Depression at work

[ManUtd7]

I've let my managers at work know in private about my struggle with depression. Then a few weeks later one of them openly mentioned it in front of a few co-workers while joking about something. How should I handle this? I just try to ignore this person unless it's work related but dislike how they talk down to everyone.

[Dubba61]

Oh dear, that was really unprofessional of him/her. I'm afraid I never told anyone, in my working life, about my depression/anxiety. N I do think it was brave or you to do so. Think your doing the right thing, to ignore. S'all you can do, I think. Best of wishes.😊✌️🌻

[ManUtd7 in reply to Dubba61]

Thanks!

[Hidden]

I would address this asap. So not right of them. Stand up for yourself, they are in the wrong here! I wish you the best. love & hugs!!!

[ManUtd7 in reply to Hidden]

I'm trying to forgive and move on just lost total respect for this person. Hopefully I'll be brave enough to say something if it happens again. Thanks for your reply.

[Hidden in reply to ManUtd7]

Don't ever let anyone take your power away, it's yours////you deal with enough. Just because you forgive doesn't mean you have to snuggle up to them, forgive , wish no harm, yet keep your power! XXX

[David0987 in reply to ManUtd7]

Wow! Unfair and unprofessional. I don't know how I'd respond in your shoes because I've always hidden it (for better of worse)... but it's a protected health condition when it comes to hiring in the u.s. They should tread very carefully rather than what they are doing by joking or that could be a lawsuit. Sorry I just get pretty worked up about that. One thought though. I know it takes courage (that I don't know if I have myself) but you could say in private, "when you joke about my illness it makes me feel ..." and let them know. Plain and simple.

[hunter4ransom]

That is harassment in my opinion. For you to privately share a medical condition you are suffering from with a manager and that same manager openly shares it with others is a breach of confidentiality. Even if the manager didn’t mean any harm or didn’t realize what he/she was saying was hurtful to you, it is still wrong and he/she needs to be made aware of this.

This would be grounds for suspension or termination at my job. If my boss shared with my coworkers that I suffer GAD, she would be in hot water with administration.

I’m sorry this happened to you and I hope it gets resolved.

Eileen

[ManUtd7 in reply to hunter4ransom]

Thanks. Don't think any harm was meant but will keep your advice in mind.

[hypercat54 in reply to ManUtd7]

It doesn't matter whether any harm was done or not it was still completely wrong of him. Can you have a quiet word with him in private? Keep it very low key but just ask remind him calmly that your depression is private and ask him not to refer to it again in public. Then leave it at that. If you don't do that he might think it's ok and you don't mind.

Or if it is difficult to speak to him have a word with one of the other bosses and tell them what happened and I am sure they will sort it. x

[Strongest123]

I’m sorry to hear about that. Your manager sounds like he’s not a good human being. Maybe talking to him in private and bringing what he said to his attention. But he might be a vindictive person, and you don’t need that while being depressed. Try to strengthen yourself mentally as much as you can while away from work, exercise, meditation, staying awY from current events. Trying to focus on the root cause of what causes your depression and addressing it. Samson

[Serena_xo]

I would say do your best to ignore it. But if you feel the need to do so maybe tell your coworker how that made you feel.

[ManUtd7]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Unfortunately, I doubt my mgr even remembers saying it since she jokes constantly with everyone. I will give the benefit of the doubt but next time will be different if it happens again. Peace & Love to you all

[Elaine1963 in reply to ManUtd7]

Great, bottom line, you are still peace.

Depp breaths; 🦋

[growingrace]

would speaking to the manager (face to face meeting or an email so its on record), perhaps he/she had a slip up. giving the benefit of the doubt here; but if you think it was done purposely speak to Human Resources about the situation, its something that should be taken care of immediately. Try to focus on your work, keep it up! but don't allow his/her comments to fill your heart and mind. You are valued, loved and your feelings matter

[ManUtd7]

Thanks for your reply. I am trying to forgive and move on. Yes, definitely not worth letting it bother me.

[MrZee]

Dear ManUtd7,

As others have mentioned, that was highly unprofessional of the manager to cross your private boundary in front of your coworkers.

If talking to your manager about this works, then great they can remedy the situation. If it doesn’t work, report the manager to Human Resources because this is a clear case of harassment.

Good luck to you.

Best,

MZ

[ManUtd7 in reply to MrZee]

Thanks.