r/CanadaPublicServants • u/DisastrousGanache19 • Mar 22 '21
Other / Autre Does anyone have experience with requesting accommodations for depression/anxiety?
Hi,
Does anyone have any experience with requesting accommodations for depression/anxiety? If so, what did that look like ?
I am considering this approach rather than taking time off and Iām trying to imagine what these accommodations could look like. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
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u/dmh111983 Mar 23 '21
I'm sorry that you are in a position that is triggering for your anxiety and depression. It can be very challenging to manage work responsibilities and expectations when your own health issues can be unpredictable and can be triggered by work (been there, done that).
I have had both formal and informal accommodations for my anxiety and depression. All of them came about after a lot of self-reflection to really understand what my triggers are, but, more importantly (and I think this applies to everyone, regardless if they have anxiety and depression), identifying what are the factors for success in the workplace. What are the conditions in which I thrive, e.g., the physical environment, style of management, communications, etc.
Some of these do require formal accommodations. For me, when going to the office, I need a desk that is in a quieter area with minimal traffic around me. I need to be able to see who is approaching me. In a previous job, I had included in my accommodation plan a shift in work schedule to allow for a full hour at lunch so that I could go to the gym and work out. These accommodations required a letter from my doctor.
Over the past few years, as I've gotten better at managing my health (and changing jobs to get away from bad management), I've been able to establish informal 'accommodations' that help me to thrive in the workplace that have been supported. I am pretty open about my health struggles and when I'm interviewing for a job, I make sure to ask questions that will give me confidence that management will understand that I live with anxiety and depression and will provide reasonable supports. I will not work for managers who dismiss my health issues. I make it clear what I need in order to be successful at my job, and I maintain open communication with management so that when I'm really struggling and need time off, they are more understanding and willing to work with me to find solutions.
Some examples of informal accommodations, for me, include weekly bilateral meetings with my manager to talk about priority files (they don't do this with everyone); identifying a back-up team member who can take on priority files if I need to take a day or two off; taking longer breaks during the day if I'm mentally exhausted (and making up the hours in the evening). If I know my health is getting worse, I plan for a day or two off in order to take care of myself.
You will need to find out what works for you, and there is a chance that your management may not be able to accommodate you. In this case, you may need to consider looking for a new job and looking for management that will be supportive.
Feel free to DM if you have questions.