To have told new boss about mh issues

[Johan23]

I’ve had anxiety and depression and ocd most of my life.

7 years ago after a stressful 6 months at work, I became very unwell and became delusional.

Since then I have had relapses about every 18 months. I’ve changed employers in that time and it’s made no difference. Every manager has been very understanding and has told me to stay home and get better (I’m in no fit state to work when I’m really bad)

I’ve just been tuped to another company, and work has been very full on and stressful. I had a panic attack this morning and vomited with nerves. I spoke to my new boss and explained the situation: she was very understanding and told me that health comes before work. By the end of the day I was much calmer.

I have been to CBT, counselling, seen psychologists and take sertraline. But I just feel like such a weak person for being like this, and so embarrassed that it impacts my work.

Aibu to have told my new boss about mh issues ?

Looks like you have had lots of supportive employers - that's good.

It's such a difficult dilemma and I think you are so brave to speak up. Many in your situation wouldn't and maybe this post will be encouraging for them.

It sounds like your workplaces have always been very supportive and that must be really reassuring. I think we are moving in the right direction and awareness of mental health is increasing. Keep going!

This is now the 3rd manager I’ve had since 2014. My last manager openly admitted he has never had MH issues, and doesn’t really understand them or understand what I’m going through, but that he didn’t think I was well enough to work, so told me to call my GP immediately for a fit note and to stay off until I was better.

I just feel like a terrible person as I can’t keep up with everyone else. Lots of people at work are regularly working over 70 hours a week just now, yet I’m struggling. I’ve a young child, which I think also complicates it as I don’t have very much downtime to regroup

I think you were very wise to tell your boss. And I think your boss would be very wise to treat your illness as a potential disability and make any reasonable adjustments that might help you.

Please don’t feel like this is a weakness, it is not.

I’ve not had anything as bad as you describe but I suffered severe PND after my second child.

I told my boss and she pointed me to a CBT practitioner who work subsidised and allowed me paid time off to see.

I had a new boss a year ago and I have been open with him about how I suffered as I’m still on antidepressants and am prone to the odd relapse, albeit something I can cope with.

He has been fantastic and given me all the time I need.

The more honest we are the better I think.

I hope you’re feeling ok OP.