Should You Tell Your Employer About Mental Health Issues - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Should You Tell Your Employer About Mental Health Issues - Introvert Whisperer Should You Tell Your Employer About Mental Health Issues? We have made some enormous strides in addressing the challenges which surround mental health. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 4 of us are affected by mental health, and as a society we’re starting to understand the ramifications of this. There are campaigns that are geared toward encouraging an open dialogue and preventing the rise in suicide rates. That said, it’s still difficult to argue against the fact that there remains a lot of stigma surrounding mental health issues. This is one reason many people find it difficult to broach the subject of their diagnoses, or how symptoms affect them. When it comes to deciding whether to inform employers, the possibility of prejudice or outright discrimination looms large. It can feel very much like a Catch-22. Inviting unnecessary scrutiny as a result of your mental illness is not an ideal working situation, but by not informing your employers of your situation, you may also be preventing them from providing you with useful resources. So, what are the best ways for an employee to approach this problem? Medication Discussions Medication can be something of a contentious issue to discuss. There are a lot of largely inaccurate and unhelpful stereotypes about how medication can affect its users. However, as some medications can have side effects, it may be necessary to address the issue with your employer. It’s important to note that if you are taking medication that causes side effects, you have protection against prejudicial treatment. In 2010 a Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruling found that side effects could be defined as an impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act . This means as long as you can still perform essential tasks, your employer cannot discriminate against you. The legal issues aside, your best approach is an honest, practical discussion. Talk to them about the medication and the how the effects are likely to affect aspects of your job; particularly any safety issues. Approach the issue in a straightforward manner, come prepared with ideas for solutions and how your employer can help. Make it clear that your use of this medication is a responsible approach to a healthy lifestyle, a tool in helping keep you a mentally well, productive member of staff. Environmental Adjustments The environment you work in can have a huge effect on how well you function as an employee. With certain conditions â€" particularly generalized anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder â€" your surroundings can have a detrimental affect on your health. It is therefore in the best interest of both you and your employer to make appropriate provisions. A frank discussion about triggers is an important aspect of your approach. Aim to be calm and practical about informing your employer about which stimuli are likely to trigger your symptoms, and how they affect you. It could be an important aspect of your personal safety at work to ensure your employer knows how your PTSD or anxiety could affect your work. You don’t necessarily have to go into detail about root causes if you don’t feel comfortable, but by being clear about triggers, you are taking a responsible approach to your job. That said, symptoms of anxiety still aren’t always treated as seriously as they should. Offices are filled with stimuli which can prompt panic attacks. There are frequent performance pressures and the surroundings are often oppressive. If you don’t feel as though you can openly discuss anxiety with your employer, it may be worth considering a workflow improvement   approach. Efficient productivity solutions may also ease some of the pressures that trigger your anxiety. However, it is important to also take into consideration actions which will genuinely benefit your health in the long term. An Open Dialogue Many people find talking about mental health difficult. This makes the idea of keeping an open dialogue with your employer rather daunting. However, the fight against mental health stigma can really only be helped by keeping the discussion fluid and positive. Some people need to be shown that mental illness is not something to be feared. Others need to see that your symptoms don’t stop you being a functional, valuable staff member. Make a point to check in regularly with your line manager about your mental health. Be honest about difficulties you’re having, and how you can suggest approaching your work day accordingly. Beyond your own illness, take time to encourage keeping mental health discussion a part of the workplace life. You can get educational materials from organizations such as NAMI, and engage in specific campaigns. Not only can this help fight stigma in your workplace, but it may also help another co-worker with their own mental health issues. It is also not uncommon to find that staying vocal about what motivates you can prompt adjustments to the workplace. By the same token, talking about how a mentally healthy environment helps productivity may incentivize positive changes. Its also worth mentioning that investment in Employee Assistance Programs produces positive returns. It has taken a long time to shift the unhelpful stereotypes surrounding mental illness, and accept that it affects a great many of us. Yet, the issues of stigma and discrimination prevent many of us from talking about it with our employers. A practical, solution-oriented approach is often wise. Help your employer understand how a mentally safe environment results in a productive, valuable workforce. Image Source: Pexels Frankie Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Montana. She now resides in Boise, Idaho as a freelance writer where she spends her time reading and gardening. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer