple multiplication as 6 times 4. As time got shorter I started panicking more and more until I simply run out of time, therefore the test results are lousy. According to the tests result my English is like a grade 8 student and my math skills are even worse.  I don’t understand that and asked my instructor how I could have graduated from college as the best in my class with Scholar  if my English is that bad. He than said that one of the problems is my memory problem ( I had to read some paragraphs several time) and my continue checking over to make sure I did it right and of course the time factor worked in my disadvantage. He recommended and also people from my support group too to apply at the school for disability arrangements. I have a problem with that. I already have a very hard time to even accept and acknowledge that I am bipolar. Now am I supposed to go to the school assessment center and asked for special needs help e.g. longer time on tests…meaning openly admit that I am mentally ill. I am not disabled. I would like to know what you guys/girls think about that. I would appreciate any advice, experiences or opinion. thanks HappyPolarBear

Response:

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