My boss is dismissive about my mental health triggers. What should I do?

Talking about your mental health can be intimidating to anyone, let alone your boss. I commend you for advocating for yourself! When we receive a negative response it can trigger feelings of anger, betrayal, rejection, abandonment that are rooted in previous negative experiences. Process and reflect on how you are feeling. Have you felt like this before? Does this remind you of a person, place, or time in your life? If so, how can you respond differently this time with your boss?

Having a support system when we are struggling with our mental health is important. Surround yourself with colleagues, friends, family members, loved ones, and/or a mental health professional who will validate your mental health experience. It can also be helpful to frame your boss’ dismissiveness as a reflection of his/her/their own stigma and feelings associated with mental health, rather than a reflection of you. What people say are often a reflection of them and not of you. Your mental health concerns are valid.

Ultimately, people cannot thrive in environments that are not built with their wellbeing as a priority. People do thrive in environments that are built to empower, support, nurture, and uplift. You may be in an environment or maybe even a field or industry that is not suitable for you. If you do have the option to consider other opportunities it may be time to re-evaluate if this is the right fit for you.

Kathryn Lee