Research tells us that when we can be authentic and open at work, it leads to better performance, engagement, overall wellbeing and retention. As our personal and work lives become increasingly intermingled, and the organizations we work for ask us to bring our “whole selves” to our job, there is a need to acknowledge that “self” will include not only our talents, but also the challenges we might feel less comfortable discussing.

One in four adults experience mental illness each year and an estimated 18% of the US adult population has an anxiety disorder. But despite this, we’re still nervous to talk about mental health at work—our impulse is usually to conceal it rather than ask for what we need.

This comes at a cost, to the individual and to companies. Despite saying human capital is the most valuable resource, we too often fail to acknowledge the human aspect and this failure to acknowledge an employee’s mental health can hurt productivity, professional relationships, and the bottom line. Between $17 billion and $44 billion is lost to depression each year, whereas $4 is returned to the economy for every $1 spent caring for people with mental health issues.

Employers need flexibility, sensitivity and open-mindedness, but we also need to take responsibility for speaking up, even when it’s hard. Here are some tips on how to make it easier:

Speak up sooner rather than later

Most people are afraid of discussing mental health with co-workers and bosses, afraid that they’ll lose their jobs, damage relationships or be judged unfairly. The stigma of mental illness keeps them silent. But if you wait until there’s a crisis of some sort, you make it harder. As soon as you see signs that make you think you or another person might be in need of support, speak up.

Choose your time and place

There is a time and a place for everything and when it comes to talking with someone about yours or their mental health, you need a time where you’re not rushed and you are in a place that is comfortable. Make sure you can devote your full attention to the conversation—that means no phones ringing or notifications popping up.

Manage your feelings

It can be hard to hear difficult or upsetting things, but you want to reassure and encourage the person, which means not showing signs of surprise or judgment. You want to reassure the person that it’s ok to be speaking to you, and that you will treat what they say with respect. 

Remember the person you’re talking to is human too

This is particularly useful if you’re talking about your own mental health issues, as we can often feel vulnerable. Try to remember the person you’re talking to is human too and even if they haven’t personally experienced mental health issues, they are likely to know somebody who has.

Consider a script

This kind of conversation is never going to be easy, so consider planning exactly what you’re going to say and how the other person might react. No real-life conversation will ever follow a script word for word, but this level of preparation will give you confidence. If you’re part of a support group or working with a healthcare professional, they might be able to help you role-play too.

Talk about the positives

Remember, by seeking support you’re saving your organization a lot of money and time. It’s also worthwhile considering how you can reframe the situation as an opportunity or strength. For example, if you’ve had experience managing your anxiety by clearly communicating your needs, this is likely to help you work with or lead others.

It’s never going to be easy to talk about this subject but change starts with a conversation.  And when people get the space and the support they need, it can change their careers, and their lives.

This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to make a diagnosis or treat a condition. If your mental health is suffering, please consult with a medical specialist.

Written by Dawn Metcalfe, this article first appeared on Forbes – you can see it here: https://forbesmiddleeast.com/6-tips-on-talking-about-mental-health-at-work

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