Managing Workplace Mental Health: The Struggle Behind Daily Pretending
The complexities of managing workplace mental health are often masked by the need to appear “high functioning.” This ongoing struggle can result in a significant emotional toll, as many individuals feel compelled to conceal their mental health challenges from colleagues and employers. Honor Eastly’s experience sheds light on the difficulty of being honest about mental health in the work environment.
Understanding the Silence Around Mental Health
Honor Eastly, who has lived with depression for years, describes a pivotal moment during a job interview. Near the interview’s conclusion, her potential employer asked if her past mental health struggles were resolved. Rather than being transparent about her ongoing management of mental health, she responded dismissively, “Oh yeah, that was a while ago.” Yet, at that very moment, she was experiencing an episode of depression.
The Honesty Gap
This pattern of minimizing one’s struggles, referred to as the “honesty gap,” is not uncommon. Many individuals feel pressured to maintain a facade of normalcy in professional settings. This act of daily pretending can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety.
- Eastly found herself frequenting crisis support services while presenting a composed demeanor at work.
- She often overworked herself to compensate for her mental health background, fearing she might be perceived as unreliable.
The Shift Towards Openness
Despite these challenges, Eastly began to shift her approach. She ventured into the mental health field, where discussing her experiences became essential. This journey eventually inspired her to create a memoir podcast, “No Feeling Is Final,” which gained unexpected popularity and allowed her to share her story more openly.
Facing Reality in the Workplace
Being more transparent about her mental health journey has made Eastly’s work life easier, although the fear of judgment still lingers. Recently, while managing a stressful project with tight deadlines, she overcame her apprehensions and discussed her mental health challenges during a meeting.
- She informed her boss of the potential impact on her well-being, requesting a contingency plan if necessary.
- This unexpected act of honesty resulted in support from her supervisor, validating her need for mental health considerations in the workplace.
Embracing Change for Better Mental Health Management
Eastly’s experience illustrates the potential benefits when workplaces cultivate an environment that encourages open discussions about mental health. Her journey highlights the importance of understanding individual limits and the necessity of proactive mental health management. This could set the groundwork for a healthier and more productive work atmosphere.
Conclusion
As the conversation around workplace mental health evolves, it is vital for both employees and employers to prioritize honesty and awareness. This shift can lead to enhanced support systems and ultimately improve overall well-being in professional settings. Eastly’s advocacy work at The Big Feels Club exemplifies the positive impact such dialogues can have on individuals grappling with long-term mental health challenges.
