Deciding to talk to your coworkers about your mental health can feel scary. You might be wondering if it’s the right decision, what people will think and say, and how you’ll feel after sharing. Talking about mental health in the workplace can be difficult because of the fear and shame associated with it, but sometimes, sharing our challenges with a coworker can be more helpful than harmful. It can help reduce the need to be “perfect” or pretend that we are not struggling when we really are.
Mental health issues can affect every area of your life, including work. When our symptoms show up on the job, we may feel the need to hide what we’re experiencing. Talking about your mental health with a trusted coworker can help you feel less alone. You can keep each other accountable by taking care of yourselves, getting support when you need it.
How can I prepare to discuss my mental health with my coworkers?
Before jumping into a conversation with a colleague, it can help to think about who you want to tell and what you feel comfortable sharing about your mental health.
Here are a few other points to consider:
- Remember that you’re not alone. Even if you have a mental illness and your coworker doesn’t, that doesn’t mean they don’t struggle to maintain their mental health. We all have good and bad days.
- It can be helpful to know what productivity looks like for you. You might notice that on good days you engage with coworkers and get things done on time. But on harder days, you might feel irritable, have low energy, and struggle to focus and get things done. Self-reflection can help you notice these patterns.
- Usually, when you get hired, a company’s policies are shared with you. It might be helpful to review the policies or handbook to see what protections or rules are in place to support people living with mental health issues.
It’s okay if preparing for a conversation with your coworker feels daunting. Remember, you are capable and an important part of a team, you just happen to have a mental health concern as well.
How can I tell if it’s safe to talk about my mental health at work?
When getting ready to talk to coworkers about mental health, you might wonder if your workplace is a good place to open up. Below are a few things that can help you see how conversations around mental health might be welcomed.
- Notice the culture around the office. Do your colleagues seem judgmental or closed-minded? Are conversations about well-being welcome?
- Reflect on how you feel at work. Do you feel emotionally safe? Do your coworkers seem to care about how their actions or words impact others?
- Find out about resources. Does your company offer access to resources that help workers take care of their mental health? Do they provide accommodations or does it seem like they may be willing to learn to support you? Reaching out to Human Resources (HR) is a confidential way to get information.
- Think about who you trust. Is there a trusted coworker/a safe supervisor who can help you talk to others at work about your mental health and succeed in your role?
Keeping some of these ideas in mind can help you feel more confident when you decide to talk to your coworkers. It can be helpful to let your coworkers or supervisors know about your mental health struggles because they can check in or share concerns if they notice you’re not doing well.
Remember, people might not respond perfectly when you open up. They may say something hurtful. If they’re willing to learn and ask questions, that is a good sign, even if they don’t respond supportively at first.
What happens if the response is negative?
Sometimes, people can respond negatively. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong or that you should be silent about your mental illness. It means that their response wasn’t helpful or what you might have hoped for.
If this happens:
- Contact your HR team. They can be a great resource for figuring out your options and how to advocate for yourself.
- Know your rights. You can read more about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for mental health and know that it is illegal for someone to fire you because of your mental illness.
- Remember that you are protected by the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Act! There are certain things that need to be done for you to be protected under the Act, such as telling your employer that you have a mental illness. Reviewing the Act can help you feel more confident talking to your coworkers about your mental health.
- Do some self-care. You are worthy of respect and support at work. If you’re feeling terrible after the conversation, take time to do something that makes you feel calm, respected, and valued.
It can be a big relief to share about your mental health somewhere where you spend so much time and energy. If you need support getting the courage to talk to your coworkers, remember that there are support groups that can help you through the process.
It can be really hard to muster the courage to talk to coworkers about your mental health, but it can also be really brave and empowering! Making the decision to open up may help you feel better in the long run instead of keeping everything inside and having to hide or push through difficult symptoms. You deserve to show up as your full self.