Originally posted on EzineArticles.com:
We all have that dream for work to be more than just a means to a paycheck and instead be something that we really love to do. But, if you’re someone who suffers from a mental illness or are a going through a time that is compromising your mental health (like 1 in 10 people in the world do in their lifetime) you might have a harder time succeeding and achieving your best at work. There are certainly some things that you can do to make your work as enjoyable and manageable as possible, no matter what industry you are in.
Choose Your Workplace Wisely
While there might be some elements of your career that are going to be the same no matter where you’re working, each company and team will have its own personality and system for how it functions. Don’t decide that one career is not for you just because you don’t gel with one particular workplace. You have the potential to be a valuable member of the right team.
Understand Your Environment
When it comes to work, we don’t always have a whole lot of control over our environment but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find ways to make your workspace functional for you. If you’re someone who needs to be able to have your own quiet space, find ways to make your office, cubicle, or area as calming as possible. This might mean bringing in some noise-cancelling headphones or exploring the area around your work where you can take a walk to get away from stress when it does arise.
Don’t Keep Your Mental Health a Secret
One of the greatest reasons that a person’s mental health can get in the way of their success at work is because they feel that they have to keep their condition a secret from their boss, team and the company that they work for. But, this might cause you to take more days away from work and could compromise your ability to do your best when you are present.
There are many workplaces that are now offering a wealth of different resources when it comes to helping their employees cope with mental health issues. But, you can’t take advantage of these opportunities if you don’t tell the truth. You might find that the company that you work for is not only there to help you through difficult times, but will also make the effort to train others about mental illnesses, helping to reduce the stigma that is still surrounding mental health.
