Am I obliged to disclose my mental health to my line manager?

[jrobertson1]

I recently returned to work after an episode of depression where I was transferred from

one antidepressant to another. My GP sick note stated 'depression' as my reason for

absence and went to my employer's HR department. I was assured this would be

treated confidentially. On return to work, I was obliged to fill in a Back to Work and

have a back to work meeting with my manager. The first box on the form was

Reason for Absence. I hesitated before filling this in but then thought I had to state

the reason given on my GP sick note. I was uncomfortable with this but thought

I had no choice. I have just watched a vidoe on BBC iplayer about mental health

at work which stated that .....'how and who you tell is your choice'. I have seen

reference to this elsewhere and believe it stems from the Equality Act'. My line manager subsequently stepped down stating that she could not cope with having to manage

someone with depression. I was distraught and wished I had not told her as I was fine

by the time I got back to work. I am not fine now mainly due to this and my HR

departments subsequent handling of the situation.

[hypercat54]

Hi sorry to hear this. You were right to put down the reason given on your sick note as you can't lie. Choosing to tell others at work is a completely different matter and nothing to do with being asked a direct question by your employers.

The fact your line manager has stepped down is nothing to do with you but her. It's not your fault she can't cope with someone suffering from depression. It sounds like maybe she suffers from it herself or has close family/friends who do. Please don't take on any guilt for this. x

[fauxartist]

wow....are you in a union....and do you have a union rep....to be told your line manager quite because of your personal business being told to them I believe is crossing a line of right to privacy. And as hypercat54 said as well....it sounds like this person had their own issues they were dealing with. Either way....it's not your fault....and management should be held accountable for divulging personal info to another employee....

[Hidden]

Wow! Sounds like your manager must live in a bubble and obviously has no experience with depression! I have noticed that some people treat me as if I have the plague...like they’re afraid it’s going to rub off on them! It’s just ignorance at its finest. Be aware that you’re a survivor who has the wherewithal to seek treatment and help yourself! Hold your head high and don’t regret your good choices. You’re a special person with a story, filled with experience, to share with those who need and want it! Know that you’re doing your very best and try to ignore those who don’t understand. Live with positivity and confidence! I hope you have a good day! Sending you hugs!!

[195748]

I agree. That you were right to put down what was written on your sick line but I don’t think that you have to discuss it with your line manager. If you are referred to occupational health then the GP there will discuss it with you and that will be confidential. Then the GP writes to your service manager but again GP doesn’t need to go into details of your actual diagnosis as this is confidential between you and GP. You don’t have to wait for manager to refer you to occupational health GP. You can make a self referral. I think the way your line manager had reacted says more about her than anything else. Hope you feel better soon. Take care xxxx