Imagine being on the brink of landing your dream job, only to have your past mental health struggles unexpectedly surface. That's precisely what happened to me, and it's a scenario that many individuals with mental health challenges can relate to.
I was almost at the finish line of a job interview, feeling confident, when my potential boss asked a question that caught me off guard. They had discovered an old video of me singing a self-written song during a stay in a psychiatric hospital. And their inquiry was, "Is all of that behind you now?"
But here's the twist: I was in the midst of a deep depressive episode during that very interview. So, I did what many of us do—I lied. I assured them it was all in the past, even though my mental health struggles were very much present.
This is the honesty gap—a place where many professionals with mental health issues find themselves. We downplay our experiences, fearing that revealing the truth might jeopardize our careers. We become masters of creative disclosure, sharing just enough to maintain our work lives while keeping our struggles hidden.
And this is the part most people miss: the cost of pretending. I got the job, but the constant pressure to prove my reliability despite my mental health took a toll. I overworked, fearing that my mental health made me less capable. The irony was that being seen as "high functioning" only pushed me further into a cycle of exceptionalism and burnout.
However, a turning point came when I started experimenting with honesty outside of work. Sharing my experiences in creative outlets became a form of therapy and a gateway to a new approach to my professional life.
I created a podcast about my mental health journey, and its popularity led to an unexpected outcome. Suddenly, my colleagues were aware of my history, and it opened doors to a more honest work environment. But it wasn't easy; saying "I'm struggling right now" is far more challenging than it seems.
The real breakthrough came during a high-pressure project. I found myself in a Zoom meeting, anxiety rising, and I did something unprecedented. I openly admitted that the project was impacting my mental health and that I might need to step back if it worsened. I felt vulnerable, but my boss's response was a relief. She understood and had a backup plan, showing me that honesty could lead to support rather than judgment.
This experience taught me that closing the honesty gap is possible and can lead to healthier work dynamics. It's a journey I'm still on, but it's one that has already shown me the power of authenticity in the workplace.
So, to all managers and colleagues, remember that mental health struggles are often hidden beneath a veil of productivity. Creating a safe space for honesty might just be the key to unlocking your team's full potential.
