topic Re: Mental health in the workplace in Anxiety

Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:44:17 GMT

Just wondering, how do people handle mental health issues with getting a job?

I have anxiety, depression, inattentive ADHD.

Should i tell a new employer about these issues?

At what stage should I tell them?

What if they ask?

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Banksy92 — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:22:01 GMT

Hi Lui,

This is entirely up to you and what makes you the most comfortable. I don't see any reason why you would have to tell them, unless you feel it would be helpful to disclose to explore an arrangement that will better suit you.

Personally, I have kept my mental health issues to myself in the past because I was worried it might reflect badly on me - but this is how stigmas perpetuate! So if you want to share it, there is nothing wrong with that either.

is there a particular reason you think it might be relevant to share with an employer?

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:37:11 GMT

I worry that if I don't, they will find out. And i think I may need some support in a job anyway

Which brings me to another question. What sort of support can employers give?

Re: Mental health in the workplace

blues23 — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 12:19:31 GMT

You don’t specifically have to tell your employer anything, if it’s not going to effect your role it’s really none of their business, if u can manage it outside of work. They can make reasonable adjustments to ur role such as time off, less hours worked ( u won’t get payed for these if u reduce ur hours unless u go on work cover ) u can also request your hours of work day 9-5 for example or u can request additional support such as a counseling at ur work but it’s usually only work place issues they address .

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:49:17 GMT

I worry that it might effect my role. Anxiety is difficult

I guess if I start with part-time, it might be better

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Petal22 — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 01:37:08 GMT

Hi Lui,

This is totally up to you whether you tell your employer about your mental health conditions.

Maybe if you where accepted for a position and start working at a workplace if your feeling overwhelmed you could then disclose your mental health conditions with your employer.

Some companies would be obliging to help you and show understanding.

Re: Mental health in the workplace

blues23 — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:46:14 GMT

Just remember they have to give you reasonable adjustment to your role so yes if you want part time then they can’t refuse due to your mental health . But it’s totally up to you what you disclose at work . If you are not comfortable telling them and it’s not affecting you or your role then u are under no obligation whatsoever to tell them anything.

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:19:15 GMT

So you think don't tell them, but say later, if needed?

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:21:37 GMT

I guess i don't know what the laws are regarding this stuff. if i don't disclose, will i not get help later?

I don't know what the law says

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Petal22 — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:23:11 GMT

It’s totally your decision 😊

But it’s just an option.

Re: Mental health in the workplace

ecomama — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:02:14 GMT

Hey Lui

Yes you appear very anxious about this point. I don't think you have to disclose anything about your Mental Health diagnoses except for in specific fields of work... Psychology for one... possible the Armed Forces? IDK.

On the same hand, I doubt most employment fields are obligated to provide you with specific MH support either. Unless it relates to a workplace incident and I still think most don't provide this or are under any obligation to do this.

The status of your MH, at work, is your business and pretty much your responsibility too IME.
My employment is with the Govt and we CAN access some MH support via them but it's on our own time and our employers do not arrange this for us.
It's on us to access this.

I would make a CLEAR Boundary in my mind knowing this topic is for trusted friends and family. Not the workplace. Be careful about TMI in the workplace.

Congratulations on the job and I wish you well!!
Love EM

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Lui — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:39:22 GMT

I thought there were laws about having to help people with mental health, in work places?

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Willow Jude — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:30:36 GMT

Hi Lui,

It can definitely be difficult knowing whether or not to disclose mental health issues in the workplace. Some other members have provided some great things to think about, and I wanted to add to this by suggesting a resource from Heads Up. If you google 'Deciding to tell others - Heads Up', it should be the first result. Hopefully it will help you explore some of the pros and cons of telling your employer.

Personally, I have disclosed my mental health issues to employers and am pleased to say I haven't suffered any negative consequences. However, employers also haven't always taken my issues into consideration when they should have, so be aware that we aren't necessarily guaranteed to receive the positive impacts that we hope may come from disclosing.

I understand that this is a tough decision to make, and it's not something that we can really decide for you unfortunately, but hopefully everyone's input helps you to make a decision you're comfortable with. Feel free to keep us updated with how things go for you.

- WJ

Re: Mental health in the workplace

Mark Z. — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:58:27 GMT

Hi Lui,

Sorry for the late reply. How are you recently? And how's your job seeking progress?

With an HR background, I'm happy to share my understanding.

Generally speaking, it's not necessarily to disclose everything to your employer as it's your privacy. But when you've learned your role and feel that your mental challenge will affect it, you need to let them know. Australian companies have legal and moral obligations to provide equal opportunities, but they also need to evaluate whether the candidate can fulfil the role. It's important for the employer and it's even more important for yourself. If you choose a role too challenging for yourself and then find out that you can't fulfil it, it might worsen your anxiety or depression, and this is not what you want.

So yes, my suggestion is to start with a more simple role, or a part-time role. When you feel you're ready for a more complex job, it is your next step.

Mark