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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
I am so miserable in my job. I work for a dysfunctional, inhuman governmental organization, and it is an indescribable hell. I've worked there for 3 years, and the work is so horrible. I sit there and process benefit claims all day, and they put so much pressure on me to do a high number of them. I am so bored and depressed and tormented. My life is going to waste there. It gives me a high salary and good mental health benefits, which is why I am chained to it.
I would be able to get SOME kind of other job, except that I am having such a hard time finding one with insurance that provides adequate mental health coverage. They put limits on the number of visits. They also limit what medications would be covered. I need Strattera for my depression, but a lot of plans say they'll cover drugs only for what the FDA has approved them for. Strattera is approved for ADD, not for depression. It is so fucking discriminatory. They discriminate against the mentally ill, these greedy bastards.
I've tried to get other jobs, but my depression is so bad that I haven't been able to put much into my job search. And then of course the job market is horrible.
Add on top of this that I have no friends and no family support. Basically no relationships in life. I've started seeing a new therapist because my last one was terrible. I don't want to lose my new therapist.
I feel I just want to die. Life is a horrific experience. I could survive for now if only I had a tolerable job that provided decent mental health coverage.
I live in Atlanta. This sounds desperate, but if anyone is from the area and could help me get a job here, I would be so grateful.
Posted by Poet on February 5, 2004, at 20:34:41
In reply to Please help me, I don't think I can survive this, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
Hi,
I wish I could help you out with a job, but allI can offer is sympathy and emotional support.
I just got out of a mindless horrible job, I know how unbearable it can be. I hope that someone can help you find a job that has good mental health coverage, I work in health care and mine doesn't. I will never get why mental health isn't as important as physical health, especially when the two are so closely related.
Sorry I can't be of more help, I just wanted you to know that I care and understand.
Poet
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 5, 2004, at 21:27:08
In reply to Please help me, I don't think I can survive this, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
PhoenixGirl,
First things first, you can survive this. As weak as you might feel, you are strong. The only thing that you are lacking is information.
As far as mental health benefits are concerned, many insurers in my state put limits on visits, but there is a state law that prohibits limitations when the condition is biologically based, e.g. depression.
For medications, many insurance companies that say they will not pay for off-label usage of medications, they will allow you to petition them, with your doctor's statement of why the drug is required in your case, and will pay for them when given sufficient explanation. In many cases, a reading of the full insurance policy document that the company is providing will explain these exceptions. It usually isn't gone into at all in the small pamphlets that you will get when you interview with a company. Sometimes it isn't even in the standard employees benefits packet.
If you want a new job, don't feel trapped by where you are. Sometimes looking a little deeper might give you the information that you need to avoid feeling trapped.
Another thing to be cautious of: Some companies are self-insured. This means that the insurance company does not underwrite the policy, and the company pays for the bills out of it's own pocket. In some states, these companies may set limits on benefits, and state laws may not apply. This is the case in my state, NH. I worked for General Electric, and they, at least my plant, did not have to follow the state insurance regulations because they are not an insurance company.
If you rely heavily on your insurance, then it pays to look into it before you change jobs. Of course, you may need to exercise discression. Asking a great deal about the mental health benefits may raise an eyebrow. Asking for a copy of the policy though may be a better way to go.
Good luck. I hope you find a job that works well for you.
Dee.
Posted by Racer on February 5, 2004, at 21:32:45
In reply to Please help me, I don't think I can survive this, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
I couldn't hack Civil Service, either. It really and truly is horrible. I don't know how anyone survives it intact.
The benefits, though, sure are a reason to stay. Those benefits are not to be found anywhere else in this country, so you might want to look at an alternative to finding a new job: making your *life* more bearable while keeping this hideous job with its mind-numbing routine and its totally incomprehendable rules and its great benefits.
Here's my suggestion, which may or may not work for you. Find a volunteer opportunity somewhere. Check out Opportunity NOCS online for non-profits near you, find one that matches your interests, and volunteer for a few hours a week, or even a few hours a month. Most non-profits always need volunteers, you're quite likely to find very interesting work this way, and you'll meet new people. Mind you, it's not all sunshine and butterflies, but it may help you cope with your life while you're making up your mind about changing jobs.
