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? asked in HealthMental Health · 2 months ago

Should I talk to my boss about my mental issues?

I am 24, going to college and work a part time job at a local grocery store. I don't make much but enough to handle my living expenses. For most of my life I've had memory issues, but the past few years other mental issues have come up. I have general anxiety disorder, social phobia, and just learned I have ADHD. I have a simple job, literary, just straightening shelves and cleaning, but my anxiety and memory do make it difficult for me. I need to keep this job but I feel like I've been panicking so much, and making so many mistakes at such a simple job I could be let go. My boss and everyone I work with are actually very nice and kind, but my anxiety still makes me panic when interacting with them. Since my diagnosis do you think it would be helpful ifvI told them of my conditions? Not as an excuse, but maybe some suggestive help at work. I don't know. I need to keep this job but I'm so bloody scared and scatter brained at work....

I am awful helping customers too. They simply as where an item is and with my crappy memory I can't remember. It could literary be right in front of me on the eisle I'm working on and I don't know. Or I won't recognize the name of what they're asking for. Even simple things like milk or bread, I have difficulty remembering often. And that makes me panic...

I'm currently looking for therapy outside to help but still curious if I should bring up my troubles with my boss? Thank you.

2 Answers

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  • 2 months ago

    I wouldn't share all of your diagnosis with your boss, that's private medical information, but it might help put your mind at ease if you discussed your job performance. "Am I doing all right?" or "Thank you so much for this job, I hope I haven't let you down" or something like that. You said that everyone is nice and kind. Try to focus on that, on reality, and not on the world of anxiety in your mind. 

    If you have a hard time remembering where things are, when put on the spot, maybe carry a little map of the store with you? Or smile and say "I don't have a very good memory, let me get someone who can help you." Prepare a few plans like this, for dealing with common situations that scare you, and it might help? 

  • 2 months ago

    It depends on what type of person your boss is.  But generally I would say no.  People who haven't experienced depression or anxiety have no way of understanding.

    Go to youtube and search on "mindfulness".  Also search for "anxiety breathing"

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