Saw the trailer for this on channel 4, basically the premies is to tell people in the workplace about your mental disability. It sounds interesting but i cant see many people wanting to be open about it due to the amount of discrimination and other issues faced.
Last edited by Bleeding Angel : 23-07-2012 at 10:04 PM.
"Its not how long a star shines, what is remembered is the brightness of the light"
My 1st counsellor, when I was 14 leant me her Auto-biography. I started to read it out of politeness but then I really enjoyed it. Her Mum had OCD/depression. Don't remember the rest but I'm sure she'll go into it in the programme
That should be interesting. Don't know how I feel about watching it, because in a past job I felt discriminated against because of mental health problems. It was only a part time job I took on for extra money, but still, it hurt. I might try and watch it.
Apart from the odd faux pas, I've always had support and understanding from my employers since I needed to disclose my mental health disability. Something I'm so grateful for.
If it's not going to be impacting on your ability to do the job, why should you tell anyone? Obviously if it is going to effect your working practices then you should let it be known to the relevant superior(s), but I don't see much need to tell every Tom, Dick or Harry about it.
I do think that it will make an interesting watch, but i do feel not everyone wants to be open about having a mental health issue. I do think ruby wax as a person is overly open about it, so i suppose it is a good thing that its an issue being raised.
"Its not how long a star shines, what is remembered is the brightness of the light"
For me, the anxiety particularly was really impacting on me, to begin with, I said it won't effect my work, but then I had a period of very severe illness and it all just fell out. At the time we had an AMAZING disabilities rep/coordinator who really laid a solid ground for me of advocacy and whatnot. I think what really swings it for me is that I work extremely hard and try to do my best even when struggling and have to be encouraged to take time off sick when I really need it... I am lucky in working for a very inclusive council department. Plus having the ability to articulate my needs for when I'm unwell, when I'm well [hope that makes sense!] and that makes a lot of difference.
I'm not saying that everyone should disclose. Some of my team don't know even now [new team since January] as I'm not comfortable them knowing. But we all support each other when we're struggling, it's a community in that way. Not all workplaces are like that, of course.
^ i think alot of it would depend on the people around you, if you worked with a bunch of tits you wouldnt want to tell people, but if you work with more understanding people then it may not be so bad, but im glad it worked out for you katie.
"Its not how long a star shines, what is remembered is the brightness of the light"
Me too, Mari. I had so much nastiness in teaching before, I kind of needed things to be different after, and am so grateful they are. [Even though I grump sometimes!]
It would be good if it can be talked about to take away from the shame or embarrassment people can feel and educate others to stop the stigma. If a person was off work because of a broken leg or flu, then that is accepted, no questions asked. If it is a mental health issue, it can result in whispering, gossip etc. A mental health illness is an illness like any other that shouldn't result in this stigma. But yeah, I agree it's up to the person to talk about it only if they feel they want or need to.
Im actually really liking it, I like that its dealing with the stigma of mental illness. And Im surprised about the MPs speaking out about their experiences; especially the guy. Im looking forward to this '4 Goes Mad' season thing theyre doing, though Im not sure about using the word mad, but I guess its sort of reclaiming the word and making it into a positive rather than a negative.
10 steps and lonely nights
But you’ve still got me
On the road
Road paved in gold
Baby you must believe
Baby you must be free
Keep living on, living on the radio
I thought it was quite good and all seemed really positive. I think I could really relate to some of the things that were said. Although, as brave as I think those people are and how well it turned out for them, I don't think I could do the same! It was weird seeing Mark Williams (the Oxford lecturer) on there - I listen to his mindfulness cd at my unit with my OT so it was weird hearing his voice just talking normally!
I liked it but I think it would be more helpful to show people at different levels of the work ladder. Someone working as an employee for a company may not be treated so fairly (I speak from experience unfortunately) and this has to change.
Yeah i did think that it was odd, i know they want to show mental ill people can be successful but at the end of the day if you have your own company then if people treat you with discrimination you can fire them, but if your on the low rung on the ladder its not like that.
"Its not how long a star shines, what is remembered is the brightness of the light"
I really wish they had someone with OCD, who doesn't have the germ-phobia part. Surely everyone is aware of that part now?! Even though I have OCD with germ-phobia! I have other aspects too which are far weirder & would be far more stigmatised. Ah well, one day!!