Another benefit to you of volunteering before you change jobs is that you may find yourself doing something you really and truly LOVE and can make a living at, something you never even knew existed before.
(You'd never guess I believed in non-profits, huh? Often enough to be statistically relevant, volunteers get offered the paying plums before they go out for resumes, too.)
Posted by Bobby on February 6, 2004, at 7:11:57
In reply to Please help me, I don't think I can survive this, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
Hi PG,
I am from the Atlanta area.Have you tried the Atlanta journal constitution? Hotjob.com/flipdog.com also may help. I will look around for you.However, you will be hard pressed to find a benefit package better than the Govt.Maybe you could transfer to another area.If you are working for the state, the website is thejobsite.com. Best of luck.
Posted by fayeroe on February 6, 2004, at 7:13:02
In reply to Re: Please help me, I don't think I can survive th » PhoenixGirl, posted by Poet on February 5, 2004, at 20:34:41
I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time in your job. I do agree with Racer that volunteering can be an enriching experience. It is a good way to find another job...plus you will meet interesting and vibrant people. Civil service jobs are hard and being depressed doesn't help anything. Try to find a support group so that you can share with people who have similar problems. I have found that a group helps me a lot. Good luck, Pat
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 6, 2004, at 19:53:38
In reply to Re: Please help me, I don't think I can survive this » PhoenixGirl, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 5, 2004, at 21:27:08
Dee, thank you so much. The company that I was thinking about working for is self-insured, and I didn't know how bad that could be. It's expensive for an insurance company to have me on their policy, and I think that a self-insured company would find a way to mess me over.
I have already decided that I don't want that particular job. It's much lower paying, with longer hours, and is not interesting to me. The only plus to it is that the people I work with would probably be nicer. It's not worth it! Thank you for warning me about the self-insured companies...It really cements my aversion to that particular job I almost took. I know I really made a good decision now.
> PhoenixGirl,
> First things first, you can survive this. As weak as you might feel, you are strong. The only thing that you are lacking is information.
> As far as mental health benefits are concerned, many insurers in my state put limits on visits, but there is a state law that prohibits limitations when the condition is biologically based, e.g. depression.
> For medications, many insurance companies that say they will not pay for off-label usage of medications, they will allow you to petition them, with your doctor's statement of why the drug is required in your case, and will pay for them when given sufficient explanation. In many cases, a reading of the full insurance policy document that the company is providing will explain these exceptions. It usually isn't gone into at all in the small pamphlets that you will get when you interview with a company. Sometimes it isn't even in the standard employees benefits packet.
> If you want a new job, don't feel trapped by where you are. Sometimes looking a little deeper might give you the information that you need to avoid feeling trapped.
> Another thing to be cautious of: Some companies are self-insured. This means that the insurance company does not underwrite the policy, and the company pays for the bills out of it's own pocket. In some states, these companies may set limits on benefits, and state laws may not apply. This is the case in my state, NH. I worked for General Electric, and they, at least my plant, did not have to follow the state insurance regulations because they are not an insurance company.
> If you rely heavily on your insurance, then it pays to look into it before you change jobs. Of course, you may need to exercise discression. Asking a great deal about the mental health benefits may raise an eyebrow. Asking for a copy of the policy though may be a better way to go.
> Good luck. I hope you find a job that works well for you.
> Dee.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 6, 2004, at 20:01:27
In reply to What kind of work are you looking for? » PhoenixGirl, posted by Bobby on February 6, 2004, at 7:11:57
Hi Bobby. Well I have a BA in Sociology, and I have been working with educational benefit claims for the last 3 years. There may be a lot of things I could do. I'd even be a secretary, though I know I can do a lot more than that. What field are you in? I would so appreciate your assistance!
The federal government health benefits are probably the best anywhere. However, I would be willing to pay more for my health care if I could work a job I like more. As long as the policy gives decent coverage for counseling sessions and prescriptions. The coverage wouldn't have to be as great as I get with the federal government, just ok.
