Your decision about who to talk to at work about your MS can depend on several issues. One reason to talk about it is if you need special accommodations at work. If you need special equipment or access to the handicapped restroom, you'll have to notify your employer of your MS.
You may have other reasons for wanting to talk about your MS in the workplace. Before making the decision, consider your reasons carefully. Remember that you have the right to privacy.
Your Work Environment
Consider your workplace environment. It may be an emotionally supportive place, or it may be more traditionally professional. Talking about your MS could cause your coworkers to give you more emotional support. You may also feel guilty or wrong about keeping it a secret from them.
On the other hand, you may want to tell coworkers as a preventive measure. Disclosing your MS can stop people from wondering if something is wrong, or misinterpreting your MS symptoms for something else.
Remember, you are not required to tell anyone you work with about your MS.
Making the Decision
Before you make your decision, consider the following:
- Why are you choosing to talk about your MS?
- Who are you choosing to talk to?
- How much are you choosing to tell?
Now, weigh the positive and negative aspects of each answer.
More about some of the legal issues involved with leaving work
