Q. Walmart fired me 2 days after I shared my mental health issues, ie depression bipolar mania & social anxiety. They blamed my attendance. Is there anything I can do?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

I am sorry to hear that you were wrongfully terminated from Walmart after disclosing your mental health issues. It is unfortunate that this type of situation still happens in the workplace. You may have legal recourse depending on the laws applicable in your jurisdiction.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on their disability and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. The act makes it illegal for employers to terminate an employee due to their disability or any other related condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety disorder—all of which qualify as "disabilities" under the ADA . If your employer did not make reasonable accommodations available for you before terminating you on attendance-related grounds, then they could be liable under the ADA for wrongful termination and/or discrimination based on a disability.

Therefore, if Walmart fired you two days after disclosing your mental health issues without providing appropriate accommodations or having a legitimate reason unrelated to these conditions, then they likely violated both state and federal law regarding disability discrimination in employment matters. I would suggest that you contact an attorney who specializes in employment law immediately so that they can advise you further based on the facts of your case concerning how best to proceed against this employer if necessary.