Communicating Mental Health Needs in the Workplace
- Danny Warner
- Jan 28, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 23
The pressure of professional life can be overwhelming, and for those navigating mental health challenges, the workplace can feel like an extra burden. We understand the unique struggles of balancing your well-being with your career. The key to finding this balance lies in effective communication, and we're here to show you how.
How can I effectively communicate my mental health needs at work?
The most effective way to communicate your mental health needs at work is by having a planned, private conversation with a trusted supervisor or manager. This approach allows you to articulate your needs clearly, establish transparent expectations, and collaboratively develop a plan that prioritizes your health without compromising your professional obligations.
Want to learn more about how to have a productive conversation about mental health in the workplace? Keep reading for practical tips on navigating this sensitive topic, from choosing who to talk to to leveraging available resources, and creating a healthier work environment for yourself and others.
Why is it so hard to talk about mental health at work, and how can it help?
Those suffering from mental health disorders often find that every aspect of their daily life can be invaded – from morning routines and personal time, to their professional life. Being able to communicate one's needs is crucial for maintaining a healthy state of mind.
Communicating mental health in the workplace plays a key role in this process, yet doing so can be challenging.
However, while in the workplace, effectively communicating these vulnerable topics can be difficult. These discussions are generally filled with nuance and uncertainty as one searches to balance their mental health needs with their professional obligations.
Talking about mental health needs in the workplace is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. Approaching this delicate topic with care and focus is the first step to creating a healthy, balanced, and positive experience both inside and outside of the workplace.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness is a crucial component of overall health, though is much less talked about. For some, the fact that mental health is more “invisible” than physical ailments, such as a broken bone, can make it seem like it is somehow less of an issue.
However, one's mental health – whether an individual is coping with anxiety, depression, panic, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or more – impacts one's life in every way, including their professional life.
Work itself is a major source of anxiety for many. Being cognizant of one's mental health needs can contextualize these exacerbated feelings of anxiety or stress while in the workplace. However, these stresses can continue to build and affect an individual on and off the clock. Creating a dialogue about one's mental health needs and developing a plan accordingly is essential for one's continued health and performance in the workplace.
Communicating Mental Health in the Workplace: Mental Health Needs to Be Discussed
While opening a dialogue about one's mental health needs in the workplace can fill an individual with feelings of vulnerability, it is still a topic that needs to be discussed for the benefit of one's health. Suffering from mental health disorders can impact one's professional performance.
Keeping silent about one's needs can be detrimental while on the clock. Additionally, it can cause an individual to work against their own better judgment or set unrealistic expectations of themselves when it comes to long hours or certain tasks.
Creating a dialogue early with one's supervisor or manager can keep expectations and needs transparent. This enables both parties to create a plan and make it easier for an individual to prioritize their health without feeling unfairly compelled to compromise their mental wellbeing.
One's mental health needs should especially be discussed if the source of one's concern is within the workplace itself.
Unsafe or unfair working environments, toxicity in the workplace, unfair expectations, pervasive miscommunication and guidelines, and more can all be incredibly confusing. They can even lead to frustration, anger, anxiety, self-criticism, depression, and even substance abuse.
Addressing these concerns with a trusted supervisor can bring light to a situation that may be affecting multiple people.
These mental health concerns may even be shared by coworkers and continue to add to a fragile workplace environment. Anxiety, stress, and more are all common experiences. Discussing this vulnerable topic can empower others to voice similar concerns and create a unified approach to healthier workplace dynamics.
Talking about these aspects can help an individual better balance their personal lives, as well as prevent misunderstandings, fatigue, and burnout from affecting one's workplace performance.
Choose Who to Trust
While talking about one's mental health needs is necessary, it does not need to be done in a major public forum. It can even be conducted with supervisors or managers outside of one's department. Finding an individual that one can openly speak to about these vulnerabilities is crucial. Talking to just one or two trusted people in the workplace can provide the needed intimate setting to explore the implications of one's mental health needs regarding work-life.
Plan Ahead of Time
Scheduling a meeting can be more effective than trying to have an impromptu conversation about such delicate topics. Preparing in advance can provide time so an individual does not have to discuss these issues while experiencing large amounts of anxiety, panic, or anger – ultimately promoting a healthy dialogue.
This also allows an individual to compose and edit their language ahead of time, streamlining effective communication when discussing such a metaphysical, emotional topic. Giving employees time to figure out how to articulate the need for mental health awareness and provide examples of how one's mental health affects one's work can build a conversation on a foundation of awareness and support.
Some workplaces will provide resources for those suffering from mental health conditions in the form of either support groups or outreach programs that can address such a ubiquitous concern. Asking about such resources or using one's meeting to draw awareness to the need for these resources can be significant.
Focusing on a need for these resources to be more available and apparent can frame one's voiced concerns as a dialogue. This can make it evident that it is less of a personal issue and more of a benefit that can impact many people in the workplace.
Frequently Ask Questions:
• Why is it important to talk about mental health in the workplace?
Discussing mental health needs is essential for your well-being, as keeping silent can negatively impact your professional performance and lead to unrealistic expectations or burnout.
• Who should I talk to about my mental health concerns at work?
It is best to talk to one or two trusted individuals, such as a supervisor or manager. This provides a private setting to discuss your needs and their implications for your work.
• Should I schedule a meeting to discuss my mental health needs?
Yes, scheduling a meeting is more effective than having an impromptu conversation. Planning ahead allows you to compose your thoughts and discuss the topic with less anxiety.
• What if the workplace itself is the source of my mental health concerns?
If the workplace is the source of your concerns, addressing them with a trusted supervisor can help bring light to a situation that may be affecting multiple people and lead to a unified approach to a healthier work environment.
• Are there resources available for employees with mental health conditions?
Some workplaces offer resources like support groups or outreach programs. You can inquire about these resources during your conversation with a supervisor or manager to help address your concerns.
At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the immense courage it takes to address mental health challenges, especially in the workplace. Our commitment is to be a supportive partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please know that we are here to help. We believe in creating a safe space where you can find the support and resources you need to thrive both professionally and personally. Together, we can navigate these challenges and build a foundation for lasting well-being. Don't wait to prioritize your mental health—contact us at (435) 222-5225 and let us partner with you to find a solution.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
