Mentally ill: do I tell my boss or do I prefer to keep quiet?

Mentally-related absenteeism in the world of work is increasing noticeably. “More than every fourth adult fulfills the criteria of a mental illness within a year”, according to the DGPPN (“The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology eV”).

So it is high time to do something about it. That’s what the three founders Nele Groeger, Johanna Dreyer and Luisa Weyrich of the Berlin agency have “Shitshow” thought. Her goal: “To support and enable organizations and companies to protect and promote mental health. Our focus is on the world of work, because stigmatization is often the most serious there and many companies do not know exactly how to tackle the issue.” , said Nele in an interview with BRIGITTE.de.

Mentally ill at work: behavioral tips from “Shitshow”

But should I, as a victim at work, really say that I am mentally ill? Doesn’t this even have professional disadvantages? And how do I report really sick? Nele answered the most important questions about the topic.

BRIGITTE: Should I tell the boss that I am mentally ill?

Nele Groeger: The basic rule is that superiors do not need to know anything about their own mental illness. Unfortunately, it is still the case that there are many bosses who make mental illness a disadvantage. If you open up in a company that is not yet sensitive to mental illnesses, you can be stigmatized, discriminated against and disadvantaged. Suddenly you are no longer trusted or you don’t get the new job that you had an eye on.

Before I have the conversation: What should I pay attention to?

It can help to see whether there is a culture in the company in which it is possible to open up.

Are there any executives who openly report psychological stress? Are there support programs for employees that are transparently communicated and advertised? In principle, however, the following applies: Talking about it or not cannot be answered with “yes” or “no”. There is no magic bullet.

If I still want to dare to talk to my manager, what is the best way to go about it?

If you still want to dare, you usually have a reason for it. To be aware of this and a clear goal Formulating it can be a good first step: Am I in an acute phase of my illness and would like some relief? Or do I have a diagnosis, feel good and productive right now and want things to change in my job so that I will continue to feel good in the future?

With this goal in mind, it is easier to decide whether it makes sense (even at the current point in time) to tell the boss or the team about it. It can help to coordinate with a coach or therapist in preparation for a possible conversation. For the conversation it helps to have one concrete relief strategy to develop, for example: “I would like to continue to work well and productively. For that I would need two hours a week to go to therapy”.

And how do I tell my colleagues?

It is also good to be as specific as possible with regard to colleagues. One formulation could be: “I struggle with depressive moods from time to time. Then I have concentration problems because I brood a lot. I am therefore being treated and working on it, but it is important to me that you know this so that you understand why I may be a bit more nervous in such phases. If you would like to know anything else, please feel free to ask me. ” But: Depending on the severity of the acute symptoms, it is important to see whether you feel up to the conversation.

If I cannot work because of my mental illness: How do I report sick? Am I telling the real reason or am I lying?

Here, too, it makes sense to ask yourself what takes the burden off you more: the truth or the lie? As I said:

You don’t have to disclose the type of illness to anyone – not even under labor law. This can be a relief for many of those affected.

The neutral and truthful description of the condition: “I am on sick leave and therefore won’t be able to come to work for a week” is completely legitimate and not a lie. If I still want to be transparent, I have to feel safe – just like when talking to the employer.

Can my mental illness be a disadvantage for my professional career?

Unfortunately, this is definitely still the case.

Mental illness is a cause of stigma and disadvantage in the workplace

– although in the vast majority of cases mental illnesses do not lead to incapacity for work or performance. What strikes us again and again: We tell far too few positive stories. For example, from the person who lives and works with their anxiety disorder and has developed good coping strategies for themselves.

Instead, horror stories are often circulating about the total failure. Often no differentiation is made between different clinical pictures: Mental illness is often equated with depression or anxiety disorders. But there are also disorders such as a narcissistic personality disorder, which are often not diagnosed at all because they go hand in hand with a high level of functionality and are therefore accepted in the world of work.

Mental illnesses often have physical side effects such as back pain, gastrointestinal complaints or extreme exhaustion. How do I communicate this?

When it comes to specific physical symptoms, it makes sense, of course, to ask yourself: “What exactly could help me?” For example, work from home or take a long break once a day. With this specific request, you can approach the supervisor or the team and explain them. Otherwise, the following applies: You can only name the physical symptoms as the reason and not communicate the diagnosis behind them, if that has a relieving effect.

Which communication tips for superiors are recommended when it comes to the mental health of employees?

Experience has shown that it can be of great help to those affected in the team if superiors deal openly with their psychological stress themselves.

Dear superiors out there: So you have a chance to shine and contribute to cultural change!

Do we need a regular Mental Health Off Day?

Establishing a Mental Health Day only for those affected is problematic in my opinion. This creates differences and again offers a target for prejudices. If we define Mental Health Day as a day on which everyone – regardless of whether they are mentally ill or not – take time off to prevent and relieve psychological stress, then yes. At the moment, the unofficial or secret Mental Health Day looks like this for many: You can take sick leave even though you are not sick, just to take a break.

Source used: own interview, DGPPN (“The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology eV”)

Brigitte