Mental illness can be a challenging and isolating experience, especially in the workplace where productivity and performance are highly valued. In this interview, we speak with Georgia, who shares her personal journey with depression and anxiety disorder and how it affected her work as a customer service representative. She discusses the stigma and discrimination she faced, as well as the support and understanding she received from colleagues and her employer. Georgia also highlights the importance of seeking professional help and offers advice for others who may be going through similar struggles. Her story is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a brave and necessary step towards recovery.
Interviewer: Hello, thank you for joining us today. Can you please introduce yourself, including your name, age, and occupation?
Georgia: Hello, my name is Georgia, I am 32 years old and I work as a Customer Service Representative.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with mental illness and how it affected your work?
Georgia: Yes, of course. I struggled with depression and anxiety for many years, and it reached a point where I wasn't able to function properly at work. I was constantly overwhelmed and couldn't concentrate on my tasks, which led to poor performance and errors.
Interviewer: How did your colleagues and superiors react to your behaviour?
Georgia: Unfortunately, some of my colleagues didn't understand what I was going through, and they made fun of me or criticised my work without realising the impact it had on my mental health. I didn't feel supported or valued, which only made my symptoms worse.
Interviewer: How did you seek help and what kind of treatment did you receive?
Georgia: After a lot of struggling, I finally decided to seek professional help. I went to see a therapist and a psychiatrist, who diagnosed me with depression and anxiety disorder. I started taking medication and attending therapy sessions, which helped me manage my symptoms and learn coping strategies.
Interviewer: How has medication and therapy helped you in your journey to recovery?
Georgia: Medication and therapy have been crucial to my recovery. They have allowed me to better manage my symptoms and develop the skills needed to cope with the stressors of my job. I feel much more in control of my mental health and I'm able to focus on my work and be more productive.
Interviewer: How did you feel when you first started taking medication for your mental health?
Georgia: I was very scared and uncertain about how the medication would affect me. I had heard a lot of negative things about mental health medication, and I was worried that it would make me feel even worse than before. But I also knew that I couldn't continue living with the symptoms of my mental illness without seeking treatment.
Interviewer: How has your experience been coming back to work after starting your medication?
Georgia: It's been a process of adjustment, but overall I feel much more stable and in control of my emotions. I still have moments of anxiety and stress, but they are much more manageable now. I've also noticed that I am better able to communicate with my colleagues and handle difficult situations at work.
Interviewer: Have you experienced any stigma or discrimination at work because of your mental health?
Georgia: Unfortunately, I have. Some of my colleagues don't seem to understand mental illness and have made hurtful comments or treated me differently because of it. It's been challenging to deal with, but I try to focus on the positive support I have received from other colleagues and my employer.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for others who may be struggling with their mental health at work?
Georgia: Don't be afraid to seek help and speak up about your struggles. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is help available. It's important to prioritise your health and well-being, even if that means taking time off work or seeking accommodations. And remember that you are not alone – there are many others who are going through similar experiences and can offer support and understanding.
My advice would be to seek professional help and to talk to your employer about your situation. It's important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive work environment. Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations or take time off if you need it.
Interviewer: What message would you like to share with others who may be going through similar struggles?
Georgia: I want others to know that they're not alone and that it's okay to ask for help. Mental illness is a real and serious issue, and there is no shame in seeking treatment. Recovery is possible, and it's worth fighting for.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.