How to Talk About Your Mental Health at Work

Craig Field

Mar 46 min read

Talking about mental health at work can feel intimidating. For many, it’s an area of their lives they prefer to keep private, fearing that disclosure might lead to judgment, misunderstandings, or even repercussions. However, being open about mental health struggles is an important part of fostering a healthier work environment and taking care of your well-being. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when, how, and why to talk about mental health at work, and provide practical advice for navigating this sensitive conversation while maintaining boundaries.

Why It’s Important to Talk About Mental Health at Work

Mental health plays a significant role in our overall well-being, and its impact can extend to every part of our lives—especially our professional lives. Struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD can affect our concentration, productivity, energy levels, and even our relationships with colleagues. Being open about your mental health can:

Reduce stigma: Talking about mental health can help break the silence and reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental health conditions. As we discussed in Overcoming Mental Health Stigma in Diverse Communities, normalising these conversations is crucial for creating more supportive environments.
Promote understanding: Disclosing your mental health struggles can foster empathy and understanding among your colleagues and managers, leading to a more supportive work culture.
Improve support and accommodations: By being open, you may be able to access reasonable accommodations, such as adjusted working hours or the option to work from home, which can improve your ability to manage both work and mental health.

When to Talk About Mental Health at Work

Deciding when to disclose your mental health struggles is a personal choice and depends on your situation. Here are a few scenarios in which you might consider bringing up the topic:

When It’s Impacting Your Work
If your mental health struggles are affecting your productivity, work performance, or ability to meet deadlines, it might be time to talk to your manager. Being transparent allows you to discuss how they can help, whether that’s offering flexible work hours, reducing your workload, or providing additional resources.
When You Need Support or Accommodations
If you require specific accommodations to do your job, it’s important to disclose this to your employer. This could include changes to your working environment, flexible hours, or time off for therapy or medical appointments. As we mentioned in Mental Health in the Workplace, creating an open dialogue can lead to accommodations that benefit both your mental health and work performance.
When You’re Ready to Share
It’s essential to only share what you’re comfortable with. Don’t feel pressured to disclose more than you’re ready for. Mental Health in Relationships touched on the importance of boundaries, and this principle applies at work too—sharing your mental health status is about finding the balance between openness and privacy.

How to Talk About Mental Health at Work

Prepare for the Conversation
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, it can be helpful to plan what you’d like to say. Decide which aspects of your mental health you want to share, whether it’s a specific condition (such as depression or PTSD) or the ways your mental health is affecting your work. Write down key points if it helps you feel more organised. The Building a Mental Health Support System post discussed the value of preparation in seeking professional support, and the same applies here.
Choose the Right Time and Setting
It’s important to choose a time when your manager is not distracted or under pressure. Schedule a private meeting where you can talk openly without interruptions. Ensure that the setting allows for a respectful and confidential conversation.
Be Honest, but Keep It Professional
You don’t need to go into extreme detail about your mental health struggles. Keep the conversation professional by focusing on how your mental health is affecting your work and what accommodations or support might help. For example, you might say:
“I’ve been managing some health issues that are impacting my energy levels and ability to focus at times. I’m finding that I need some flexibility with my schedule to manage things effectively. I’d love to discuss possible accommodations or ways we can adjust my workload.”
Discuss What You Need
If you feel comfortable, share how your employer or colleagues can best support you. Be clear about what would make a difference to you—whether that’s taking regular breaks, adjusting your workload, or having access to a quiet space. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your needs are met.
Know Your Rights
In many countries, employees are protected by law when it comes to mental health. Understanding your rights in the workplace can help reduce anxiety around disclosure. For example, under the Disability Discrimination Act in Australia, individuals with mental health conditions are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace. If you’re unsure of your rights, consider seeking advice from a legal expert or HR professional.

Potential Fears and How to Manage Them

Many people fear that disclosing their mental health struggles will lead to negative consequences, such as being judged or even facing discrimination. It’s important to acknowledge these fears while also recognising that they don’t necessarily reflect the reality of the situation. Here are some common fears and how to manage them:

Fear of Being Judged: It’s natural to worry about being misunderstood or judged. However, focusing on clear, professional communication can help. Stick to the facts, and remember that you are not obligated to explain every detail of your condition.
Fear of Stigma: Mental health stigma is real, but by opening up, you help challenge and reduce it. You have the right to advocate for yourself, and when you do so, you may encourage others to be more open about their own struggles.
Fear of Losing Opportunities: You may worry that disclosing your mental health might negatively impact your career. However, many workplaces are becoming more supportive of mental health issues, recognising that addressing these needs can actually increase productivity and job satisfaction. If your workplace is supportive, being open can build trust and lead to better working relationships.

Maintaining Boundaries

As we explored in The Importance of Boundaries in Mental Health, setting boundaries is essential when discussing your mental health at work. You don’t have to share everything, and it’s perfectly okay to keep some aspects of your health private. If someone pushes you to disclose more than you’re comfortable with, it’s important to stand firm in your boundaries and redirect the conversation to what you are willing to share.

For example, you can say: “I’m not ready to discuss the details of my condition, but I can assure you that I’m working on managing it, and I’ll let you know if I need any adjustments.”

Final Thoughts

Talking about mental health at work can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step in taking care of your emotional well-being. By being honest and open about your struggles, you can foster understanding and support while ensuring that your needs are met. Whether you’re seeking accommodations or simply want to raise awareness, the conversation is vital for reducing stigma and creating a healthier, more inclusive work environment.

Remember that your mental health matters. You deserve to be supported in both your personal and professional life. When done thoughtfully, talking about your mental health at work can lead to greater empathy, flexibility, and a healthier, more productive workplace for everyone.

A note about the author: Craig Field (me) is not a trained counsellor or therapist. I do try to offer advice based on my own personal experience; however, you should always talk to a medical practitioner or qualified therapist to come up with a tailored plan to help with your illness.

My knowledge comes from my own personal, lived experience and that of witnessing people close to me navigating the mental health system.

These blog posts are not intended to replace your doctor or psychologist.

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