Happy Mental Health Month. 🤍 Have you ever disclosed that you’re undergoing depression if you’ve accidentally dropped the ball a few times, but usually that’s not how you deliver?

I did this in college and didn't quite get the reception I was looking for, so I have avoided bringing this kind of thing up in the workplace. It also helps that I worked through my depression/anxiety a lot in college so it was less of an issue later. I think it's wise to be very very discerning about when to share this kind of info. You don't want to be dismissed for promotions or be the "boy who cried wolf" if you bring it up too many times.

I have disclosed that information to my management before, when it made sense to. I was really starting to struggle with my anxiety and depression, and it was affecting my work pretty significantly. I wanted to make sure that my boss was aware of what was happening, since missing deadlines and forgetting to-do's was not the norm for me. Thankfully, he was very understanding, which I feel very lucky for because I know that not everyone experiences that kind of reaction when they discuss their mental health struggles.

I do my best to keep my mental health to myself. I have a therapist and I practiced a lot of self-care activities outside of my job. I'm sure my boss would be understanding if I needed mental health support, but I'm doing my best to manage on my own.

It depends on the leadership at your company and your previous performance. If both of those are decent, than I’d speak with your direct report and HR, and follow up with it formally in writing (bcc’d to yourself privately) so you have it documented. Document that you had the in person talks and that your following up.

You also need to have in mind what you’d want them to do or assist you with. It might be that you just need more balance and you need them to help you fight for that. I’ve seen it happen where a colleague was protected, and treated with kids gloves, and I’ve seen it happen where it went the other way. All depends on the leadership (company culture), and your track record.

I am pretty open about my ADHD and anxiety these days. I used to hide it from people at work except for those I really trusted; but now I am more open about it. I don't announce it or talk about it all the time, but I also don't hide it. When I filled out paperwork for my most recent job, when asked if I had a disability, I checked yes. It felt weird at first, but I feel more protected by doing so. My disability doesn't prevent me from doing good work, but there are times I'm super overwhelmed, which typically results in tears and possible hyperventilating, and I've had to drop from meetings. Usually it's obvious why I dropped, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how compassionate co-workers are. You would also be surprised at how many people will tell you they struggle with depression/anxiety as well. It's not as taboo as it used to be. I've worked 100% remotely for the past 10 years, and joined my recent company during the pandemic. My company is now sort of enforcing RTO. I went in a few times and had an anxiety attack 2 out of those 3 times. I've since had my psychiatrist write a letter stating I can better manage my mental health by continuing to work from home. Of course now I'm anxious knowing my co-workers in the same city have to go to the office and I don't... worrying they resent me. But I have to think about my own mental health, and I typically overcompensate by going above and beyond on projects. It is what it is. I hadn't planned on this comment being so long, but hopefully it helps others who need a little encouragement.

I’m just coming up on a year where I was officially diagnosed. I did disclose about 6 or so months after that. It was more of a protection for myself than anything. I do have a very supportive company and they are huge on mental health. Not everywhere is like that, and even more places say it but never actually walk the walk on it.