How do you manage your afflictions at work?

[SubduedBlues]

I am wondering what people do to manage their afflictions (anxiety, depression, mental illness, etc.) in the work environment.

Previously I had always been very hesitant to open up in the workplace about my afflictions.

This year, with a new employer mind you, I approached the topic in a different manner. I let people know that I volunteer with the charitable organization that supports people with this type of affliction. And, that I do this to give back to the community, to help people maintain a support network, and that I have personal firsthand experience that I am able to share with people who reach out to the charity for support.

Only once did someone ask me if my experience is that of someone who has it, to which I smile, shrug, and make some such gesture to indicate the affirmative; or say "yeah, a bit I guess" -- to which it is accepted as a no big deal thing.

Now I don't feel so uncomfortable about it when I have a bad day.

SB

[Calie]

How do I manage my afflictions in the workplace? I spend a lot of energy hiding my symptoms. This is because I have had some very bad experiences in the past including bullying when I couldn't concentrate well

[Quercus]

Hi SB,

Couldn't believe there weren't more replies on this thread but I suppose it's early days.

I'm bluntly open at work. To be honest I really don't care if I'm discriminated against anymore. What's the worst that they can do? Performance manage me? Fire me? So what? At least I'm alive to live another day.

When I was first diagnosed people told me to keep it quiet. It will work against me, I'll lose promotions etc. But to be honest as a mum I've already lost out. The words about equal opportunity are just that... Words. When I left on Maternity leave I may as well have quit or died. The response to me now is that I'm a waste retraining. So bugger it.

If me being open and encouraging others to speak about mental illness helps another person to seek help that's a win for me. Already I've spoken to so many people who are struggling silently.

Until more people talk about mental health at work the stigma remains. So I'm going to talk.

Good for you SB I'm sure the silent sufferers at your work appreciate your honesty.

[TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsN]

I was honest and open in my previous job - a few of the people there didn't really understand entirely, but did their best to support me.

Another, as I found out, also suffered. It was great to have someone understand what you are going through. I was able to work with him a little closer, and manage my time so that we could minimise stress.

In my new job... I've shut my mouth so far. I'm in a different type of role altogether dealing with customers (contractual stuff), so for now, it's in my best interests to keep it close to my chest. For now. I need to establish myself a little more, build up the rapport, and go from there.

[But3rfli3]

Hi- first time poster on these forums. I came on specifically seeking to discuss how to manage (my) mental health at work. I am in a role that I love and am supported in but emotional stress and triggers is affecting my outlook negatively in my perceptions of situations and looking for the best in interactions with colleagues. It's a hard balance of trying to maintain professionalism with living with depression and anxiety. It affects self confidence, motivation to complete job expectations and general mood. Starting counselling has helped and maintaining a routine with adequate sleep. I am yet to release to my manager that I am struggling with poor mental health at the moment and I honestly don't know how it would affect my position. I feel like if I manage the signs and symptoms outside of work, then I will bring a more positive approach to my work? Looking forward to continuing to read your thoughts and responses.

[SubduedBlues]

Hi But3rfli3, welcome to BB

Thank you for posting here, and may I suggest you start a thread to ask how we can help you better manage your work stresses. It is not that I don't mind them being here, on this thread, which I don't mind at all, but rather with your own thread you'd be in a position to shape and mold the thread and questions to ensure that we all provide a more personalised and specific to your needs, that what might otherwise be generalized on this thread.

Looking forward to seeing your thread soon, as I have more that I'd like to share with you for your situation.

SB

[SubduedBlues]

Hi there TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsNath's wow, what a name.

Oh how nice it would be if people were non-judgmental. If we could always be ourselves, no matter where we found ourselves to be. I wonder if it is a natural defense mechanism, or something that we have learnt, that makes us distrust everyone form the get go. Hmm.

How is your new job going? Are you enjoying it?

[Lolita]

Hi SubduedBlues

What a great idea for opening up at the workplace and making it easier to speak about mental health!

I have recently signed up to volunteer for beyond blue in some capacity. I feel like I have personally gotten so much support on here that I would like to give back too. Perhaps that is less of a confronting way to raise the topic in the workplace.

For me, I have told my manager, and her boss knows too. My manager supports me, but is reliant on me advising what kind of support I need. So far I have struggled to indicate what would help me at work - aside from leaving on time to make my psych appts and occasionally working from home if I can't face the office.

I would like to be more open about it at work, especially with close colleagues. But it is a very scary thing to talk about, especially as I don't completely understand what I'm going through myself.

[nessie_lou]

Hi guys,

I have always been open and upfront about my anxiety and depression with my work mates. I usually bring it up in a general discussion. At each place I have worked at I have been able to just say, oh yeah so I have had anxiety and depression since I was 21. Everyone so far has said, wow I wouldnt have known, or, shit what caused it do you know, or, yeah me too, what medication are you on, and lastly, thank you for sharing that with me, let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I am determined to not let there be a stigma and for me to be open and transparent. I have been in the midst of an anxiety and depression funk since tuesday and whilst I had been open with a few I hadnt told my whole team...so I sent an email; Hey guys, just to give you a bit of insight, i have anxiety and depression, it is usually well managed but at the moment I am having issues, that is why i am quiet and I look like I have cried, and if you notice me missing ( i will tell you) i am just doing a stair run between floors to burn of the adrenaline.

My boss wrote back immediately, please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you followed with...oh perhaps when you do your next stair run you can let me know and you can grab me a drink ; P.

I think sometimes if you are just up front people cant speculate about whats happening.

[gld]

Hi,

Managing things at work is a constant challenge for myself.

Have just started to work my way to a new being for myself but having a melt down is becoming to unravel me and thoughts as well as actions have got to others.

My new practice of mindfulness is helping me to become less judgemental and realising when stuff happens it is only in that moment is still new and may need a little more tweaking.

Being myself has brought me a new sense of joy and i am loving the rewards it is giving me.

Knowing i am unable to change others, things that happen are done and over, I am not not a mind reader are finally making more sense.

I am me and today is now.

Gen