How Do You Talk to Your Boss About Your Depression?
Depression is a pervasive mental health issue. It does not just affect one aspect of an individual’s life; rather it interrupts all parts of it. This includes one’s professional life, which often leaves many people asking, “How do I talk to my boss about my depression?”
Better Understanding Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. Yet, many people are unfamiliar with the exact specifics of depression.
Depression is complex. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Depression, by Doctors Chand and Arif, “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest… [The] DSM-5 classifies depressive disorders into Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder; Major depressive disorder; Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia); Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; and Depressive disorder due to another medical condition. The common features of all the depressive disorders are sadness, emptiness, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function.” Of course, these are not the only features of depression.
The Signs and Symptoms of Depression
It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. This is the case for recognizing symptoms in oneself as much as it is in others. The following are just a few of the signs and symptoms of depression:
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Experiencing uncontrollable mood swings
- Having changes in appetite including loss of appetite or excessive eating
- Trouble sleeping, including sleeping too much and/or not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness
- Feeling like no one cares
- Excessive feelings of anxiety and stress
- Having otherwise unexplained aches and pains
- Self-medicating with alcohol and/or illicit substances
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these can be very serious symptoms. This is why talking to someone about them as soon as possible can be so crucial. This includes talking to one’s boss and coworkers.
How Do I Talk to My Boss About My Depression?
It can feel daunting when thinking about talking to anyone about depression, especially one’s boss. Questions often arise, such as, “Will they take my depression seriously?” Will my depression affect how I’m treated at work?” and “Will my depression hurt my chances for further advancement?”
One important aspect of mental health issues at work is that one cannot be discriminated against for having them. Now, that being said, it is still important to approach the subject with forethought and care. Many people worry that their boss may be upset that they have depression. Generally, it is the opposite that is true.
Most bosses understand that when their employees are depressed, they are not going to be working at their fullest capacity. This is also why they are often quick to offer to connect their employees with professional help.
How Do I Treat My Depression?
The good news is that many companies have resources in place that can help employees who are struggling with mental health issues like depression. These resources often involve connecting with treatment centers that can offer modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT can be particularly helpful because it can get to the underlying issues of one’s depressive behaviors. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors… [T]hese maladaptive cognitions include general beliefs, or schemas, about the world, the self, and the future, giving rise to specific and automatic thoughts in particular situations. The basic model posits that therapeutic strategies to change these maladaptive cognitions lead to changes in emotional distress and problematic behaviors.”
Once a boss is aware of one’s depression, it can be easier to get the time off to get the help that one needs. This is important because it will break the vicious cycle of “depression relapse” from occurring. Yes, it can feel scary, but reaching out to a boss about one’s depression is essential for long-term well-being.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that the process of treatment is about the journey, never the destination. That is why we always offer individualized and comprehensive recovery plans that focus on the future.
We believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” As our motto states, we are dedicated to “[e]mpowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” This includes those who are struggling to get through their workday due to depression.
Depression does not have to feel like the end. At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we are here to offer a new beginning. Recovery is possible. We can help.
Hiding your depression is only going to make an unpleasant situation worse. This is especially true at work. This is why it is important to know how to have a conversation about depression at work while also maintaining a level of professionalism and job security. It is also important to know that one cannot be discriminated against at work for any mental health or addiction issues. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information, please contact The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
