Working While Having Depression

I havent posted for a couple of weeks because I've been super busy at work and mega stressed. It waasn't until today when I was listning to the radio when this amazingly STUPID mental illness awareness advert came on. It went something like this. . .

Voice in "sane" persons head: O no theres susan, shes been off with depression for several weeks. What do I say to her? I could ask her how her kid is? But what happens if she then says our kids should have a play date and she cant cope and something happens to our kids. Maybe I should just ask her how she is.

'Sane' Person says: Hi Susan, how you doing?

Susan: Yeah im not too bad, have my ups and downs but generaly good. How about you.

'Sane' person: O yeah can't compain

Fin

Like WTF! Is that really what the British govenment think is the best way to solve depression in the work place? I mean, I think that advert is worse than people just being ignorant to it.

The difficulties I can see in the work place is that I don't want to tell people let alone discuss my mental health issues. Why? Well its obvious, I dont want people to think im not capable. Im a young professional trying to make a name myself, im working my ass off trying to get as much responsibility and expereince as I can. The last thing I want is people tip toeing around me.

However saying that sometimes I do need to take the odd day off to gather myself together, take afternoons off to go to the doctors etc. and I can see you some people will need weeks off if the have a mental breakdown or something simular.

This advert is a backwards step in my eyes. The campaign should do one of two things. 1. be focused on increaseing awareness - a general message of depression stats in work, let people know that they are not alone and that its okay to be depressed at work, it doesnt effect how you work and shouldnt be a taboo factor. 2. It should let people who are suffering at the work place where and how they can get support. Let them know there are doctors and therapists and general medical support there to help them get back on their feet.

This is such a tough topic as a lot of businesses are so cut throat, I guess this is why so many people have breakdowns at work. However this LAME attempt to tackle the issue is awful, just awful. This has made it more awkward for me to discuss my mental health in the office work place, even with my friends who are collegues.

People should know that if this is an issue they should talk to their doctor or therapist. They can be incredibly helpful and make sure you get the support you need in tellin gyour employer and how to get back on you feet and back to work as quickly as possible.

Rant over. . . .  Stupid British Govenment #epicfail