We need to be able to talk about our mental health in the office every day, not just today
It’s one thing for an employer or organisation to say they take mental health seriously and prioritise the wellbeing of their staff. But it’s another entirely to actually be confronted with a shaking, crying staff member in the midst of a panic attack in the office toilets while deadlines are fast approaching, clients are calling and to-do lists are climbing. 3 Phase Marketing’s Marnie Vinall shares her story on R U OK? Day.
Since I can remember, I have always struggled with anxiety and spikes of depression.
Today is R U OK? Day
In high school, I can remember so vividly being terrified to go to graduation because I would by surrounded by joyous peers, their celebration and excitement a glistening reminder of how low I was feeling.
Congratulations. Well said. No more needs to be said than this, succinctly put and smack on the button.
Thanks David. Really appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing your story and putting this out there. Completely agree, RU OK Day is a nice start, but we really need a way to ensure conversations are being had on a more regular basis
Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. And absolutely!
told my bosses about my mental health diagnosis recently..
in a subsequent meeting where I was talking about ways I could be supported, one response was “well.. are you sure you should work here?”
which was nice
I’m so sorry to hear that. From what I gather, responses like that are far too common and it’s just not good enough.
I hope you do find somewhere where you are supported soon.
and there lies the catch 22. Need to find a more supportive employer.. don’t feel strong enough to have to start over with all the uncertainty somewhere else
I am not comfortable with asking my workmates this. I am not qualified and to be fair they should have more resilience. If you are not ok then stay home speak to a friend, family or professional to help get you over what ever it is that is troubling you, then come back to work when you are feeling better.
Its not appropriate and i would not want people asking me if i was having a blue day.
This is sad. You don’t need to be a professional to ask someone if they’re okay, or to just listen if they’re not. You just need to be human.
That’s ridiculous, i am human. I don’t need to run around asking everyone if they are ok to be human.
I don’t see it as sad either. I take responsibility for my own emotions and i suggest that everyone should do the same.
I pray you never experience mental illness where you need to depend on the support of others for support. Your point of view is exactly the issue. Resilience implies choice. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t care how resilient you think you are. It will more than likely take you when you have trying to be resilient for too long
I didn’t say you have to ‘run around asking everyone if they’re okay’ – although this wouldn’t be the worst thing.
It’s about being aware of people other than yourself, and being willing to help if they need it. The type of thought and behaviour you’re showing is the kind that makes people uncomfortable to speak up about their mental health issues. I hope one day you overcome this serious disconnect between you and the society we actually live in.
Hi Wil,
My point was more about employers dealing with mental health in their staff, but regardless, you don’t need to be a professional to show care or support. It really does help to just be an ear. Yes, people suffering with mental illnesses should seek professional help but it’s also vital to have a supportive work environment, which is open to having a discussion about how best to manage it.
Also, I would like to stress that there is a massive difference between a ‘blue day’ and on-going depression or anxiety. I reference having a panic attack in the office – these are not planned and you don’t get warning before they arrive. It’s not as simple as taking a day off work and coming back when you’re feeling better. It’s about on-going support. BUT you do have a good point that mental health days should be more common and approved without any stigma.