No support in the workplace

[mcm97]

Hi, this is my first time using Beyond Blue but something happened yesterday at work that I am not not okay with and feel the need to share.

I have really bad anxiety and depression and only in the last 6months have ben put on medication to help, which it has but I still have panic attacks and bad days.

I work for a big organisation in a call centre so obviously taking calls can be quite challenging at times. Some days ill be fine and my shift will go by like a breeze with no issues. Other days I cannot even speak, i cant even greet the customers. The lights start messing with my head, my jaw starts clenching and shaking and i need to leave.

My workplace claims they have endless support to help anyone facing mental illness, yet I have no assistance there. Most of the team leaders know about my mental illness. they often ask how I am but thats all.

Yesterday I got told by a team leader that if i can only handle to take a limited range of calls that I will not be of value to the company.

That same team leader last week told me I would be better off finding a new job in the new year.

Firstly he is in no position to say that to me, secondly I am very fragile and those things set me off. I left work and dont want to return. Being told that I am of "no value" kills me. I have been put on a very high dose on antidepressants just to be okay then i have to deal with this at work.

I have been offered no help or alternative options to help whilst my anxiety flares up. Today I am going to speak to the manager to report this. I no longer want to be at a workplace like this if they dont accommodate to people with mental illness.

Mental illness is not something we can choose not to have. I am seeking help and I am doing my best to be myself again.

[white knight]

Hi mcm, welcome

I know what its like to be pigeon holed as a nuisance. Its terrible.

There are some lines if work that dont suit those with mental illness. High contact with customers is high on the list IMO.

So although how he said that remark about not being valued...he might be correct. Regardless, by all means pursue your objections to management if you choose but dont expect any result. The reason is that claiming they cater for mental illness puts them in good stead as an organisation...to be seen as doing something.

Life doesnt include justice very often and your efforts wont change the situation.

So, you might consider another more suitable line of work whereby you are valued and find the job stimulating.

Tony WK

[BballJ]

Hi mcm97,

Firstly, welcome to the forums. Sorry to read what you are going through. That wouldn't be easy to hear if you had a clear mind and were feeling great, factor in your depression and anxiety, that just isn't a nice thing to say. I can't see how it would be beneficial to you or the company by saying that to an employee. I think speaking to the direct manager is a good thing, is there a possibility to not being this team leaders presence when you are working? Maybe working for a different team leader during your shifts?

I know you said you are currently on medication, does that mean you are also seeing a psychologist to help with the anxiety and depression or simply on medication? Sorry if that sounds like an intrusive question, just trying to work it out so I know how to best offer advice.

Please also remember you can call the Beyond Blue helpline on 1300 22 4636 24/7 to discuss anything you are going through.

Please, post back as much as you wish,

My best for you,

Jay

[mcm97]

I am also seeing a psychologist which is helping!

I have been applying for other jobs now in a different field so im hoping that works out for me

[BballJ]

Hi mcm97,

It's good that you are seeing a psychologist, have you found since you started you have made any progress with them?

Looking for a new job in a different field can sometimes be a good thing. Hopefully something works out for you.

My best,

Jay

[Tiffany1]

Hi mcm,

Leaders should lift people up and not beat them down! I've come across all sorts of leaders and the kind of leader that shows empathy and gives solutions to your problems has been the kind to inspire me to become better and even overcome my social anxiety. And that's all because my manager made it clear to me that she believed in me, she has even made it a point that my mental health gives me a lot of empathy toward people.

Im glad you're looking for something else, as it sounds like that workplace with those leaders are a very unhelpful mix. To have a job with good leadership and work that suits you would be ideal, but it's fine to find one or the other.

In my line of work, good leadership has helped me overcome work that I hated at the beginning and turned it into work that I am not afraid of.

I believe you have many strengths and a lot of them you are probably aware of, some you might not be. A good workplace will encourage your strengths and show you that you have talents you did not even know. You have a right to feel the way you do, and I'm glad you're taking steps to find somewhere which will appreciate you more.

Keep us posted on how it goes! Look after yourself as well in this transitional period.

[JMai]

Hi MCM,

As someone who works in the field of Human Resources, I can confidently say that your team leader has handled the situation terribly and it is clear that there's very little empathy or understanding around your situation. Most workplaces will offer an employee assistance program which generally including counselling and support services - have you tried looking into this?

While I am appalled at the comments made by your team leader about you being of "no value" (I hope you are not taking this to heart), I do not necessarily disagree with the idea of finding a different job or company which is more supportive of their employees. There are some roles which, by their very nature, are more stressful and can be difficult for those who suffer from mental illness. While not being suitable for certain roles is by no means a reflection of your capabilities, it is something I would keep in mind as you continue your job search.

Please make sure to keep us updated and remember that each and every person is special with their own individual strengths and I am confident that you will find a work environment more suited to you and your skill set.

[mcm97]

Just an update,

Yesterday I worked again and i

[mcm97]

Just an update,

yesterday i worked again, I was very anxious as it would be the first time that I would be seeing that team leader after I talked to the manager. Half the shift he ignored me and avoided me, then just before I left he apologised to me. Personally I think he just did it because the manager spoke to him and he got reported but atleast I got an apology.

Secondly, I have a job interview next week which Im looking forward to, I hope it works out.

[BballJ]

Hi mcm97,

It's is good that he apologised to you.. doesn't matter weather the manager made them or what not, fact is, it was bought to their attention on how not to treat employees.

I hope the job interview goes well for you.

My best,

Jay