Should I tell my boss about my Social anxiety and Depression?

[itgetsbetter5]

Almost most of the days I spend at work triggers my anxiety and even more so because of that depression symptoms are starting to creep up on me. I overheard my boss talking about someone being offended and I can’t help but feel like its about me since I’ve heard rumours before about me being sensitive and easily offended when in reality I’m just preoccupied with my anxiety as its become worse in the past year and my depression. I don’t know if I should disclose it to my manager or just leave it since it doesn’t really affect my ability to my job that much apart from the social interaction within the office. What should I do?

[kenster1]

hi if its not affecting your work then its not an issue.

[Dolphin14 in reply to kenster1]

Agree

[itgetsbetter5 in reply to kenster1]

Thank you for your response. I guess I just got carried by my emotions and just wanting to explain to people why I seem upset, it does affect my concentration but I’m hoping that my face to face therapy will help me manage that soon.

[Geeo in reply to itgetsbetter5]

I've told my manager and it's the best thing I ever did. He now understands why I break down in tears for no reason. Can't function at work on occasions. He always tells me to go out with a trusted colleague/friend at work until I have calmed down (anxiety medication has kicked in, I take escitalopram but also sometimes need a PRN, diazepam to calm me down further) maybe I'm lucky and felt like I could talk to manager and he is very understanding. He doesn't treat differently in respect of my work and is always very reassuring that I am doing a good job.

[itgetsbetter5 in reply to Geeo]

Thats good to hear. My coworkers constantly asks how I’m doing and willing to help me when I need it. I’ve been on this job for 7 months now and I do have chats and conversations with them its just most of the time I tend to stay in my office and avoid any interaction because of the overwhelming anxiety, but I’m seeing how the therapy goes since I’ll be having my first one today and won’t tell my manager if I see progress.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Geeo]

It's great you have a supportive manager.

They aren't all that way though so you have to fell out the situation first.

[kenster1 in reply to itgetsbetter5]

yeah lets hope the therapy helps best just to do your best in work and enjoy it but if your boss ever brings up work performance then you could have a private chat then.

[Marc787]

I’d be careful telling any body at work. Because most times they will see it as weakness and may use it against you in the future. It sucks but that’s the nature of the beast in the working world. Not too many compassionate people now days.

[Want2BHappy3]

NO NO and NO,. You may feel like it's the right thing to do, trust me he will keep that in mind when things happen and nowadays with the mass shootings we've been having and connecting it to people with mental illness, will be in the back of his Mind. That you might not be able to focus on your job? Get Counseling to get it under control.

[itgetsbetter5 in reply to Want2BHappy3]

Thanks for the response. Its very worrying to think that they do but I hope that not everyone associate social anxiety and depression with crimes like that.

[Want2BHappy3 in reply to itgetsbetter5]

No, thats true, but it is a big deal right now. If you still choose to tell him, be prepared their could be consequences. Any mistake you make, he might attribute to your mental illness that you might not be focusing on your job. If things change at work he's Not going to tell you the truth? Companies only Care about themselves. Good Luck

[CAM0005]

Absolutely not. Even if you think he is a fair boss it will stay in the back of his mind and he will use it against you, if necessary. It will also make him uneasy about your performance and you will be on his radar. Keep your head down, chin up and be the best you can be.

[Bilabong]

One word- NO.

[UFC80]

Unless, its interfering with your ability, dont tell your boss. You have to keep your anxiety/depression private. Its nobody's business but you and a doctor. Never disclose it to co-workers.