How To Feel Positive After Sharing Your Mental Health Story At Work
Mental illness can be a heavy burden to carry. Not only do sufferers have to deal with the physical and emotional impact of symptoms, but they also have to make the difficult decision of whether or not to disclose their mental illness.
People are tired of pretending to have a head cold for the third time this winter when in reality they are suffering from an intense period of depression. People are tired of calling in sick suggesting they developed stomach flu, rather than disclosing their high anxiety levels to managers.
Owning and carrying a sack full of excuses is hard work. It is exhausting to try and convince co-workers, friends, families, and yourself, you are fine. Relief is found in saying: “I’m dealing with a mental illness at the moment and need a little time to recuperate.”
In a previous post, we looked at how to discuss your mental health at work. But understandably, sharing your story, not only leaves you with a sense of vulnerability but also a host of mixed emotions that beg the question: Am I still ME after sharing my mental health story at work?
The need for sharing our stories
It is helpful to remember that storytelling (one of the oldest art forms of civilization) entertains and educates people by reflecting on experience thus creating a sense of community. Sharing our stories about mental health and recovery can empower and heal ourselves along with eradicating societal stigma and shame. People have been engaging and responding to stories throughout history, and there is no reason for that to change now.
5 empowering and positive effects of sharing your mental illness at work
1. Sharing your story makes you stronger. Research proves that sharing our painful experiences with others helps improve our health and well-being. It helps to create supportive bonds with others, re-affirming the positive values and lessons gained from life-experiences.
2. Sharing your story is important. Mental illness has a profound impact on the people it affects, often becoming a defining life experience. It would be sad to think that these tough experiences are without meaning, lost without the chance to help others. Every story of mental illness and recovery is fundamental — to both the people who have lived it and to those currently experiencing it.
3. Sharing your story shows recovery is obtainable to others. You can show that recovery is more than just hope. Recovery becomes an achievable goal within everyone’s reach. It is not a story of recovery until you tell someone else.
“Recovery is not about ‘getting rid’ of problems. It is about seeing people beyond their problems — their abilities, possibilities, interests and dreams — and recovering the social roles and relationships that give life value and meaning.” Repper and Perkins 2003
4. Sharing your story will inspire people. Your story may become someone else’s source of inspiration and a message that they are not alone in what they are experiencing, and their situation is far from hopeless. In turn, our own emotional resilience to cope is strengthened when we realize we have the wisdom and strength to help others.
5. Sharing your story connects you to a community of those who have shared a similar experience. Without sharing, we would not be in a position to connect with those who have also walked a similar path. We know that in any given week, at least 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems, including approximately 175,000 full-time workers absent from work due to mental illness. Rest assured, you are not the only person to be facing mental health challenges in your workplace.
Your story defines YOU, not your mental illness
The more we talk about mental health, the more accepted it becomes.
Remember, your mental health does not define you. Do not allow your mental condition to become who you are, it is just one aspect of you, and you are MORE than your mental illness.
By talking about your mental illness, you encourage others to care for their own. The stigma of mental health can have detrimental effects on people’s lives, preventing them from talking and reaching out for help. Be proud of your courage and vulnerability to share your story, you are an inspiration to others.
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