For many individuals, it can be difficult to separate work frustrations from their personal lives. Sometimes, the negative emotions experienced during a day’s work can linger and affect one’s private life. Addressing your mental well-being at work as soon as you begin to feel the strain can significantly impact your overall state. However, discussing personal matters, like your mental health, with your boss may not feel comfortable or easy.
In 2013, a comprehensive telephone survey was conducted, involving over 1,900 individuals, to explore the impact of stress on their lives. Around 83% of respondents from the United States reported feeling stressed about work-related matters. According to a report from 2022, four out of five employees expressed that work-related stress was negatively affecting their relationships, both at work and at home. The same report revealed that two out of three employees were hesitant to provide feedback to their managers, and only 38% felt comfortable using their company’s mental health services.
Why is it difficult to talk to your boss about mental health?
Many employees still struggle with the idea of discussing their mental health with their bosses. The unfortunate reality is that not all employers, whether in America or elsewhere, are likely to respond positively to discussing mental health issues.
Work plays a significant role in our lives. On average, we spend about 38.6 hours per week working. When you consider the time spent commuting, it becomes even more of our lives dedicated to work, even when we are not actively working. Regardless of how much we enjoy our jobs, we all have challenging days at work. The truth is, none of us are exempt from experiencing mental health issues.
Most of us have gone through periods of intense stress at work. Some of us may recognize the symptoms, such as fatigue, mental fogginess, and even burnout. These emotions can greatly affect our overall sense of well-being, not only during work hours but also after we leave the office. At times, taking a day off, attending a therapy near me session or using vacation time can alleviate these feelings.
Do you need to discuss your mental health with your boss?
No, it is not necessary to disclose any mental challenges you may be facing if there is no work-related reason to do so. However, if your mental state is impacting your work performance, attitude towards work, relationships with colleagues, or any other aspect of your work environment, it may be necessary to have a conversation about it.
If you have a good working relationship with your boss, it could be beneficial to discuss your mental illness. By doing so, your boss can gain an understanding of your challenges and how they may affect your work, which can provide an opportunity to tailor your work environment to optimize your chances for success. This can also reduce any stress you may experience from keeping your mental health struggles a secret. Such support can decrease the likelihood of experiencing negative symptoms that could have a detrimental impact on you, your work environment, your colleagues, and the business overall.
On the other hand, if you do not have a good working relationship with your boss or are not familiar with them, discussing your mental health concerns could have negative consequences. Knowing who you work for and being aware of the laws regarding mental illness in the workplace are necessary and helpful. In some cases, it may be best to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is on file with the HR department, which is legally required to protect your private health information. This way, you can be absent from work when necessary without having to disclose your diagnosis. There may also be ways to modify your work environment that do not require you to disclose your mental health status.
How do you start this conversation with your boss?
Experts suggest that healthier employees can positively impact a company’s bottom line. In addition, employers are obligated to protect their staff from stressors in the workplace that could exacerbate mental health issues. If you need to discuss your mental health with your boss or request time off, here’s how to approach the situation.
Pick the perfect time.
To have a productive conversation about your mental health with your boss, it’s advisable to choose a quieter and less hectic moment, avoiding times of high stress. Opting for early mornings or the end of the workday can be more suitable. Some individuals find it easier to initiate contact through email or text, as it feels emotionally safer than a face-to-face conversation or a spontaneous call.
If you have a challenging relationship with your boss, seeking advice from trusted colleagues who have had similar conversations could be helpful. Regardless, if you require information about personal leave, flexible work hours, or therapy near me or counseling services provided by your employer, it is recommended that you reach out to the human resources manager.
Think about what you need.
When disclosing mental health concerns to your boss, it’s important to think about the support you need and why you are sharing this information. Don’t tell your boss until you’re clear about what you hope to gain. Consider researching HR policies first if you want changes to your responsibilities or deadlines. Identify if you need flexibility with your work hours, remote work, or therapy near me. If you are not sure what help you need, think of small changes that can be easily made.
Be concise and direct.
Remember that your boss is not a mind reader and likely does not possess expertise in psychology. Therefore, selecting your words carefully is crucial when communicating your mental health concerns to your employer. To aid in effective communication, it can be helpful to jot down the key points you want to convey on a piece of paper beforehand. Remember to use clear and concise language to express your thoughts and concerns.
Consult other people.
Depending on your circumstances, confiding in a trusted colleague can be beneficial. Having a work friend or buddy who understands your workload and the work environment can provide valuable support. Inform your work buddy about your intention to talk to your boss, and having someone by your side throughout the process can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with it.
Be emotionally prepared.
Take an objective approach if you are considering speaking to your boss about burnout. It is common and natural to feel anxious about this conversation. It is recommended to reflect on how your boss has responded to similar situations in the past and whether they have talked about burnout before. In most cases, bosses would appreciate their employees coming to them about burnout, as it can cause turnover, which is not good for the business.
Reminder
Initiating a conversation with your boss and keeping them informed about your mental health can lead to positive changes that benefit you. If you have concerns about how your boss might react, consider practicing the conversation with a trusted friend or during a session of your therapy near me. This preparation can help you feel more prepared and at ease when the actual discussion takes place.
While it may feel challenging, it is important not to feel ashamed of your mental health issues and not allow them to hinder your happiness and well-being in your career. If you are looking for someone to help you manage your mental health issues, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. Learn more about them on their website, or contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.