Mental health in the workplace – let’s talk about it

Discussing personal mental health challenges is not common, especially in the workplace.

It’s a difficult topic to address, even privately. I’m sharing my story to break the silence surrounding mental health and encourage others to get help and start conversations about it.

This year, I experienced a severe anxiety attack and a very public breakdown at work. While work pressures contributed, they weren’t the primary cause. I have a history of anxiety, depression and ADHD – but no one at work knew that.

Leading up to the breakdown, various life issues heightened my anxiety, resulting in oversights like missing meetings and forgetting my building pass. One day, issues with a critical work task turned the dial on my symptoms up to 11. I sat at my desk with emotions swirling and a growing sense that I was not in control.

But I did one thing. I reached out to a trusted colleague, and we sat on a bench outside while I ugly cried.

My colleague’s support was invaluable. She spoke with my manager and got me home safely. I talked to my psychologist, GP, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). On doctor’s orders, I took two weeks off work to rest and recover. This period allowed me to focus on self-care and regain my strength. I did a lot of walking, reading, and playing with my kids. Five stars.

So, what did I learn?

Mental illness deserves treatment just like any physical ailment. If your car breaks down, you take it to the mechanic. So why wouldn’t you do the same for your brain?

Talking about my mental health was crucial. As a younger man, I didn’t want to look weak or soft. If I felt anxious, I pretended I was fine and didn’t acknowledge it. My family and friends had no idea what I was going through, and the shame I carried was doing untold damage.

The truth is, they love me and want me to be well. Talking about my mental health was the best thing I could do.

To an extent, the same goes for talking with colleagues and managers, too. In my time off, I spoke with my manager by text message and phone. Regardless of me being a contractor, she was foremost concerned for me as a person.

We discussed my history and the lead-up to the breakdown. She appreciated my disclosure to her and was interested in how she could support me in the workplace. She also acknowledged that nobody is perfect and that we all have stuff going on and mistakes happen. She made me feel that my contribution to the team was important.

I was also personally touched when my colleagues reached out to offer care and support while I was away and then warmly welcomed me back to the office.

I realise now how essential self-care and challenging negative thoughts are to a healthy mindset. If I lapse into negative thinking, I stop for a moment, breathe deeply, and ask myself if what I’m thinking is true. I ask: “Is it actually happening right now? What evidence supports this narrative?” Then, I look for evidence that counters the negative idea and move on.

I’ve learned that challenging the negative thoughts will eventually reduce their potency and help build my resilience. Of course, actual challenges come up. My strategy then is to calmly unpack the issue, talk it out, understand what I need to address it and then come up with actionable steps.

This won’t fix every problem – but for me, it’s a pretty good foundation for a healthy mindset.

I’m in a much better place now, prioritising my wellbeing (the big three – sleep, healthy diet and exercise – are key) and building a personal toolkit for future challenges.

Months on from the breakdown at work and – for reasons unrelated to my mental health – I’ve found a fresh workplace with a new employer in Communication Link, a respected Canberra communications and engagement consultancy.

Within a couple of weeks of starting, I sat down with the executive manager and talked about what I’d been through this year and my history. It was a difficult conversation.

Instincts and learned behaviours throughout my working life pushed me the other way.

My gut said not to tell anyone I have struggles. Not to show vulnerability. But her response was like every other I’ve received since I changed my attitude to mental health. It was one of gratitude, care and empathy.

In our lengthy conversation, one sentence stays with me. She said: “We want our people to feel supported, happy and healthy – because that’s when they’re at their best.”

I feel like I’m home.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au.