Photo: Sydney Morning Herald
Workers who tell bosses about their mental health issues are risking their careers, the head of national charity BeyondBlue has warned.
BeyondBlue chief executive Georgie Harman said that openness about mental health issues could potentially help managers create the best environment to aid recovery.
But workers should speak openly only where they were confident they would be supported, she said at an event in Melbourne to promote improved mental health outcomes in businesses.
BeyondBlue still heard “horror stories” about people finding themselves stigmatised and victims of outdated attitudes to mental illness at work.
via ‘Horror Stories’: Think Twice before Telling Your Boss You Have Mental Health Issues by Larissa Nicholson
Very true
http://www.stressstrainer.com.au
I agree that telling your boss about mental illness can be conducive to a better workplace. Mental illness may not be a long term defining factor in a persons life but a time when understanding & support can lead to long term productivity & participation in work & community.
I know this because I have overcome severe adversity & found medical & psychological help that provides me with opportunities to be the best I can be as a parent, wife, sister, friend, professional colleague, manager working full time & as a Masters student.
I also have staff who feel ‘safe’ in disclosing mental health issues & support them towards assistance or just workplace participation & they are amazing, strong, wonderful people.
Perhaps managers need to understand how resilience can lead to the best outcomes for all in the workplace!