Work & Depression UK
I worked successfully with depression for 7 years. It has not always been easy, but it is possible.
You will need to judge when you are fit to work and when you are not and this is not easy to do. Take care that you are not effecting the people around you and more importantly your professional reputation. Don't try and be a hero and work through a bad bout of depression.
Depression is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and as such your employer has a legal obligation to offer you 'reasonable adjustments' to the working environment to help you manage work and your condition. The act only applies however if you have suffered from the condition for 12 months+ or are likely to suffer for more than 12 months. A one-off period of depression following a bereavement or similar will not be included in the act.
You must notify your employer of your condition if you expect them to apply your rights under the DDA. If you have any concerns over your employers failure to comply with the act, or if you feel you have been discriminated against because of your illness, you only have a 3 month window to raise this as a concern.
Most companies have adjusted their HR policy in order to incorporate the requirements of the disability discrimination act and HR professionals UK wide will no doubt be patently aware of their obligations within it, but you have no rights under the act if you fail to inform your employer of your condition.
The effects of depression are subtle and are not always immediately evident. Early diagnosis and treatment can in fact often mean that you do not need time off work at all. It is important that you make your employer aware of your condition and how it is likely to affect you. You may find that an observant and empathetic colleague will spot early symptoms before you do and help you choose the right course of action to take.
One obstacle you will undoubtedly face is the lack of understanding that exists about the condition itself. Many suffers are embarrassed to discuss it openly, and the stigma attached perpetuates general ignorance. The additional stresses which the need for secrecy creates, only exacerbates the problem and produces feelings of isolation and additional anxiety. There will be absolute extremes of understanding and tolerance within all work places and this in itself will expose business to risks due to potential discrimination even if this is innocent and inadvertent.
You can choose to say nothing and allow ignorance to perpetuate, or can choose to be open and honest and hope that you can affect change and educate the ignorant within your business. As I have already mentioned, you will probably be very surprised about the amount of exposure many people have had, and this will make you feel better.
