I have what's known as Multiple Personality Disorder...

Question

This past Sunday I was at work (at Wal-Mart) during a storm. One of my alters is severely afraid of thunder. Because this is such a trigger for this individual alter (age 7), she came out while I was working. My boss decided to fire me over the situation, even though I provided them with information when I was hired. Because of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) laws, is there anything I can do to get my job back or sue them for discrimination?

Any information is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Multiple personality disorder is a defunct diagnosis that hasn't been used in many years and is no longer in the DSM-IV-TR, this to me is why your question is suspect as well as the meds you are on.  However, if you were dx many years ago, or maybe you are dumbing it down for responders that is reasonable to me as to why you wouldn't say you have DID (dissociative identity disorder).  

I suggest getting another job that is similar, maybe kmart or target in the meantime.

Also I would look into contacting a professional about your firing situation.  Many can give you free legal advice.  I would try to do this without paying out of pocket.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Ask yourself this: Would you really want your job back knowing how they treated you when your alter came out? Probably not.

There is a good chance you could sue them or at least claim some compensation. Surely there is a helpline that you can call to get further into (we have the workplace authority in Australia)

I would defiantly get some professional advice before going ahead with anything legal though because while they did discriminate against you it was technically effecting your work if you were working in a face-to-face customer service environment. (I'm not how this effects anything or even if it does at all; which is why I suggest you ask someone who has proper training in the area of workplace discrimination like this :))

I wish you all the best with this though because it is wrong of them to fire you on the stop for something completely outside of your control, especially when they were told about your disorder when you applied for the position.

Answer 3

Some of you people are so rude. I have a question, how could this be a scam? seeing as none of us on yahoo can be scammed AND if the asker is willing to take legal action, obviously a doctor will have to be present to confirm the disorder. Duh! Idiot!

And you smart asses who think it's cool to make fun of other people. You've got to be either those 'cool' guys who skate around and smoke and check out chicks and think you're so cool. Or those S****y little stuck up chicks who think you're sh*t smells like roses. So p*ss off all of you.

Anyway, back to the question. Personally i wouldn't be asking on Yahoo about whether or not you have a case or a chance at getting your job back. Maybe you should get some professional advice on it. Is there any way you can do that for free? Even just go to see a councillor who would be free or cheaper than a lawyer and they could probably advise you as to what to do.

If you don't have any luck. Maybe next time you go for a job interview - do the same as last time and tell them your situation - but also ask them if they would be willing to give you sick days when you think one of your alters might be triggered. Tell them that you'd rather do that than give them a shock if something happens.

Hope this helps! :D

Answer 4

yes they had no reason to fire you unless you said you had it under control and it wouldn't happen

Answer 5

youve been living with the disorder for 6 years? or youve been living with the dx for 6 years?

you didnt say exactly how the "little" responded to the storm was it a case of cowering in a corner in fear or did they flip out and wreck the store? what the reaction was im guessing would influance your ability to sue

going to court could be dicey if all 7 arn't behind the decision.

and youve got to concider that if the system is unstable enough that a little cant be talked down when a switch pain symptom first arrives should you be working at some place like walmart ... suprised that youve not been found in the toy isle before now if your system is lacking in cooperation skills, might be something you want to work on before resuming employ

Answer 6

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question (I'm in England) but felt that I would like to express my digust at how some small minded smart a** people have treated your question.  I genuinely hope that you get what you  deserve from your ex employers.....and don't stop until you do.  Your disorder sounds heart breaking to me.  I hope everything works out for you.  Jo x

Answer 7

there is medication for this you know... and if u r not taking any you need to start asap. I mean if you just "told" them that u have MPD without proof of a Dr you kinda out of luck...

**edit**

Oooh u gave them a signed statement??  SUE SUE SUE!!!! And DO NOT settle for x amount of money. Take it all the way to court.

My mom got fired from Target because of racism. And she settled for $5,000... u can make more than that trust me!

**2nd Edit**

Wow someone is certainly grumpy this morning and needs to be reported for insulting other users. I know I am. And watch what you say! Kids are on this site!

Answer 8

My brothers got FOUR its a nightmare at christmas because we never know which one is is going to be.

Answer 9

No, I don't think any of you can get any of your jobs back.  

Answer 10

yes, because when they employed you, they were fully aware of your ''condition''.

yep. i think you can sue them, but i wouldnt suggest going back to work there.

Answer 11

suuueee them

Answer 12

WTF? How did you get this job in the 1st place?

Answer 13

how do you know which one of you wrote this question??????????????

Answer 14

yes, probably you can sue their *** off. if you think its worth it.  

Answer 15

I dunno, is whichever one of you wrote this going to be the same one that reads the answers?

Answer 16

sjforeve... Glad you told off all those smart mouths!  I'm getting my gutfull of them and to think they came into a mental health question to be abusive!

I'm not sure if you can sue, but you should try.

Answer 17

contact the national alliance for the mentally ill

http://www.nami.org/

They should be able to help with this.

Sorry you lost your job.  Your boss seems to suck.

Answer 18

Nice scam.  Think I will invent a few personalities.