How to Disclose Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Work

How to Disclose Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Work GAD Coping Print How to Disclose Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Work By William Meek Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 29, 2020 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children J.A. Bracchi / Stone / Getty Images Going to work is part of daily life for most people in the world. A job can provide meaning, importance, and the opportunity to have a desirable standard of living. However, experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can make productive work extremely difficult. Being successful and satisfied in your career is a key reason to manage the disorder, but choosing to disclose your GAD diagnosis to your boss or coworkers can be tricky. Heres what you need to know to navigate that decision. Deciding When to Disclose Making the decision to talk to your employer about GAD can be quite stressful and anxiety-provoking. The first step is figuring out why to discloseâ€"and when. Taking a realistic look at how well you are functioning, how much the disorder is affecting your productivity and completion of job responsibilities, and what you would hope to gain by telling someone, are all key factors to consider. If its affecting your work, you may decide to disclose a GAD diagnosis to your employer when asking about accommodations or assistance. Research Employer Policies Next, become familiar with company policies and accommodations for employees with psychiatric diagnoses. Most workplaces have some policies in place for medical conditions and other life circumstances that may affect employees, so doing your homework first can make it easier to navigate this process. Furthermore, you should gauge how much the disclosure would affect your standing with your company. If you are in a job where you feel like you may be treated unfairly after disclosure, then weigh this into the decision. Who to Tell at Work Finally, decide who to would talk with. Generally, the two best resources for employees with any type of psychological issue are a disability officer, or someone representing your employee assistance program. If neither of these exists then consider working with your treatment provider to determine the best person to talk with. For more information on this decision, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Your Rights at Work if You Have Depression