How do I deal with nosy coworkers after stress leave for depression?!
Question: How do I deal with nosy coworkers after stress leave for depression.?
My supervisor has called me into the office before to inquire about why I took some time off last year (approx 1 week for depression). I felt extremely uncomfortable about her question, and declined to tell her the reason why, stating it was a confidential issue and personally related.
I have anxiety that she will do this again. I took off a week and a day for depression/anxiety issues which I believe arise from work-place stress.
How do you handle nosy people like this, when they have NO RIGHT to ask about your medical condition.? I told everyone at work that I took a leave because I was 'physically' sick with a respiratory infection, because I don't want the stigma associated with mental illness. Some people at my work don't think highly of people with a mental disorder, or that is just my own paranoia talking. Still, it's a matter I do not wish to disclose with coworkers.
How do you feel about nosy people like my supervisor.? I even have anxiety attacks about facing her tomorrow, which is my first day back after a long week of recuperation from depression.
Your help is needed, and I appreciate answers that are thoughtful and considerate. Thanks in advance.
Health Question & Answer
I have anxiety that she will do this again. I took off a week and a day for depression/anxiety issues which I believe arise from work-place stress.
How do you handle nosy people like this, when they have NO RIGHT to ask about your medical condition.? I told everyone at work that I took a leave because I was 'physically' sick with a respiratory infection, because I don't want the stigma associated with mental illness. Some people at my work don't think highly of people with a mental disorder, or that is just my own paranoia talking. Still, it's a matter I do not wish to disclose with coworkers.
How do you feel about nosy people like my supervisor.? I even have anxiety attacks about facing her tomorrow, which is my first day back after a long week of recuperation from depression.
Your help is needed, and I appreciate answers that are thoughtful and considerate. Thanks in advance.
Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I am so very sorry you are in this situation as I have been there many times because of my own mental illness. Co-workers can be a nosy and sometimes not to kind. There seem to always think that I was just being lazy and didn't want to work. I can only suggest that you consider telling them that you have ongoing health problems just as you have said that they it is personal. Nothing else unfortunately will solve the problem. I know the stress that this situation puts you under. If you did tell them about your mental illness there is as you say the stigma that still exists regarding mental illness and depression. All I can say to you is you are not doing anything wrong and know that. You can't help it and whenever faced by questions from your supervisor be as polite as you can. I hope the day will come when people have an understanding of depression and mental illness until then we can only keep it private. I wish you peace and calm!! Health Question & Answer
I have been in this situation and can appreciate how you feel. I had to speak to the head of the personnel section because I believe my supervisor had been indiscreet about my being out previously. As a result he didn't say anything to anybody, as far as I can tell.
It's a shame there is still a stigma toward people with depression and anxiety, but that's how it is.Health Question & Answer
It's a shame there is still a stigma toward people with depression and anxiety, but that's how it is.Health Question & Answer
I'm sorry for your depression, and those nosy co-workers. Maybe consider your co-workers to be more on the curious/concerned side, rather than the nosy side. I'd suggest you tell everyone, "It's a long story, I'd rather not talk about it." It is none of their business, but no matter what you tell them, they're probably going to want to know some kind of answer. I've had a personal experience like this with my friend, I don't know what happened to her [still], she was out of classes for about half the year. I asked her what happened and she just told me she'd rather not talk about it. It's not a rude answer, but it does gives off a "please back off" message in a polite, moderate way.
Hope that helps!
and have a happy thanksgiving!Health Question & Answer
Hope that helps!
and have a happy thanksgiving!Health Question & Answer
I've been through a similar situation so I understand where you're coming from. I had to take a month off over the summer due to depression. Fortunately my supervisor was very kind and understanding. When I came back to work, people asked where I had been. I work in mental health so I knew people would be understanding but I didn't everyone to know about my personal life so I just told them I was either on medical leave or personal leave and left it at that.
I think it's natural to be a little paranoid in this situation...like I said, I work in mental health, but I still worried about people would say. I found that most people were just asking out of concern and not out of nosiness.
Unfortunately there is still a stigma associated with mental illness. It is understandable why you do not want to tell your coworkers the whole story. Saying that it's a personal matter should be enough and just leave it at that. Hope this helps.Health Question & Answer
I think it's natural to be a little paranoid in this situation...like I said, I work in mental health, but I still worried about people would say. I found that most people were just asking out of concern and not out of nosiness.
Unfortunately there is still a stigma associated with mental illness. It is understandable why you do not want to tell your coworkers the whole story. Saying that it's a personal matter should be enough and just leave it at that. Hope this helps.Health Question & Answer
Just ask your supervisor if it is within company policy to discuss something that is personal and strictly confidential . Tell her you didn't see it in your employee handbook and, ask her to point it out. Then mention that since is it personal and confidential, you will have to check with your attorney. This should get her off your back. Health Question & Answer