Learning to Speak Up

[HikesALot]

I am looking for a place to learn and practice how to talk about my depression and anxiety, so I can become strong enough to speak up about my condition in the workplace.

I have been highly functional in work settings for decades. After being diagnosed with Major Depression and Anxiety in 2016, I found myself unable to remember a time at which and didn’t have the underlying symptoms. My diagnosis came after roughly six months working with a therapist, as I was overwhelmed with a series of daunting problems that had taken over our lives. My therapist recommended that I see a psychiatrist, who then diagnosed my condition.

I am now, seven years after diagnosis, finding that my condition is beginning to affect my work, the one thing I had always avoided. I can legitimately point to significant external stressors, but I am tired of making excuses for myself. … and I am tired of the stress of hiding my condition. I’m currently on medical leave and in an IOP program. I want to get strong again. I want to go back to work as the person I truly am, complete with my condition. I want to go from hiding my condition to being open, and advocating for mental health in the workplace. But, aside from a very small group of closest friends and family, I can’t find how to even start the conversation.

Is there a place where we can come together, tell our stories in mutual safety, feel the words pass through our lips and experience telling our stories? … where we can learn to bravely tell our stories, so we become strong enough to tell our stories wherever we want?

[Raelyn71]

I would be happy to talk with about it. As I am in the same situation. I have been hiding my MDD from everyone except a few close friends and family. I want to be able to talk about it without feeling weak and sobbing. I want to be strong again.

[HikesALot in reply to Raelyn71]

Thanks Raelyn71. I would like that. I’m happy to set up a zoom for us. Maybe there are some other likeminded people who would like to join?

I am on Pacific Time. What time zone are you in?

[naty040212 in reply to HikesALot]

I am down to do a zoom meet up also! I am also in pacific time.

[HikesALot in reply to naty040212]

Thanks naty040212. Would it work for you naty040212 , Raelyn71 and anyone else who is interested to have a zoom call this coming Monday, April 10 at 5:00pm PDT?

[naty040212 in reply to HikesALot]

I am actually taking my son to universal studios for his bday on Monday. But I am available the other days.

[HikesALot in reply to naty040212]

Family always comes first!!!

How about Tuesday at 5:00 PDT, would that work for you  naty040212  Raelyn71 anyone else?

[naty040212 in reply to HikesALot]

hi! Yes I can definitely do Tuesday!

[Montana136]

Hi hikes a lot, welcome. I too am new here and suffer major depressive disorder been diagnosed for about 35 years. And I think it's great that you have come to this community to speak openly about this problem. I find this platform very helpful. There is also a depression and anxiety support group with a lot more members a lot more active posts. Just an fyi. In my case I have not been a functional working person often, but sometimes I am. I have never formally addressed my mental illness in the workplace. I have been scared of judgment and rejection. even shame comes about. And once you let this cat out of the bag well you can't put it back in. I admire your bravery in wanting to approach this issue. Very admirable of you. I hope there are others on this platform who have been in your position and can advise you or help guide you. I just wanted to tell you it's a great thing to advocate for mental illness walk gently and thoughtfully on this path. Check out NAMI. Be well!

[HikesALot]

Hi  naty040212  Raelyn71 and anyone else who is interested in learning to talk about your condition. I have set up a zoom meeting for this Tuesday, April 11 at 5:00pm PDT, where we can practice telling our stories. Naty040212 and Raelyn71, I have sent you the zoom details via chat. For anyone else who would like to join, let me know here or on chat and I will provide you the details to join.

[Raelyn71 in reply to HikesALot]

Hello HikesALot , I'm sorry I was MIA for that last month. I am no good at talking on Zoom. I prefer the texting. I can remain anonymous. Plus I hate looking at myself on camera and that is all I will focus on. But I'm down to just texting.