Employers Attitude to Depression?

[Flea]

Hi,

I have been very honest with my employers about my depression and they have been supportive.  I have been honest because there are times when I am really not well and require some flexibility in terms of what time I get in work, visits to my counsellor etc and I felt that this was the best approach, so that they were aware that I have made steps to address my illness.

I was wondering whether:
- you have also been honest and noticed work-mates changing their behaviour towards you?
- management have shown real ignorance in their understanding of depression and how it can affect you? 
- perceptions have been incorrect and are difficult to manage.  For example, workmates 'assume' what may upset you, or 'assume' what you are able to deal with.  I have tried hard to address this by encouraging really open two way communucation between management and myself, so that they are very clear on what I can cope with.  I have not once missed a deadline or produced below par work, but I feel as though they expect this to happen at some point.
- that managers concentrate on those who are performing at full tilt and provide them with more opportunities to develop?  Even though I am more than capable, there is a trust issue. 
- you feel that there is no point trying for promotions, as management have already formed a view of your capabilities, regardless of the fact that you are performing to an acceptable level?  I was a exceptionally high achiever up until my first breakdown at the start of 2009.  I think they measure my current performance against that, rather than what is considered acceptable.

What are your experiences?  %$£

[Zaf]

When I had my first breakdown I was in the Civil Service and my employers were very good, workmates were very supportive generally ank kind, I dont think this is necessarily typical though.

Most people, unless they've suffered from depression themselves, have no idea how to interact with us and I've had all sorts of reactions.


Z xx

[Flea]

Thanks Zaf.

Please could anyone else share their experiences?  Surely everyone with depression in employment has some view on how their depression is treated?    x

[PMD1911]

Hi.

I was a financial manager for a major high street store when I had a psychotic breakdown with associated sever depression. This was all brought on by my managers making me work silly hours with the threat of disciplinary action if I didn't do them. Bullying from managers above me both before and during my time off work. The fact I lived 50 miles from where I worked didn't help. I often left my house at 5:30am and returned at 9:30pm! Not good for anyone's mental health. I was off work for a total of 8 months. During which time I was hospitalised twice.

My employers were useless! They didn't care about me and just kept making my situation worse by threatening to sack me if I did not return. I ended up resigning simply to avoid being dismissed. I actually managed an employee with mild depression, and I would like to think I treated him with respect and looked after him where appropriate.

[Beetzart]

I have been with my current employer for over 5 years.  When I was 1st signed off with depression they seemed fine and treated me with respect, yet things quickly went back to what they were before which led to another spell of sick leave 8 months later.  This time I saw a company doctor and certain aspects of the job which were causing me distress were removed, but this wasn't set in stone.  After that there was no monitoring of my condition and things just went downhill.  I am now into the 5th month of sick leave, and won't be returning to that contract due to bullying.  They are now starting to see my side of the situation, and waiting to see what they can offer me in terms of a different position.