Best Of

First up @One-in-a-million I just want to take a moment to recognise the fact that you have been able to keep going with work when things have been really heavy with your mental health recently. That requires huge amounts of courage and strength, so try to remember that in the bigger picture.

In terms of talking to colleagues about how you are feeling, it is totally up to you as to what you share. You don't necessarily have to go into full detail to be able to help people understand why you may have days where you are less chatty or however it may present itself. Perhaps though at times when you are having a better day, it may be easier to have that conversation. You could try and identify some of the signs that your MH may not be as good and also perhaps give some tips of what colleagues can do to help, so for example 'when I am having a bad day, it may mean that I am less likely to engage in conversations that aren't to do with work because I find it easier to focus on specific tasks. What can be helpful at these times is x, y, and z'. Giving people some practical things they can do to help may help them feel more connected.

If you do talk to your manager about your MH, it may be worth having a look at Wellness Action Plans and talking these through with your manager, Mind have some good guides on their website here: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-your-staff/employer-resources/wellness-action-plan-download/

Trust and respect are things that we have to earn. If people don't trust or respect you, the only way to restore things is to start winning them back. That means being honest, working hard, asking questions when you need help, and fully committing to your role.

That being said, the mental health aspect does make this harder. Workplaces are getting better at understanding mental wellbeing. I'd suggest you ask your manager to set up a regular 1-2-1, perhaps weekly. That way, you can check in to see how you're doing, how you're finding the work, if there's anything you need to bring up etc. Being communicative is a good way to start building that trust up

@One-in-a-million Of course! I'm so sorry you contracted COVID, I hope you're feeling okay and being gentle with yourself. That's really great to hear! I understand, it can be hard to see things as they are when anxiety takes over. It's great that you're aware of this though, I know that doesn't necessarily help in being able to objectively see things but it's a really incredible thing to have.

I see, I understand that's not a feasible option for you right now . It can be really hard to navigate a situation when you're feeling low mentally and can't access the support you need to express your feelings. I am really sorry that the action had to be taken, despite how negative your mental health has been. I hope that someday soon, it'll be possible for you to be able to open up to them, and increase their understanding of your situation, although I do understand that's easier said than done.

I hope the work environment becomes a little easier on you, and that you continue to be kind and gentle to yourself, you really are incredible and strong, and should be so proud of yourself. Celebrate every little achievement because they are important, when the world feels a little dark, even getting out of bed is a big achievement, you going to work and trying your best is amazing and shouldn't be underestimated.

Sending you love and positivity