Broaching the Subject of Mental Illness at Work

by Elizabeth Greene

I honestly don’t recall the first time I told my boss I was challenged with both anxiety and mood disorders. After being diagnosed, I decided to fight the stigma by telling everyone I knew (not to mention a few people I didn’t know). I was bound and determined not to be ashamed of my mental illness.

I do, however, remember the day I told him everything had become too much. My medication had stopped working and it felt as if the world collapsed in on me.

I couldn’t concentrate, I was angry, I was sad, I couldn’t stop crying, and my work was starting to suffer.

Despite the fact he had always been completely understanding and accommodating, I was incredibly nervous.  I wrestled what to say for some time.

Your condition aside, revealing your challenge with mental illness to your employer can be a struggle in and of itself.

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer regarding whether or not to tell them — it all depends on a number of different factors.

It’s Your Decision

First and foremost, it’s your decision whether or not to tell your employer about your mental illness.

You are not legally required to disclose information about the condition of your mental health unless there’s a risk to yourself or others.

If you do decide to tell your employer, they have a legal responsibility to maintain your privacy, protect you from discrimination in the workplace, and make any reasonable changes to the workplace to support you.

People might choose to discuss their condition with their employer because they need accommodations.

Others, like me, want to educate people about their condition. Some simply do not wish to hide their illness.

While some people feel comfortable disclosing their diagnosis, others feel this information is personal.

Unfortunately, there is a serious stigma surrounding mental illness, leading to social distancing, or the isolation of people with mental illnesses.  That’s why those of us with mental illness are less likely to get treatment, twice as likely to suffer addiction problems, and four times more likely to be victims of violence.

Whether or not you tell your employer about your diagnosis is your choice. However, it’s important to know that if you choose not to disclose this information it can be difficult to make a formal disability claim at a later date.

If you do decide to tell your employer, they have a legal responsibility to maintain your privacy, protect you from discrimination in the workplace, and make any reasonable changes to the workplace to support you.

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Does it Impact Your Work?

If you find that mental illness is interfering with your ability to do your job, it may be time to discuss it with your employer. This opens the door for any accommodations you may need made.

It’s important to explain how your challenge with mental illness impacts your job, that you’re seeking professional help, and that you’re working to manage your condition.

It may be helpful to have a note from your doctor or healthcare professional to explain what mental health problems you have, how they may affect you, and what adjustments might help you to manage your work.

Just as important as explaining your mental illness diagnosis is explaining why you can continue to be responsible and complete your job duties. Discuss your strengths, what you bring to the job, and reassure your boss that this will not change. Tell them you will let them know if you find your condition interfering with your job, or if you need any accommodations.

What to Say

Mental Health Works has a fabulous prepared script that you can adapt to your own circumstances:

“I have (preferred term for psychiatric disability) that I am recovering from. I can still do the things that are required by my job (or if there are limitations, I may have difficulty doing a specific part of my job). It helps if I have (name the specific accommodations you need). I work best when (other accommodations).”

You could also add the following information:

“Sometimes you might see (symptoms or behaviours associated with symptoms). When you see that, you can (name the action steps for the employer). If you are concerned about me, you can call (contact name: your spouse, advocate, therapist, or someone else you trust to help you).”

What to Do If There’s Backlash

If you are challenged with a mental disability and are qualified to do a job, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects you from discrimination.

You must be able to satisfy an employer’s requirements for the job, and perform essential functions on your own or with reasonable accommodation to be considered qualified.

An employer cannot refuse to hire you if your disability prevents you from performing duties that are not essential to the job.

I am so fortunate to work where, and with the amazing people I do.   As tears ran down my face, and I apologized for crying, my boss told me I had nothing to be sorry for.   He allowed me to work in a quiet space and ultimately, from home for a full month in order to give my new medication time to kick in.

I am not treated any differently because of my mental illness, and can freely discuss it with my coworkers without fear of repercussions.

However, I know that not all people are so fortunate, and that’s why I only recommend telling your employer if you can be assured that it won’t have a negative effect on your life.

Whatever you choose, know that you are never alone — all you have to do is reach out, and someone will be there.

Liz Greene is a makeup enthusiast from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. You can follow her latest misadventures on her blog, Instant Lo.

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