However, managing mental health issues while balancing work commitments can be difficult for some.

It is no wonder why some individuals feel that discussing these struggles with their employer may be beneficial.

Furthermore, how do you broach the subject?

There is no manual for these things, and working through the disclosure process is hard.

Nevertheless, some resources can be utilized to help ease the journey.

Many Factors Impact the Decision

Mental health disclosure, in general, is difficult for many.

For instance, a 2012 systematic review into factors associated with mental healthdisclosure within the workplacefound nine main influences.

Nevertheless, while these fears are valid, the research into the consequences of condition disclosure has been promising.

In contrast, only 9% of those who disclosed had a negative experience.

In this instance, the researchers recommended that workers make disclosure decisions based on their workplace contexts.

Therefore, it also highlights that disclosure may not be necessary in some instances.

She is the clinical director ofBurning Tree Ranchand therefore has ample experience in conversations such as these.

Nevertheless, the fears around disclosure are not unfounded.

For example, people with mental illnesses often find themselves with lower rates of employment.

Therefore it is no wonder why conversations around disclosure arouse some hesitancy.

Anchoring your request in a tangible outcome has many benefits.

For example, it will allow you to curate your request in a beneficial way to your needs.

In addition, it can help you decide if the disclosure is necessary.

After all, telling your employer about your condition isnt required.

And some individuals may realize that they can tackle their needs without their bosss assistance.

But, should you still wish to go ahead, other methods can be implemented.

For example, you might speak with your HR department aboutways to navigate your condition in the workplace.

However, this is not all they can help you with.

Talking to them will allow you to speak freely.

This can be particularly useful for those whod feel safer not speaking to others about their condition.

But thats not all; you might also seek out other resources around you.

This allows me to initiate the conversation up further and make accommodations as needed, she finishes.

Disclosure is efficacious and, in some ways, works better for some people more than others.

Final Things to Consider

Whether or not you choose todisclose your mental illnessdepends on many factors.

However, this is only half the battle.

As a supervisor, my role in this situation is to be supportive and listen.

After the conversation, the follow-through is typically more important than the conversation itself, says Bohlman.

After all, many of them may be too nervous to ask for help.

Therefore, providing your team with an open and supportive work environment is essential too.

After all, the benefits of supported workers go both ways.

2017;71(5):722741. doi:10.1177/0018726717716752