We live in a time and a society that generally encourages us to keep our work life and our personal life separate. Often, though, that’s easier said than done. That’s especially true if you have a mental health condition that impacts your ability to do your job or act “normal” around your colleagues. In these cases, it’s time to break down some barriers and talk about mental health in the workplace.
That, of course, begs a pretty big question: how? We’ve gathered up some tips to help.
Realize you might be doing your company a favor
You’re almost definitely not the only person in your company’s employ who is impacted by a mental health condition. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts reports that mental illness accounts for a whopping 62% of out-of-office days. Clearly, this is an issue your company should be thinking about.
By talking to your employer and your colleagues about mental health, you’re not singling yourself out. Instead, you’re drawing attention to a major issue that impacts companies across the country.
Ease yourself in
Before you talk to your boss about mental health, it can be helpful to first talk with your closest coworkers about it. This gives you a low-stakes way to open up this conversation in a space where you can feel safe — or at least safer. Pick any person at your work and find a way to tell them that you have a mental health condition. Once you do, you’ll realize that it’s not as big of a deal as it might initially feel.
Break the ice
Now is time to talk to the person who approves your time off. Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a major mental health problem when a potentially stressful conversation could only exacerbate your symptoms.
This doesn’t have to be a long or involved conversation. You can walk into their office and say something like, “I wanted to let you know that I’m diagnosed with [insert your mental illness]. I’m actively working on being my most productive self with it, but I do have days where it creates challenges. I wanted to tell you so we can have an open conversation about it. If you notice changes in my work performance, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about them. And if I need to take a mental health day because I’m unable to do my best work at the time, I’ll let you know.”
Your boss might respond with a simple, “OK.” That’s enough. Now you’ve cleared the air. If you need to take some time off because of your mental health down the road, you’ll be able to do so without your boss thinking your diagnosis is an excuse.
Check your own stigmas
What’s keeping you from talking about mental health in the workplace? It’s probably preconceived notions about how people view others with mental health disorders. The problem is that by believing those notions exist and letting them shape your actions, you’re actually buying into the stigma.
Talking about your own mental health helps to reshape the narrative around it. And who knows? You opening up about how you’re feeling might be the opportunity your suffering coworker needs to do the same.
When you talk about your mental health, you help to overcome stigma and hold space for others with mental health challenges. It’s nervewracking, of course, but we’re here to help.
If you want counseling and support to guide you through the process of starting to talk about mental health in the workplace, our team is here. Get in touch with any of our staff at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center. We’re experienced in helping people start conversations like these and we would be so excited to join you as you change your workplace for the better!
