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Things not going well at work anxious & depressed

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Posted 10/1/2010 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have had an ongoing issue with my manager at work re the way he has handled my situation in regards to my mental health. In my opinion he is unable to understand what I go through with my anxiety and I have tried to explain on numerous occasions the things which make me anxious such as sudden change in my routine and the way that he approaches me. It is at a stage were I am contemplating taking out a grievance against him but want to avoid that, This last week my anxiety has been the worst it has been in a long time which has made me feel depressed about the whole situation. I wish I had never disclosed my mental health problems to my employer and from my experience would not recommend it. Has any one had similar problems?

Hibee
Posted 10/1/2010 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Hibee, I am sorry to hear about your work situation. Work can be stressful enough without this added burden! Is it possible to talk to a mediator, or someone neutral who might intercede for you? It may be a good first step espescially if you are trying to avoid more conflict. I don't know much about the legal procedures, or protection laws-someone else may contribute re: that later-but I would suggest documenting everything that transpires if you are not already. Good luck with this, I hope that you get some resolution soon so that you can work peacefully.
Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/1/2010 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat

Thanks for your post. I have said recently to my manager that I would attend mediation to try and resolve the situation informally and have been documenting everything, All i want to do is get on with my work and life but this work problem keeps pulling me back from the progress I have made. I am covered by the disability at work act and have trade union backing and Im having a meeting soon with my manager and a member of my mental health team to discuss any reasonable adjustments so hopefully they will be able to get across more about my mental health so hopefully something positive will come out of that meeting. To make things worse I have two surgical operation coming up which will end up with me having to take some time off work which will give them more ammunition against me. thanks again for your post and I hope all is well with you.

Hibee
Posted 10/1/2010 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hibee,

Hello my friend.  I am sorry to hear of this but not surprised, sad to say.

May I suggest you  go to your HR department - but make sure you are prepared (emotionally and otherwise) for the legwork involved in providing appropriate documentation and discussing personal issues with your HR rep.  Explain that you have tried to resolve the situation with your immediate supervisor.   However, you  need the  assistance of HR because of the continued stress it  is placing your health  and you don't feel you should have to violate your privacy to get the situation straightened out.  Make sure you document your discussion with them, and that you are crystal clear about what the next steps will be, both yours and theirs.  Then follow up.

Mental health disabilities are covered under the ADA, and employers are required to make reasonable accommodations.

Dang this disorder but keep on putting one foot in front of the other for look how far you have come.

Kindly

Kitt

Posted 10/1/2010 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt

Great advise I have been documenting every thing and have been in contact with HR and they will be at this next meeting, I hope this gets sorted out soon but I can see it dragging on. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health and i really do feel let down by the management but will try and stand my ground, fingers crossed this next meeting will sort things out. I am trying my best to stay calm Kitt but I feel they are trying to push my buttons and get the response they want and take me down the disciplinary route, I have never been so stressed at work and can not focus as i feel I have this big dark cloud hanging over me. I can't really afford to loose my job and feel it could end up that way.

Hibee
Posted 10/2/2010 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt put it well... "I am sorry to hear of this but not surprised". There is still that stigma that comes with mental health and certainly a difficulty, or in some cases an unwillingness to understand. It may not be fair that you have to go through this, but just remember that it's trailblazers like yourself that will help to change the stigma and help people in the future from having to endure it!

One other thing... you mentioned trying to explain "what" sets off your anxiety. Maybe you already did, but have you tried explaining what the "experience" of anxiety and a panic attack "feels" like. If you can't find the words, maybe you could find a poem or short story online of someone describing the emotional intensity of a panic attack and share that with your boss. Just a thought...
Posted 10/3/2010 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Fugs

Thanks for your post. I know that the stigma of mental health is still a big issue and that does make me stand up for myself and not get pushed around and agree that if more people do this then employers will have to listen and change there attitude regarding this issue. I understand that people without mental health problems will find it hard to relate to us with mental health issues but feel that that is not an excuse for employers to address these issues and allow us employees the reasonable adjustments we need to make our life easier. Thanks again for your post Fugs hope you are well

Take Care

Hibee

Post Edited (Hibee) : 10/5/2010 12:31:40 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/5/2010 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

So mad today found out that my manager had passed on some private & confidential medical information to HR without consulting me, Not in a happy place today.

Hibee
Posted 10/5/2010 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear that, I would be angry as well! I don't know that you can avoid a confrontation at this point. I don't know much about the legalities in the workplace (I'm self-employed) but I'm sure that someone will be able to advise on that soon. I do however know that if you do nothing, your manager will continue his bullying. I hope that you can get this resolved soon-I'm sure that it is not helping your anxiety.
My sympathies are with you,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/5/2010 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for your reply I am doing my best to stay calm and have been in contact with the union but looks like a grievance against my manager is on its way.

Hibee
Posted 10/6/2010 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Ben,

Try to stay in the moment and know we are here to support you.  ((((Hugs))))

There are various laws in the United Kingdom that affect your entitlement to privacy in the workplace.

The European Convention on Human Rights  was drawn up to defend the fundamental liberties of the population of Europe. There is specific provision regarding the right to respect for privacy, which is given in Article 8.

In the United Kingdom, this has been brought into law by the Human Rights Act of 1998.  If you feel that your right to privacy has been infringed at work, and your employer does not or cannot rectify the situation, then you may have a right to make a legal claim under this legislation.

I am a huge advocate for Mental Health and I just wish more education and information was out there for the public to learn about and understand the disorders that fall under Mental Health.

Thinking of you and stay strong.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 10/6/2010 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt

Thanks for your excellent info on this subject will look that act up on the net. I really did not have a good day today feeling very down and upset re the whole situation, I really do feel I am going to lose my job

Hibee
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