Workplace break down

[Miss_moo90]

I have been in my current job since June 2017 and since I have been here it has been one attack after another and I do not know who I am anymore. I feel like I am constantly being personally attacked (This is how I feel but I am sensitive) and I am under pressure. Friday I had a massive attack where I pulled my hair out and was in tears - Does anyone know how to get over this and does this mean I am never going to be able to hold down a full time position?

Tips and help of any kind welcomed

[Summer Rose]

Hi Missmoo90. I am so sorry to hear that you are having a hard time at work. Sounds like you have been putting on a brave face for a long time but that the "attacks" have taken a toll.

Life gets tough for just about everybody--whether they have a mental health condition or not--at some point in their working life and there are many things employers can do help. Many people with existing mental health conditions successfully hold down full time positions. Do not give up. You can do this. You are already doing it. You just need some support.

You may very well be sensitive but that's not the point here. The work culture needs to allow for all types of people and, if required, the culture needs to adapt to new people--not the other way around. No one should ever be bullied, harassed or discriminated against in the workplace. Your employer has a legal duty of care to provide a workplace that is safe and healthy. And it doesn't matter if you're working at a large corporate, medium business or small trader--the employer has the same responsibility.

First priority is your health. I suggest you consider making an appointment with your GP. Be sure to tell your Doctor about the issues at work and the impact the behaviour of your co-workers/others is having on your health. Take some time off if you need to.

Second priority is bringing about change at your workplace. I suggest you approach your manager/supervisor, and if that's not appropriate because he/she is involved, then approach HR or the business owner. No one can help you if they don't know what the problem is. It would be helpful for you to think about what needs to change to make the workplace safe for you and list any ideas for improvement that you may have.

If you want to share more about what needs to change in your workplace, I would be happy to brainstorm improvement ideas with you.

[Miss_moo90]

Hi Summer Rose

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately HR has now brought up my performance (Which was not an issue until Friday) and a breach of confidentiality (I am happy to take on the chin) And I will be loosing my job.

Since I have been working here I have personally felt like it has been one thing after another about what is wrong with me, while my manager had only been trying to help me. As someone with anxiety this is not always the best thing and she doesn't understand what it is like as she is always telling me to just be happy and that it is all in my head. Things that have been wrong with me include:

• Where I live
• Who I live with
• Who I spent my personal time with
• How I talk
• How I communicate
• The way I think
• That I read
• How I present
• What I eat (Turns out my manager knows I am allergic to carbs - Not true)

I think for now it is too late, however I don't want it to happen if and when I find employment next.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Missmoo90.

Thank you for posting back. I'm sorry things aren't going well for you but the fact that you posted tells me you will get through this. You likely have more strength than you know. The way I see it, you have a couple of options at this point.

Firstly, to terminate you employment your employer needs to follow a process that includes three letters of warning. Many of the issues you listed--that have been raised/discussed at work--do not appear to be legitimate work issues. I believe it would be worth your while to contact the FairWork Ombudsman to explore your options around unfair dismissal. The payments to unfairly treated employees, particularly if discrimination is involved, can be sizeable and the funds would help you in the short term. You would, however, need to be strong enough to endure the battle, as they are clearly going to go after your performance. This is a common tactic and not personal. I suspect that none of this has anything to do with your performance.

Secondly, I also believe that you can consider lodging a WorkCover claim. It doesn't matter that you have existing anxiety because work exacerbated your condition. Once your claim is accepted (and I believe it would be) you will be entitled to financial support (living and medical expenses). Your employer will also have an obligation to help you return to work--whether they have terminated your employment or not. It will be their challenge to welcome you back to work and support you, not yours. (I manage WorkCover claims as a business owner/HR Manager and I can give you further advice, if required, as it is technical area--although there is a free service, WorkCover Assist to help workers navigate the system.)

Thirdly, you can seek other employment. With regards to your fears about future employment, would you be willing to share what you do for a living so that I can tailor my response?