Taking a new job with mental health issues

[everysilverliningandallthat]

Hi! Newbie here! Looking for some advice…. For the past 2 years I’ve been struggling with my mental health and my job has definately contributed towards this. I’ve recently been off on long term sick and have been offered a new job elsewhere which pre-mental health crisis was my dream job and still (I think) is. My mental health condition results in me finding it difficult to make decisions and I always feel like I’m letting people down (especially if I leave and job). Has anyone experience of starting a new job whilst struggling with mental health, and is it counter-productive or a positive step?

thanks for reading!

Hi OP. I think if you think your job has been contributing to your mental health struggles for 2 years, then it's time for a change, isn't it?

You've just been off on long term sick - what is going to improve when/ if you go back? - There's a risk things will just go downhill again if your job is contributing so much.

You shouldn't stay in a job that makes you unwell, unless you absolutely have no other option.

You have to make a change at some point if there is going to be a chance things will get better. So I say go for it and do it for yourself - don't worry about letting people down.

One thing I have learned about jobs since being in my 30's is that everyone is replacable. If you leave a company they will just replace you - seriously. It's harsh, but they generally don't care, and when you realise that, it's quite freeing, because you can do what you need to do, for you.

Put yourself first and go for it, what have you got to lose?

:)

(From someone who has been off sick for a period and just about to start a new job!)

Thank you, I absolutely needed to hear that! I always feel bad no matter what I do so it’s definately something I need to learn to get over!
I’ve been seen by occupational health and there’s literally no aspect of my current job that doesn’t contribute towards my mental health negatively and I’ve made my new manager aware of my condition and she’s supportive.

thank you for replying!

also, congratulations on your new job!

Yeah, you need to get out of there. Honestly, go for it. If it doesn't work out you are not going to be in a worse position than you are now.

Sometimes in life you have to put yourself first. The company and people will carry on with or without you. It's honestly a hard truth but one worth thinking about - when I realised my employer didn't really care, I felt so free. My feelings of 'letting people down' were so much bigger in my own head than they actually were to anybody else. People just move on. I was basically a lot less important than I thought I was 😂

It's great to care about others and the impact of your actions, but sometimes you just need to look out for number one.

And thanks - I'm in a similar situation to you really - can't wait to move on :) Good luck.

I have a staff member who left a precious role due to a MH crisis. He only disclosed this to me after a few months in the job, but I wish I’d have known sooner, so I could have supported him. His previous role definitely contributed to his situation and his managers weren’t helpful in the slightest

Together, we worked out a plan to support his mental health, including regular well-being check ins and other strategies and he’s absolutely thriving. He comments to me about how different his experiences are and how well supported he feels.
it’s great you have a supportive manager, it makes the world of difference. It sounds like this role is just what you need. Lots of luck ❤️

Hi Newbie, are you seeing a counsellor? I would definitely advise going down that route even if you have to pay for it. You sound young, you have the whole life ahead of you, you need strategies on how to tackle challenges. It would be great if you work manager would support you. However not every manager is accommodating. Your counsellor would be in good position to advise you whether to stick with the job or quit as well as helping you with strategies how to overcome your areas of difficulties. Just make sure you have good rapport with your counsellor, they are also humans. I had a lot of counselling in my life, some counsellors are much better than others