If you are currently in recovery and have returned to daily life at home, work, or school, you most likely have wondered how to communicate your mental health and recovery needs to those around you. Expressing your needs can be especially tricky at work, as you may fear being ridiculed or cast aside for talking about a taboo subject. However, discussing mental health is essential to a happy, healthy work environment, especially in recovery. You should protect your mental health at all costs to maintain your sobriety.
If you are struggling with communicating your mental health needs in the workplace, this article can help you know how to do so. This way, you can continue working in a safe environment and ensure you are protecting your sobriety at the same time.
Despite commonly being ignored in the workplace, mental health is one of the most common things employees struggle with. Jobs can be stressful, especially when you are trying to manage them on top of everything else in your life, such as school, family, and your recovery. Even though it is not discussed, many individuals struggle with their mental health due to their job. When you are considering taking the step to communicate your own mental health needs but have anxiety about doing so, remember that you are most likely helping multiple individuals in your workplace by taking that step forward.
It can be easy to put off a crucial conversation such as this one due to stigmas, anxiety, and fear of how your coworkers will react. However, if you continue to wait until the “right moment,” you will be waiting forever. When choosing the right time, do so before your mental health concerns begin impacting your work and overall well-being. If you are currently struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your coworkers and boss cannot know your struggles unless you communicate them, and you don’t want to put your job at risk simply because you are too afraid to discuss your mental health concerns.
Before discussing your mental health concerns with your coworkers, it may be a good idea to have a conversation with your boss first. However, this is not mandatory, and you can choose another individual to talk to beforehand. A great person to turn to is your human resources manager, who can help you get the help you need within the company and ensure your job is not put at risk simply because of your mental health. You can even discuss your specific needs with this person, and they can begin to help you make adjustments where need be. If you are ready, you can discuss your problems with your boss and then your coworkers to ensure you are not overwhelmed and have the proper support. Remember that you don’t owe anyone your story, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to talk to someone you don’t want to.
When it comes to having the conversation, you may be confused about how to go about it. The first step to take is making sure the conversation is made one-on-one so the person can really understand your needs. If you are working in person, consider scheduling an in-person meeting with the person you have decided to talk to. If you are working remotely, ask if you can set up a phone or video call to speak to the person.
One-on-one meetings will help eliminate distractions and create a functional space for the conversation. While the discussion is taking place, make sure you speak clearly and directly. Don’t beat around the bush, as this can create confusion and potentially result in you not getting the help you need. Be respectful, and ask for exactly what you need, whether it is counseling, help from coworkers, or time off to manage your mental health. Whatever you need to get the support you need, be direct about it to ensure you get it.
Many people often feel ashamed to admit they are struggling with mental health. However, you shouldn’t, as it takes courage to open up and be vulnerable in front of others. By taking a stand and talking about what you are going through, you are most likely helping others in your job find the courage to do the same. Just remember to breathe and remind yourself that you are a rockstar for finding the courage to be vulnerable.
Talking about mental health in the workplace, especially when it is specifically about your own struggles, can be a daunting task. You will most likely feel anxious about doing so because the topic is usually considered taboo, especially in professional spaces. However, discussing mental health is crucial to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially if you are currently in recovery. At NorthStar Transitions, we are here to help you not only while you are at our facility but with your recovery afterward, too. We can help you navigate post-treatment recovery and get you involved in our alumni program for extra support. If you are currently in need of extra help in your own recovery, reach out to NorthStar today. Our expert staff will help you maintain your sobriety for the long term and find ways to help others in recovery as well. Call us today at (303) 558-6400 to learn more.
