To tell or not to tell? Disclosing your mental illness to your boss.

[Donte]

Hi all,

The other day our new HR manager asked all staff to complete a form disclosing any illnesses and conditions they have that could either impact on their work or at a time of emergency, the company should be aware of and/or inform the paramedics etc.

As I had health insurance refuse to cover me in the past due to the fact that I ticked 'Yes' to the 'Do you suffer from depression or other mental illness' box on the form, I hadn't disclose to my employer about my mental illness until now, even though, many colleagues, including my Coordinator are aware of my health issues.

Even though, my overall performance hasn't been compromised and I complete my tasks successfully, there are times where my depression and anxiety can get the best of me and/or my moods affect me. At those times it can be difficult to concentrate, and I feel tired, unmotivated and lacking energy.

So, when I was asked to complete this form the other day, I wrote down all my conditions and medications/treatments. Not sure why, this time around I felt the urge to disclose. Perhaps, because I feel sick and tired hiding. Or maybe, because I have seen the fear others display in telling the boss what's happening with them and struggle all alone due to stigma from our cultural background. I thought that maybe talking about my experiences might encourage others to be more open about mental health at work, as well as helping to change people’s attitudes. Also, being upfront about it might stop rumours spreading or people gossiping. (I had disclose to a colleague who's behavior towards me has now changed and have been worried that she might dob me in!)

Maybe being open and upfront will be helpful in case there is any dispute about my performance with my employer in the future.
I know there is legislation to protect me and I have a good network outside work that I can rely on and I’m not at a point where I need any additional support, but I don’t want my boss/colleagues to think I’m weak or not pulling my weight.

However, I’m not sure it will stay confidential. I’m comfortable talking to my boss about this but don’t want anyone else to know and I don’t want it going on my employment record. I have been worried that if people found out they could use this against me somehow or that I might be discriminated against.

How has your experience been? Have you disclosed at work? In your community? If yes, how did it go? If no, why not?

[white knight]

Hi Donte

I have a friend. He was 21yo when, with several debts, he declared bankrupt. That was 1980.

Since then he has always ticked the box "yes" when applying for a loan "have you ever declared bankrupt".

He had waited 3 years for the period of bankruptcy to end. He paid his penalty.

When an ex prisoner applies for a loan no such questioning is asked eg "have you ever robbed a bank".

When I renewed my drivers license I declared my bipolar and depression. My truck linence was wiped off my licence. I could no longer drive a fire truck in our country town.

In your situation I feel you are still worried about the stigma. I take the view that all humans are imperfect and if others gossip, judge me, its their problem. My illnesses are out in the open, there's are not.

Google

Topic: so what are their mental illnesses?- beyondblue

Other workers will have quirks, poor punctuality, slow pace, gossiping, not completing their tasks...that will be far more contributing towards loss of production than your moods etc.

So a health problem should be declared with "confidential" written on it then forgot about it because it might never be read again, stuck in a file.

Fear can be worse than reality.

Topic:guilt the tormentor- beyondblue

Tony WK

[geoff]

Hi Donte, to follow on from what Tony has said, I also had a friend who had to declare himself bankrupt, the time has elapsed now, but it's still on record and when applying for a credit card the bank can still look at his history and decide whether or not to provide credit to him, they may or they may not, but if they do it's bare a limit of $1000.

This topic has been discussed before many times before and my answer once again is NO.

Geoff.

[Donte]

Hi Geoff,

In 2006 I declared bankruptcy. It was when my divorce took place and lost three properties and a couple of million dollars in the process. That lasted seven years but I haven’t had the need to get a loan or a credit card since so I’m not sure if that will affect me one day.

Aa for my illnesses, it’s alloyt in the open now. Let’s see what will happen. 🙂

[Donte]

Thank you White Knight,

I agree. Fear can be worse than reality.

I went on the BeyondBlue website and found a section where people can get support to make a decision in regards to disclosing to their employers. It’s such a fantastic tool! Highly recommend it for anyone thinking about the pros and cons of disclosure.

[blondguy]

Hello Donte

Beyond Blue do have a good advice about the pros and cons about disclosing any mental health issues.

There are many posts from asking the same question. I have been in senior management with a background in human resources for many years.

Until we stop the stigma re mental health the chances of gaining employment are significantly reduced especially with the bulk of the private sector having their gross/net profit as their primary focus

To answer your thread topic question : No

I have faith though Donte......If anyone has declared their mental health status on a job application and succeeded in obtaining employment it would be great to know 🙂

Stopping the Stigma

Paul

[Donte]

Thank you Paul,

Time will show if my disclosure will affect my current employment or the renewal of my contract post 2019 when my current funding ends.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Donte

Have you ever considered volunteering to become a mental health first aider at work? One of my employees disclosed her past experience with depression to me (business owner) and expressed a desire to gain the accreditation. We did the course together. Nobody knows why, nobody has ever asked. She turned it into a win and the business is better for it. Just a thought.

[Ru_]

Hi Summer Rose,

I didn’t even know a mental health first aider was a thing! That’s sounds like a really great qualification to get. Thanks for bringing it up.

Ru

[Donte]

Thank you Summer Rose,

I am already a ‘Mental Health First Aid’ staff as I do this training every couple of years. One of my roles has been Community Education. However, this is the first time since the 2000’s that I have formally disclosed and signed and dated a declaration form stating my mental illnesses. I guess that’s the difference. It felt right at the time but now I have second thoughts about it. Nothing can be done of course as the email has been sent and submitted and received acknowledgement from HR. Just dealing with my own anxiety now. X