How to Manage a Mental Health Condition at Work

Mental illness can affect every area of a person’s daily life. Not only can it take its toll on your emotions and actions, but it can impact your relationships and career. For this reason, you must seek help when you are struggling to cope with a disorder.

If you believe your mental health condition is starting to impact your job, or vice versa, find out how to manage a mental health condition at work.

Understand Your Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act was designed for companies who employ more than 15 members of staff. It requires an employer to make reasonable adjustments for an employee who is living with a psychological disability.

For example, if you are living with a mental health condition, you could request a flexible start time or to work in a quiet, distraction-free area. You must also request an adjustment in writing to your company’s HR department. If you believe they are not catering to your needs, you have every right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Take Advantage of Employee Assistance Programs

Numerous large and mid-size companies now provide employee assistance programs, which can provide their employees and their family members with between five to eight free, confidential counseling sessions. It could help you to articulate your emotions to yourself or your loved ones while saving you a considerable amount of money on therapy.

Confront a Problem Outside of the Workplace

It is also your job to confront a mental health problem away from the workplace. For example, if you are living with depression or anxiety, you must consult your doctor for a diagnosis and the best treatment options.

You also might have an underlying mental health problem that could have manifested itself in negative behaviors. For example, it is common for people who have experienced a trauma to turn to drugs or alcohol for support. Trauma focused therapy could be the ideal solution to help you recover from an event and dependency.

Talk to Your Employer About Your Mental Health Condition

It might be tempting to keep your mental health condition bottled up inside of you. However, it might be more beneficial to discuss a disorder with your employer. By doing so, they will be more understanding to the many challenges you might face in the workplace, so can provide the support you need when you need it, such as allowing you to attend appointments or take a personal day.

Consider Working From Home

If needed, don’t be afraid to ask your employer if you can work from home one or more days per week, which could prevent anxiety triggers or help you to overcome depression, and they might be happy to agree to your request. The separation from the office could be beneficial to your mental health, so it is a worthy consideration if you are living with a mental health disorder. As a result, you will not need to give up your career to improve your mental health.