Asking for help or accommodation at work can be difficult, particularly when you’re experiencing mental health issues. Here are some proven approaches to advocate for yourself, your success and your well-being, whether at work or returning to work. The links take you to resources that can help:
- Get a diagnosis from a medical doctor. While you wait to see a physician about what you’re feeling, you may want to take a self-assessment. These self-checks don’t give you a diagnosis but they can help you organize your thoughts before your appointment. The results can also help your physician understand what you’re experiencing. And you may find it helpful to view this video to hear individuals describe how they felt before they were diagnosed.
- Reach out for support. Here are some options:
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Clinician
- Virtual support group
- Peer supporter
- Health resources
- Family or friends
It’s important to speak with someone about what you’re feeling so you don’t go through it alone.
- Consider the pros and cons of disclosing health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, at work. Answer these questions to help you consider how sharing details about your condition might serve you.
- Learn who at work can help you, whether you’re working through a mental illness or returning to work after a leave.
- Request an accommodation from your employer if you qualify and if it can help you do your job. Learning your rights and how to speak to your employer can give you the confidence to advocate for yourself.
- Review income sources, such as unemployment or disability benefits, so you can reduce financial stress if you need to take time off. View the video Navigating the disability supports system to hear helpful advice on managing the claims process.
- Seek out advice and support from others who have had similar conditions. If you continue to work while stressed or ill, it can help to hear from others who have had similar conditions. This is one way to minimize negative effects on your work and well-being.
- Choose what to say to co-workers who want to know what you’re going through. You can decide how much of your mental health condition you want to disclose.
- Learn to build your emotional intelligence to better and manage stress. This will serve you well in times of poor mental health and in times of relative wellness.
- Use the activities from Manage anxious or depressive thoughts to help you with self-regulation techniques. The activities include audio clips, fillable forms and written instructions.
To hear from others who have gone through mental issues at work, you can listen to the Mental health awareness videos.
Additional resources
- Mental health awareness videos. Video interviews with people who experienced mental health issues at work discussing what helped. Their strategies and advice can act as virtual peer support and mental health awareness.
- Where to Get Care – A Guide to Navigating Public and Private Mental Health Services in Canada. This Mental Health Commission of Canada guide addresses key questions to help you navigate the public and private options that are available in Canada.
Share this with anyone who might be struggling with their mental health at work.