Navigating PTSD & Other Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

Having been fired from two jobs now due to hospitalization for PTSD, I’m finding it hard to have confidence in myself as an employee and have the added stress of no income. I have a few side...

Rena, that is so great! Brene Brown's book Dare to Lead has a GREAT section on what she calls "container building." I recommend reading that!

Hannah, I would tell them exactly that. "I have a couple of important appointments every two weeks, so I'll need a bit longer for lunch for those." I've never been questioned on anything like that.

Sarah, I have to recommend reading Brene Brown's Dare To Lead! :) Full of knowledge bombs on this topic and a total game changer. A quick read too!

Kristen, I think there are a lot of good ways to have a better experience this time around! Are you able to identify when you start to feel anxious or an attack is coming on? That's a good chance...

Tina, YES! I've dissociated at work (which looked like me just staring through my laptop all day), and gotten triggered badly enough to go into the stairwell and sob by myself. And it's okay! I...

Brianne, I love this question! The thing that helped me most in this situation is when my manager came to me and created a safe space to talk about mental health. We talked about what triggers me,...

Han, there's no right or wrong answer here, it's all about what feels right to you. You are never required to disclose, and you can do so at any point, whether you're just interviewing, accepting...

Stephanie, ask for what you need girl! It will be better for both you and your employer. :) It may feel weird to bring it up, but it's totally reasonable to say, "As an introvert, I love...

Ilysia, I've disclosed at two jobs now, and both have taken me at my word. Even when I needed a couple of days off to take care of my mental health, no doctor's note was requested. I appreciated...

Kimberly, those open offices OMG. I've been there and I feel you! Can you wear headphones while you work? Even if you just get the noise cancelling ones and don't actually play anything through...

Sara, what is your WHY for wanting a career transition? Write that down and keep it close! I bet you'll find it's well worth finding your courage and taking that risk. And think about yourself 5...

Archana, I would look for local support groups! Any therapist in your area should be able to help you locate them, but a Google search should turn up good local results as well. Sometimes you can...

Noelle, look for therapists who offer a sliding scale, which is great if you don't have insurance. Search via Psychology Today's website, or https://openpathcollective.org/open-path-staff/....

Jessi- I find that I have way more energy and ability to focus when I'm working remotely. Insomnia is a huge symptom for me, and when I was working in an office I felt like a zombie every day....

Just curious the best way to approach the topic even prior to someone needing to specifically mention it. Think it is a great topic to be open about in the workplace as many people struggle.

How do I tell my new employer I need to take a long lunch once every 2 weeks to go to appointments without raising a red flag?

How do you engage in healthy conflict at work

How do you deal with bad managers?

I live with anxiety and depression. I was let go from my first professional job right after I started. In a training meeting, I was having a mild anxiety attack, and I was let go because of my...

Is it better not to disclose being effected by PTSD if you are working as an independent contractor/full commission work setting vs employer-employee setting? Thank you.

I'm actually starting a conversation about mental health in the workplace and allowing for anonymous sharing of experiences. Are there any words or phrases that you think would be key to avoid or...

I don’t want to disclose the fact that I’ve been in the process of applying for disability to potential employers. Will they be able to get that information through other entities?

Have you ever had an anxiety attack or other mental health issue at work in the presence of coworkers? How can a person rebound from that and explain/apologize to coworkers?

How do you best approach job performance conversations with an employee that struggles from known mental health issues? Many Managers appear to be afraid to have these conversations where there...

No specific questions - this topic is near and dear to my heart as someone who did contract work in a war zone for several years, and had a partner who was deeply affected by PTSD, depression, and...

When is it a good time to bring up PTSD (including with whom)?

I'm very introverted. I can work well in a group but I need defined time to work alone. As workplaces move increasingly toward group work and open office plans, I feel like I'm not able to work at...

What PTO policies have you put in place for employees who are experiencing severe depression or other forms of mental illness? Do you ask for a doctor's order or do you take their word for it?

How do I deal with working in an open space when I'm an high sensitive person that battles with anxiety and depression?

Debating a career transition but paralyzed by the unknowns and anxiety - appreciate advice!

I would love access to some support systems that arent current friends and family. Where can I start? Also, any app recommendations for someone living with PTSD?

How has remote work helped you navigate some of your personal challenges?

I work in an office that is increasingly shifting away from remote work (even though we have employees based nationally in home offices in 6 states. Unfortunately, those who work near the brick...

Do you have any suggestions for resources for those without access to healthcare to get help for PTSD?