Disclosing Mental Illness to Employers or Teachers
Deciding whether or not to disclose a mental health condition at work or school can be a tough call for most people. It's natural to feel apprehensive about it, as you might worry about being treated differently or how it could impact your job prospects.
If you're struggling with this decision, we've got you covered. We have provided a breakdown of what to expect if you choose to tell people in your school or workplace.
Do I have to tell my work about my mental health?
You are not legally obligated to disclose mental illness to your employer or school, and generally, employers are not allowed to ask about this before you have been offered a job. If your mental health problem can be defined as a disability, you may benefit from the extra support and protection that the Equality Act 2010 can provide if you disclose this information to your employer.
However, if you lie on a health assessment form or if asked at any point and then find once you've started the job that you're struggling with the ongoing mental illness, it could present grounds for dismissal as there has been a breach of the duty of mutual trust and confidence.
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What should I tell my school or employer about my mental health?
If you have made up your mind to tell your employer or school regarding your mental health, in order to receive additional support, you might be feeling anxious about what information they need or how much you should disclose to them.
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You don't have to directly tell your boss or teacher: Sometimes, it may feel easier to have a conversation with your HR department or student support services, as they can keep your information confidential and are a separate party to whom you will be working every day.
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Get a note from your GP, as this can help explain your situation to your school or employer. Your GP can also provide evidence as to how your anxiety can be considered a disability and suggest reasonable adjustments at school or work. Please see our page for more information about talking to your GP.
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What reasonable adjustments can be made for me?
In the workplace:
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Changes to your work environment
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Changes to your working hours
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An adjusted balance between office and home working
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Taking time off work for mental health assessments or treatments
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Temporarily finding someone else to do tasks you find stressful and difficult
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Getting some workplace mentoring
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In school, college or university:
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Pastoral support: Every school teacher has a duty of care to ensure they care for their pupils, as any reasonable parent would. This means that you can tell a teacher you trust about how you're feeling, and they will either support you themselves or guide you to the right support.
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Counselling: This is completely confidential advice and support that you can get either through the school or referred specialist mental health services such as CAMHS. Waiting times for CAMHS can be quite a while, so if you feel you're not being offered help within a reasonable time you can talk to your place of education
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Exam adjustments: Exams can often be where mental health symptoms increase or have more of an impact on your academic and personal life. Your school or place of education can provide adjustments such as extra time, a separate private room for you or someone who reads the questions out for you, depending on how your mental health impacts your performance.
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