Mental health in the workplace

[Lui]

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?

[ecomama]

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

[Lui]

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

[Willow Jude]

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

[Mark Z.]

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