Navigating Mental Health Discussions with Your Superiors: A Guide to Appropriate and Inappropriate Expressions
In today's fast-paced work environment, mental health is an increasingly important topic. Here, we explore expert advice on how to discuss mental health concerns with employers, backed by recent statistics.
According to a 2022 report, a staggering four out of five employees are experiencing work stress that is impacting their relationships, both at work and at home. This stress can lead to burnout, a state characterized by feelings of overwhelming workload for an extended period. Signs of burnout include anxiety, poor sleep, social withdrawal, extreme exhaustion, feelings of resentment, headaches, muscle aches, feeling listless, lacking initiative, difficulty concentrating, and depression.
Depression, one of the leading causes of workplace disability, can impair abilities on the job 20% of the time and reduce cognitive performance by 35%. It often comes with anxiety symptoms.
In the United States, most employers avoid open discussions about employee mental health, with only 38% of workforces provided access to mental health services. This is largely due to stigma, lack of control, and awareness, as well as high job demands combined with insufficient employee autonomy, which contribute to mental health challenges but are seldom addressed openly at work.
So, how can employees navigate these conversations? Experts suggest preparing emotionally for the conversation. Drake recommends considering past responses, previous discussions about burnout, and the boss's workability. Wahba-Dunkley, a psychotherapist-turned-holistic life-coach, advises speaking in a way that your boss can understand, based on their interestsβfor example, numbers, work morale, or feelings.
Drake also suggests offering a day off when you really need it as a way to initiate the important conversation about mental health. Aggarwal adds that offering a list of solutions to reduce workload before starting the conversation with your boss can be beneficial.
Practicing the conversation with a family member, friend, or mental health professional can help reduce uncertainty. Wahba-Dunkley and Drake emphasize that most employers understand the impacts of stress at work, and approaching the conversation with mindful approaches can benefit both you and your employer.
Moreover, neurodiversity in the workplace can be an asset. By openly discussing mental health, we can create a more supportive and understanding work environment for everyone. Remember, higher-ups have emotions, thoughts, and lives outside of the workplace, just like you and me.
It's crucial to note that 2 out of 3 employees aren't comfortable providing feedback to their managers. If you're one of them, remember that your mental health is important, and initiating this conversation can lead to a healthier, more productive work environment for everyone.
In conclusion, discussing mental health with your employer can help ensure your workplace is as supportive of your needs as possible. By following the advice of experts like Drake, Wahba-Dunkley, and Aggarwal, you can navigate these conversations with confidence and pave the way for a healthier, more understanding work environment.
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