Should You Open Up to Your Boss About Your Mental Health?

Before discussing mental health with your boss, tons of questions pop up in your mind. Should I share it? But what will they think? What if my boss thinks I’m lying? Will it affect my career? What if it changes the relationship between me and my boss?! And your mind comes back to the very first question again. Should I share it?

This is how you start stigmatising your poor mental health. This stigma deviates us from accepting our problems with some other incorrect explanations, like, maybe, I’m just tired! I should just sleep it off! This neglect leads to a full-blown mental health condition eventually.

Mental health and Workplace

A survey involving 800 workers revealed that while over half (56.0%) reported experiencing mental health issues and nearly two-thirds (64.3%) knew someone at work with such problems, only 24.6% felt their workplace was highly supportive of mental health. Additionally, only 25% of employees received mental health support at work, and merely 10% had access to Employee Assistance Program services.

While some employees struggle with diagnosed mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, many quietly suffer even without a mental health condition. They would be feeling unmotivated, low, or burnt out. This intermediate state is referred to as languishing, and it’s more common than one might think. Only 13% of employees feel at ease talking about their mental health in the workplace.

So if you’re feeling demotivated and exhausted all the time! You don’t do your tasks with interest and satisfaction anymore. You’re not able to maintain a good work-life balance. Will opening up to your boss about your declining mental health help? Well, it sure does more good than bottling up your worries at the workplace.

Opening Up to Your Boss

Engaging in conversation with someone in a position of authority can often be daunting. Many of us worry that revealing something personal, especially about mental health, may portray us as weak or vulnerable. Additionally, some employers may remain stuck in outdated mindsets, avoiding prioritising awareness and understanding of mental health issues. But be clear that opening up and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of intelligence, courage, and strength.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Request A day for Mental Health

Think about asking for a day off to prioritise your emotional well-being and self-care. You get to decide what you do with this me-time. A mental health day allows you to focus on nurturing your health. Requesting one after discussing your mental health challenges can emphasise your intention to take care of yourself, which in turn can enhance your productivity and efficiency at work. It also shows your dedication to both your role and the organisation.

2. Schedule a Meeting

Schedule a formal meeting to discuss sensitive topics with your manager. This approach allows both of you to prepare adequately. Depending on your workplace, you can either send an email to request a meeting or enlist the help of an administrative staff member to set it up. Fixing a designated time and place for this conversation not only reflects your professionalism but also underscores your genuine commitment to the matters at hand.

3. Assess Your Mental Health

Assessing your mental health is a crucial first step before discussing it with anyone. Take the time to identify what you’re feeling, as this will help you communicate your experiences more clearly. Keeping a journal to track your emotions throughout the day can provide insights into potential stressors. Recognising your triggers will also enable you to articulate your mental health challenges more effectively.

4. Don’t Worry! It’s Confidential

Keep in mind that your conversation is confidential. Your manager is obligated to maintain the privacy of your discussion about mental health, unless you provide written consent for them to share that information with specific individuals, like emergency contacts. Understanding that your conversation will remain private can create a secure environment for you to express your concerns.

5. Know Your Rights

Familiarise yourself with the accommodations or concessions that may be available to you. Investigate the laws in your region concerning disability accommodations, as there may be protections for individuals with mental health conditions. If you believe an accommodation could support your mental well-being, it’s beneficial to understand your options.

6. Level of Disclosure

Determine the level of disclosure that feels right for you when discussing your mental health with your manager. Being open can foster understanding, but it’s important to gauge your comfort level. Focus on pinpointing specific aspects of your workday that impact your mental health, as this will help facilitate a meaningful and productive conversation.

Read More: How We Flourish In a Supportive Work Environment

7. Get Feedback

Be open to feedback after discussing your mental health with your manager. Allow them the opportunity to respond and share how they can best support you. This exchange can serve to find good solutions, such as implementing self-care strategies or adjusting your workload.

Boost Your Employee’s Mental Health

Employers must know that satisfied employees tend to be, on average, 13% more productive. Since the pandemic, 81% of workplaces have significantly ramped up their efforts to prioritise employee mental well-being. Still, one in three employees believes that the mental health support offered by their workplace is insufficient and is seeking greater assistance from their employers.

Employers need to take steps in prioritising employee mental well-being. You can enhance your team’s happiness and productivity, resulting in reduced sick days and better staff retention. When employees are part of a culture that views discussing mental health challenges as a sign of strength, they are more inclined to re-evaluate their negative self-perceptions.

As an employer, it’s essential to honour the bravery involved in recognising mental health struggles and to provide support for those who are facing these issues. But how can you cultivate an environment that diminishes the stigma surrounding mental health? It’s not enough to simply encourage openness; you must also take meaningful action to create a truly supportive atmosphere where employees feel safe to share their emotional challenges.

Read More: Psychology Behind Teamwork

As a leader, it’s crucial to confront any mental health stigma present in your organization. This includes using language that promotes positive perceptions of mental health, prioritising mental health days to fight the cultural stigma, and ensuring accessible mental health resources are available.

Bill Clinton said, “Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all!”

Share this with your friends who are suffering from burnout but hesitate to seek help. Let them know it’s okay to prioritise themselves.

FAQs

1. Why should I talk to my boss about my mental health?

Discussing your mental health can foster understanding and support in the workplace, leading to a healthier work environment and potentially accommodating adjustments that enhance your well-being.

2. What if my boss doesn’t respond positively?

Prepare for various reactions, but remember that you have a right to support. If you feel uncomfortable with their response, consider seeking help from HR or another trusted resource.

3. What if I feel nervous about the conversation?

It’s natural to feel anxious. Consider practising what you want to say beforehand or seeking support from a trusted colleague or friend to build your confidence.