How to Tell Your Boss You’re Struggling With Mental Health

Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis

Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis completed medical school at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and residency in general psychiatry in 2003. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2005. Following this, he served as Chief Medical Officer for 10 years of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare a private health system including a 105-bed hospital, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient services.

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Mental health has become a significant concern for many businesses since it dramatically impacts their employees. Deloitte mentions that 68% of workers rate their mental health over their career. Mental health is a core part of a person’s sense of self and motivation. Over the years, companies have adjusted how they see employee mental health, and bosses are now more approachable about the subject. Unfortunately, many employees still don’t know how best to approach their boss about their mental health. These tips may help you.

Request a One-on-One Meeting

If you’re working in the office, scheduling a one-on-one meeting with your boss should be easy. You could easily plan a zoom conference with them if you’re still in work-from-home mode. Make sure you spell out your intentions beforehand so that your boss isn’t on-edge or worried about you putting in a notice. The closed setting allows you to speak candidly about your mental health and what’s affecting you in the office.

Be Open to Suggestions

Most of us think we should have solutions lined up before we set foot in our boss’s offices. While this might be true in some cases, it’s not really the situation regarding your mental health. Discussing the topic with the boss and figuring out a solution together is better. Sometimes, it might be as simple as having a day off for your mental health.

Honesty Is The Best Policy

No one can tell you how you feel, but at the same time, no one can assume how you feel either. Because no one can figure this out, you need to be open and honest about your mental state and anything that might affect it. Your boss is only human, and they may have struggled with mental health issues in the past as well. Speaking to them candidly about the situation may help them to understand what you’re going through and relate it to themselves.

Ask For Support

Your business won’t want to lose an employee, especially one trained in what you do. Recently, companies have started dedicating resources to the mental well-being of their employees. As a result, something may be in place to help you deal with your current mental state. Discussing the topic with your boss is a great way to determine what allowances your company may have for mental health matters and what you should expect from them.

Some Solutions to Consider

The workplace’ because well-balanced workers are more productive and happier. Some mental health tips for keeping things in perspective include:

  •         Take a short walk to get away from your desk (fifteen minutes or so each hour)
  •         Eat lunch outside in a different setting
  •         Talk to work colleagues about non-work topics
  •         Take a short walk to get some fresh air

All of these can give you resilience against depression or anxiety within the workplace. Defining Wellness can help you deal with mental health issues through dedicated therapy and proven treatment methodologies. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer!

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