Sharing Your Mental Health Struggles with Employers

Discussing a mental health condition with an employer can be daunting, but it’s sometimes necessary, especially if an employee needs accommodations to perform their job. Social stigmas and workplace culture may prevent people from revealing a mental health issue or preexisting condition, but experts suggest withholding this type of information may do more harm than good.

The World Health Organization reports the most common types of mental health diagnoses include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia and neurodevelopment disorders. To help aid the decision to share your condition with an employer, here are some things to consider:

• What aspects of your disability affect your ability to do your job?
• Could disclosing this information have negative effects on your career?
• How will your professional relationships with coworkers be affected?
• Will your employer be willing and able to accommodate your request?

Set a time to meet with your supervisor to discuss how your disability affects you in the workplace, the accommodations you may need and the ability your employer has to meet your needs.

Gather documentation that helps explain your condition and how it affects performance.

Consider whether the job you have is the right job for you. Even with the proper accommodations, struggling to keep up or forcing yourself to perform may not be the best thing to support your overall well-being.

It’s important to know what to discuss and how the accommodations you’ll need will help you to better perform your job. 

Understanding Types of Accommodations

The American with Disabilities Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone with a disability who is qualified for a job. Depending on your needs, some common and easy-to-implement accommodations could be helpful:

• Asking for a flexible schedule, such as adjustable start and end times.
• Wearing headphones in the office.
• Receiving email reminders for updates on projects.
• Using modified equipment such as standing desks.
• Working from home.