Is this bullying?

[PUER125]

I have had clinical depression for 20+ years, but manage to work full time.
My colleagues are very supportive and we all laugh together when I am being weepy about some ridiculous thing. I am very self-deprecating, and they know not to be 'nice' to me when I am weepy, as sympathy makes the tears worse.
My manager, who is not a people person, has on several occasions, told me my negativity is bringing the team down, and that this behaviour could be looked at as a poor performance. She has also said in my monthly appraisal meetings , that I should not mention my depression on my appraisal form, in answer to the question 'How are you feeling', since it is not caused by work so there is nothing she can do about it. My stance is that it could impact on the quality and quantity of my work if I am sleeping for only 2-3 hours a night. (I have had an Occupational health assessment and am allowed to take a short nap at my desk if need be).
Am I right in thinking that this is bullying or disablist given my long-term depression?

I wouldn't necessarily think it is. It might be she's trying to help you, and having 'depression' on your evaluation form, popping up in the eyes of future managers years from now, it might be difficult - not now, but later on. Also, she might technically be right that someone's negativity, if one has it, can bring the team down. Is she accommodating when you try to speak to her? Maybe she can arrange for you to go and see someone to talk to, say, once a week? You said she's not a people-person and this means she might be a bit blunt, without this signifying any ill intent. Also, if you're depressed you're more sensitive and more prone to interpret other people's behaviour as bullying even in cases when they're just being blunt but without any ill intent. You mention that you're allowed to take a nap at your desk if need be, so it sounds as if the firm is generally trying to accommodate you and make it easier for you, so it sounds as if they're not trying to bully you.

...and, I once had a colleague who had similar problems (I think) and he was allowed to go to the nap room and sleep for half an hour to an hour a day, at noon. The nap room was a normal office room furnished with a daybed and with curtains. It looked a bit odd when he entered, though, at lunch every day but we all knew it was for the right reasons. He worked only 25% for a period of time, but later made a full recovery. Maybe you could ask if you could use a room with a daybed to take a 20-30 minutes nap each day, if it helps. It would also show colleagues that you're not quite as fit as you appear, and make them more understanding towards you.

Hi PUER, my advice is to make an appointment with your GP and seek clarification whether you could have your clinical depression classified as a disability for work purposes.

In my (non-clinical) opinion, if you have had depression for 20+ years you are at a disadvantage in the workplace and the Equality Act is all about supporting people like your good self to ensure it is a more level playing field at work.

Ask your GP for their support to make your depression classified as an disability status at work (maybe a letter?).

The moment your workplace (e.g. Your HR dept) get the information you'll see an instant change in your manager's attitude towards you!

FYI my brother suffered for so many years with depression and his boss was amazingly supportive. DBro went on to do a Masters Degree at the Uni where he worked, all through the support he received and the confidence he gained as a consequence. He gave back with good productivity and loyalty.

The key thing was his boss knew his medical circumstances and helped to make things better for him. It shows what can be achieved if people are treated like human beings at work. I really hope your boss supports you.

If you have a recognised condition that means you sometimes underperform then you should always make sure that is written down and acknowledged on any appraisal document
Then you are covered if your manager tries to use your periods of poor performance to performance manage you out of your job
Your manager is being underhand and giving you bad advice

I work in the public sector so Management and HR don't necessarily run scared of Doctor's advice re employee health.
I am unlikely to be seeking other employment since I have been here for thirty-six years and shall be retiring in another four.
My manager is definitely not trying to be helpful with my condition, and higher management are even less sympathetic.
I think I shall continue to include how my mental health is in my monthly appraisals, despite what my manager says. In that way, I have a record of an ongoing mental health condition should it become 'my turn' to be put on a performance improvement plan.
Thank you everyone.