While I agree with the author's argument, stating the current year does not advance it. Seriously, it's even a meme.
Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
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Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#12Can someone please explain to me what is special with 2017?
It's a way to signal incredulity with something being an issue which you think shouldn't still be an issue.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#13[deleted]
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#14I applaud the author for destigmatizing mental health issues. More companies need to be like this. Its really hard for people to understand mental health issues because you have to take many optional classes to even get an idea of what they are. Also, many people throw around terms like psychopath / ADD(ADHD) and either diagnose themselves or others and that can lead to more stigma or even misunderstandings. I think…
I suffer with OCD - and I mostly let it go when people say "I'm so OCD" about needing something organized, or wanting something cleaned, etc.
But I do try and educate others on what OCD actually does to people like myself when the opportunity presents itself as it's definitely one of the most misunderstood disorders. It can easily ruin a day/week for me if I let the intrusive thoughts take over.
Anyone interested, take a read through the "symptoms" here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_d...
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#15Can someone please explain to me what is special with 2017?
People have an expectation that everything is going to magically improve as time goes on without realizing that with some things they need to be the change that they want to see in the world.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#16Great article. A few years ago (at a previous job) I took a sick day for "sanity", but told them I wasn't feeling well. I felt guilty about doing it. I think part of it is the association of sick leave with externally visible medical issues, and the corresponding "straightforward" medical verification. In other words, if you have a temperature or are vomiting, that's obvious. Many infections or physical injury can be…
I've seen some companies in the UK operate what they call a "duvet day" policy. It's basically just two floating holidays a year you can choose to use at any time, doesn't require explanation and doesn't count as a sick day. I personally haven't worked somewhere with such a policy, but know some people who do, using it largely as a "sanity day" as you describe. They really seem to appreciate it. I'm in no way trying…
There's something like this in Poland, but it's four days and it's mostly used for emergencies. Using it deducts the planned holiday days.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#17It's not controversial, there's even a term for it - airing dirty laundry.
People don't talk about it because they don't want to all of a sudden be treated differently because 'mental health', and now people around you are walking on egg-shells or being fake supportive.
Why can't it just be a personality thing - some people need time alone more than others, for whatever reason that is. When you start labelling it mental health, all you're doing is self-diagnosing yourself into a hole that's hard to get out of. Unless you have debilitating problems of course, in which case the employer should know from day 1.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#18Can someone please explain to me what is special with 2017?
It's a way to signal incredulity with something being an issue which you think shouldn't still be an issue. https://encyclopediadramatica.rs/The_Current_Year
Tread carefully readers. This article is pretty benign but ED is decidedly NSFW.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#19My partner works at Olark. It truly is a human-focused business. I love that she is there. The intention that their team and leadership have applied into creating a safe environment is deeply rooted and honest.
As someone who struggled with depression for two decades, while ultimately thwarted, it was a hopeless, numbing plague. As a coping mechanism, I developed my career working remotely. I was unable to function within a typical office environment. At home I could steal away to my bedroom and hide from the black under cover of blanket, when I needed to.
It's encouraging to see the silent struggle find words and champions. May others who are going through the darkness find supportive and loving environments; any change to find them is worth it. You are the author of your journey and the hero: write a happy story.
Re: Mental health is still an issue in the workplace
#20First hand experience. As a founder it's terrifying to let people know that you are experiencing debilitating levels of burnout, anxiety and moderate depression that prevent you from being effective at your job. There are days when you're just sitting there staring at your screen for 10 hours hoping nobody can tell you're checked out. You put on a smile, try to follow the usual routine as a robot, and secretly go to…
As a founder you could also set a positive example and say "I can't get anything done today" and take a break.
Fixed working hours are one of the biggest problems in a profession like software engineering. On some days you just can't get anything done. It would be better to just take the day off and come back fresh the next day instead of sitting around and pretending that you are working.