By Natasha Tracy, mental health writer and advocate, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson
In some ways, MDD can make work more difficult. It can increase stress and make responsibilities feel more challenging. Hard work, deadlines, and an unfriendly environment can be a struggle.
On the other hand, work can help alleviate some aspects of MDD. A regular routine, social connections, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you better manage your symptoms.
Everyone is different and every workplace is different, so it depends on the environment in which you work.
Here are common challenges you may encounter at work and what you can do to address them.
loss of working time
With MDD, missing work may be the first thing that comes up. Depression can be debilitating, so getting yourself to work every day can be a challenge. If you suffer from severe depression, it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes, showering, getting dressed, and going to work can feel like too much.
You might be able to take a sick day or a short vacation to feel better. Contact your human resources department. Learn what sick leave or personal time you are entitled to and how to get it. You don’t have to specify the specific medical condition for which you need to take time off, at least initially.
Work feels challenging
Depression can affect the quality of your work. Sluggish thinking, brain fog, indecision, and lack of motivation can make it harder to get work done.
Requesting reasonable accommodations may help. For example, if you don’t know all the details in a meeting because it’s too big, ask to see the minutes or recording later to get the information you need. Likewise, asking for a deadline extension can give you the leeway you need to complete the task.
Some managers are willing to provide accommodations without even knowing you have a specific medical condition.
you feel isolated
With MDD, it can be more difficult to build the social connections that help you thrive at work.
If you feel isolated or lonely, try attending an event with other colleagues. Having a common topic makes social interaction easier.
Should you tell your boss?
Telling your manager or supervisor about your MDD is a big decision because it doesn’t put things back.
For one thing, once your supervisor knows, you may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This allows you to request reasonable accommodations to help you do your job and protects you from discrimination.
On the other hand, some people may look down on mental illness. While the ADA is supposed to protect you, some managers may find workarounds. It is also very difficult to prove that an act was motivated by mental illness rather than legitimate work considerations. While your supervisor should treat your health information with the utmost privacy, there’s no explanation for those who speak loosely.
If you tell your supervisor:
- Make it clear that you want the job and want it to be a positive experience for everyone.
- Research accommodations that other people with major depression have used.
- Discuss your desired accommodations openly and directly with your supervisor.
- Make sure it’s clear that you want your message to be treated with caution.
- If all else fails, involve HR to help with the discussion.
What to do if you are the boss
Telling your employees about your MDD is a big decision.
Possible benefits include:
- Get to know you better and what you are going through
- Be more authentic in the places you spend a lot of time
- Providing a more open and equitable workplace for others with mental illness. When leaders take charge and show their humanity like everyone else, it creates a better environment for everyone.
That said, while opening up to employees may lead to you being congratulated for your bravery, some may get a negative response. They may spread rumors about you because of your illness. Others may think you are not qualified for a leadership role. There is still a stigma around mental illness, so you may feel judged or excluded.
If you decide to open up to your employees, try these tips:
- Share some facts about MDD so they understand your diagnosis.
- Develop an “open door” policy around your MDD. Allow any employee with questions or concerns to come directly to you.
- Assure them that being sick doesn’t mean you can’t do your job. People with MDD go on to lead companies and achieve success.
Should you tell your coworkers?
I always say that if more than three people know something, it’s no longer a secret. The workplace is a gossipy environment, so once you start telling a specific person, you can safely assume it will spread to others.
These tips may help you decide what to do:
- Think about what it would be like if the entire office knew about your MDD.
- If you decide to tell someone, choose people who will support you.
- Think about others in your workplace who have disabilities such as mental illness. Do people support them? Do you want to be treated like them?
- Ask yourself if you can handle all the problems that may arise and the shame you may face. If you have major depressive disorder (MDD), you may feel overwhelmed.
Tips for managing work and MDD
These tips may help you manage MDD at work:
- Consider the environment in which you work best.
- Think carefully about whether you want to share your diagnosis with others. Sometimes it’s just not worth the risk.
- If you do open up, connect with others who support you.
- Continue MDD treatment. If you let MDD slip, your job will suffer.
- Talk to your therapist about MDD coping skills you can use at work. Treatment can help you manage symptoms of major depression and improve your work performance.
