i dont know how to tell my managers that healthwise, i was not ready to come back to work.(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by [deleted]
for context, i have epilepsy and had a seizure behind bar less than two weeks ago. it can take WEEKS to mentally recover from a seizure and i am not there yet. i keep stopping mid conversation with customers because i forgot what i was talking about it, and have no idea what im doing ever. i should get back to myself eventually, but im not there yet and it feels impossible to work. i keep asking to go on my 10s early, or to go to the bathroom because im just so frustrated at how out of it i am i just cry. idek how im gonna get through the next 3 hours of my shift because i've already been crying for these first 3. im just nowhere near okay to work and it feels like theres nothing i can do to get anyone to listen or understand the extent of how NOT okay i am
StormTheParade46 points7m ago
There is so much about seizures that people don't know or don't understand. Maybe people think a seizure is just convulsing for a bit and then everything goes back to normal, when it absolutely is not.
If you are able, I would recommend getting a note from your doctor and pursuing a short Leave of Absence/FMLA to recover. And then also see about medical accomodations, since epilepsy isn't just going to "go away" - this will happen again, and you want to make sure you have the security and support to take the time you need. Stress will make it worse, and if you're spending your recovery time being terrified of losing your job, then recovery will take forever.
dazedandconfusedhere16 points7m ago
This, please talk to your SM and your doctor about taking a short LOA to give yourself time to recover. You have to take care of yourself
Wonderful-Put-59721 points7m ago
Would it help or hinder for seizure sufferers to have some sort of identifier like military spouses/vets have it on their aprons? Could epilepsy sufferers opt to wear a pin so that SSVs and SMs will know right off that the partner has a medical condition that deserves accommodation? I'm asking to be solution-oriented, not to make anyone feel bad about their situation, just to be clear.
StormTheParade2 points7m ago
I know some folks have special medical bracelets or lanyards to indicate that they have a condition that may require emergency medical attention or other support, but in terms of "Starbucks approved" stuff, I don't think so.
The way I understand it, though, is that if staff need to be aware of certain signs due to a medical condition, they will typically be informed either by the SM or the person themselves. SMs should always know which of their employees requires accommodation, so long as the person has requested it through the appropriate channels, as it's a legal requirement.
But aside from that, the bigger problem that has to be addressed is the way the company staffs their stores, and why someone would feel guilty about needing time to recover from a medical emergency in the first place. There shouldn't be room to "create" a solution, because the solution is to just be understanding and allow them the time they need - within reason, of course, but you shouldn't have to *avoid* going to the hospital in case they admit you for too long... you know?
I might be partially ranting at the end, there. Stress can be so harmful to the body, especially during recovery, and it's so frustrating that we have to worry about our jobs when we should be recovering - no matter what the medical issue is!
testingaurora17 points7m ago
They fired me when I had a seizure in the back room, didn't come to until I was being carried out on a stretcher. So few ppl understand what it's like to experience that. Hope youre okay and didn't hit or smash your head
cassxcx9 points7m ago
they fired you?? that's ridiculous! luckily some of my coworkers were there to catch me so i didnt hurt my head
diphenhydranautical7 points7m ago
fired??? that can’t be legal!
seazns15 points7m ago
I hate to say this but if you've already tried and nothing is working maybe say you got the flu to actually get a few days off? It is flu season so it wouldn't be too random and you would be able to stay home and get the rest you needed to recover.
Lesbeanteacherlifts6 points7m ago
I have epilepsy as well and I had pretty much 45 minutes of petit mal seizures today, my shift asked what was going on and I couldn’t form coherent sentences, when I finally came out of it I was terrified, I talked to my shift and she said oh well to bad keep working
If you ever need someone to talk to I’m an open ear because it’s serious and most people don’t understand how serious it is
brensteven20055 points7m ago
I also have epilepsy and understand. It can be really frustrating. Corporate made me take a leave of absence and are trying to decide if I can come back at all because of my seizures. But if you need a listening ear I can totally listen.
Wonderful-Put-59721 points7m ago
I agree SSVs and SMs should know all the facts about all the partners all the time. We all know the shoulds don't always translate well to reality at a busy, understaffed store. There is definitely a kink in the process if, after all the abuse our bodies take, we still have to fudge our circumstances in order to get the proper time off required to heal. None of us have been 100% since we were 10 years old, probably, but we should at least feel self-assured and confident as we return to work after a medically necessary absence.
Wonderful-Put-59721 points7m ago
Get a doctor's note
elizabeth_horn1 points7m ago
i am an epileptic partner as well, and i understand the recooperation process after seizures. please ask SM about a LOA. and talk to your doctor, if not an LOA be open and honest with your SM if you have sick time to use, use it. you need to take care of yourself first in order to take care of customers
cassxcx1 points7m ago
i requested a LOA at my last store (for the same reason) and got denied which ultimately led to me having to quit, but its worth a shot!
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