I’ve recently told my boss I’ve been struggling and need extra help. I told him I was hiding it to avoid negatively impacting my career. He told me it was not a problem and suggested I take a week off work to refresh myself. I was shocked. My company is super helpful and is helping me with resources. I was shocked… I am shocked.
Have you told your work?
I recently had to admit to my employer of three years that I’m having severe, worsening mental health issues. I had to call out suddenly for a week due to severe depression, and I figured I couldn’t/shouldn’t hide it anymore. I wholly expected to be let go, and I wouldn’t have held it against them as I was clearly having difficulty getting my work done.
They were not only very sympathetic, they were also remarkably accommodating. They worked with me to adjust my work schedule to reduce my work hours to the minimum I can get away with while maintaining my health insurance (US of course). My employer even offered to allow me to have my remote therapy sessions on the clock to ensure a bit more time on the clock. This has allowed me to focus on my health while helping me to avoid further burnout.
I’ve suffered for all of my life with neurodivergence, and much of my early experiences taught me to hide my difficulties. My employer and colleagues have made me realize that the world is not as cruel and close minded as I had assumed. Despite having shitty parents, unaccommodating educators, and many childhood bullies, I’m slowly learning to open up and be honest about who I am and what I need.
That’s incredible. Honestly, I think there has been a recent shift. I admit I’ve worsened recently, and had it been just 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have said a thing. I’d probably just collapse into depression and then try to find a new job out of pure stress.