My email address is thephoenixgirl@hotmail.com, if you want to email me. Your concern for me really feels good, I appreciate it.
> Hi PG,
> I am from the Atlanta area.Have you tried the Atlanta journal constitution? Hotjob.com/flipdog.com also may help. I will look around for you.However, you will be hard pressed to find a benefit package better than the Govt.Maybe you could transfer to another area.If you are working for the state, the website is thejobsite.com. Best of luck.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 6, 2004, at 20:37:47
In reply to Re: What kind of work are you looking for?, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 6, 2004, at 20:01:27
I know that sociology isn't psychology, but another area that you might want to consider is social service, such as vocational rehabilitation. Some organizations might welcome you, especially with your experience in educational claims.
I can understand your trepidation. Making changes is something that is hard to do at any time. Trying to make life choices while suffering a mental illness is much like trying to drink water while drowning. Changes paralyze you in the midst of depression, but you need to make a change to overcome the depression. It's not much fun at all.
The only other advice that I can offer is to be really organized. When you are relaxed sometime, make a list of all of the things that you need to know about the new company to be comfortable with your choice. Don't limit it to just benefits, find out what the companies social policies are. What does their executive staff look like? How many of the top executives are women or other minorities? How does the company handle maternity leave? What about the FMLA?
Reach out with your questions. Check them out on the web. When you find an organization that you can feel comfortable with, one that you don't have to compromise your own ideals with, that's the time to consider changing.
Don't make the decision on the spot. If you are asked at the time of an interview, ask for one more day to make your decision. Go home, look at your list. Feel absolutely comfortable and confident. Go to sleep thinking about working for the new organization in the morning. Do you still feel comfortable? Do you feel at peace? That's the answer to your question. You know that your stress will be at a minimum.
Hope this helps,
Dee.
Posted by shar on February 8, 2004, at 0:18:32
In reply to Re: Please help me, I don't think I can survive this » PhoenixGirl, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 5, 2004, at 21:27:08
That is excellent information about self-insured companies! I had no idea.
Shar
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2004, at 9:17:51
In reply to Re: Please help me, I don't think I can survive this » deirdrehbrt, posted by shar on February 8, 2004, at 0:18:32
Had to shorten the word "governmental" so the subject line would fit. LOL
What rules does the government place on insurance companies?
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 8, 2004, at 21:25:21
In reply to What are the govrnmen rules on insurance companies, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2004, at 9:17:51
I'm not at all an expert, and only ran into the ones that affected me when I started therapy, etc.
There are also a number of organizations that can regulate the insurance companies, from Federal laws, state laws, etc.
Some of the rules they can place regarding insurance companies include limiting exclusions, requiring payment for certain types of services, requiring the insurer to cover the dependents of the insured after divorce, COBRA, and numerous other things.
Again, there are many organizations, many laws, and what is true in one state may not be true in another.
Dee.
Posted by jane d on February 9, 2004, at 20:48:33
In reply to What are the govrnmen rules on insurance companies, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2004, at 9:17:51
> Had to shorten the word "governmental" so the subject line would fit. LOL
> What rules does the government place on insurance companies?Where this is most likely to matter to you is on mental health parity. Even if a state has a law requiring parity self insured companies will not be bound by that law. It also comes up when the state requires insurance company to provide x y or z screening tests such as mammography, or to provide birth control.
I think federal rules would general apply to these companies but I'm not sure.
Then, just to keep things interesting, state governments are exempt from some Federal regulations that private companies must obey. One example of that would be the ADA. (Americans with Disablities Act).
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 9, 2004, at 20:52:58
In reply to Re: Self insured exempt from state regulations » PhoenixGirl, posted by jane d on February 9, 2004, at 20:48:33
That job I applied for may have provided ok insurance, but I decided to turn it down, because I'm simply not interested in it. I'm not going to take a $10,000 a year pay cut to do a job I don't really want, in order to get out of this crappy one I currently have. This one sucks, but at least I'm getting paid $43,000 a year. I'm willing to take a pay cut only for a job that is significantly better, and will lead me to a career I really want. No desperate decisions!
This is the end of the thread.
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