Are you honest about mental health issues with work?

[Sillywillywoowoo]

I've taken today off sick. I just can't do it. But I've just said I'm unwell without saying what's wrong. If they were to ask (they won't) I think I'd lie and come up with something physical. What do others say?

I’m long term sick now so I can’t work. But when I did, I was honest. I don’t think hiding MH issues is helpful and also I think the more we can talk about these things, the less taboo it becomes.

I’ll be totally honest with you, I think you’re wise. They don’t need details of why you’re not well enough today anyway. Despite the general conversation about mental health not a lot has changed when a workplace is confronted with a MH diagnosis or someone who is being treated for some non physical disorder IMHO, though I’m sure there are some understanding employers.

Is it a one off or are you/having you been struggling all the time and taking a lot of odd days off? I think this is what employers fear.

I hope it’s a case of regrouping today and feeling better and if not you’ve been able to access some support. 💐

I don't often take sick days. In fact this is the first time I've called in sick since I had norovirus last spring. I had "semi-sick" ie WFH, when I had COVID but that was policy. And I still did work. They do know that I'm seeing a therapist because it's on work time and I've had to arrange to make up the hours on different days. I'm just feeling a bit guilty for not being honest. But then I guess I also wasn't dishonest in saying "unwell".

I think you are right to keep quiet about MH issues if you can OP. There is still a stigma even if it isn’t as bad as it was.

I think it (sadly) depends on your company culture. I would have zero reservations taking time off for mental health reasons and being honest about them with my company, but my company puts a huge emphasis on inclusion and wellbeing. Sadly, many companies do not

@Sillywillywoowoo it’s a valid reason by the sounds of it and they don’t need to know the details. It’s not dishonest to preserve your privacy for one day off. I hope the therapy is helpful.

My company know everything and tbf have been great. It took me longer to start because I needed an Occ Health assessment, and I have a written agreement that enables me to WFH , or go home during the day if needed, and then I WFH. I use ear defenders at work, and have some days in the office that I talk non stop, and other days I am silent. 😂😂.

Mind you, in a team of 15, 3 of us are open about the fact that we have diagnosed bipolar.

Everyone in my office seems to have MH issues, manager seems very accommodating. I guess it depends on the workplace and manager. There was one older staff member who has retired now but used to literally do two weeks at work then one week off with low mood .

I'd try and relate the two I.e. have been a bit stressed with x and think it all got to me and now I have a migraine/tummy bug whatever. In regards to recording it at my workplace you have to have a return to work interview, and the nature of illness has to be recorded. Its up to you to decide what the most important factor of your illness was but I would try to be honest.

Lie, lie, LIE.

I am very honest at work but I didn't say anything until I felt that it would be a positive reaction.
Since then I have had a mild episode that I was able to continue working through. I have had days when I have had to go home early as I just broke due to personal circumstances. On one of those days a colleague said he thought I would be gone for weeks. I came back the next day. I think the fact that I can be my true mentally ill self I can show my vulnerability before it reaches true crisis points
I got very ill on mat leave and was in a mother and baby unit when it finished so I went on sick leave. I haven't been able to work full time since. I have Wednesdays off which isn't practical but they accommodate it anyway. I work from home more than other people. I have taken a day of in lieu part way through a morning after a rare day where I had to work on my day off. The response from my boss was how can they support me in taking the time before I reach crunch point. I now my default take the following day off if I have to work.

However in my previous job I faced discrimination based on my mental health so I do appreciate just how truly blessed I am to have an understanding employer