You don't have to go into detail about it but I would definately tell your boss and have a good relationship so the understanding is there. As far as your co-workers, it's non of there business unless there your friend.
Good luck!

I don't hide my depression any more than I would hide an in-growing toenail or a bum knee.

Why should I? I'm sick, and it's not contagious, so what's the problem!

Your depression is no one's business except for those whom you choose to share with. I'd say; dont share with "everyone." Pick and choose, based on those whom you really trust to support you. kind regards.

hi becs, i know what you mean, i had the same issue at my last job. of course you're under no obligation to tell your employer about your medical stuff, that's your business...but it helps, especially if it's gonna interfere with work. your boss'll be more understanding, about both you personally and about your days off. the colleauges, as looloo says, have nothing to do with it. but why should u be ashamed to tell them? if they react weird that's their problem.

I agree with looloo. You dont have to go into any detail. Merely that depression is a chemical imbalance.

yup looloo, i agree!!!!!!!!

i told people at work and i had a very mixed reponse, some people were suppotive and understanding, others bitched behind my back and said i was being melodramatic but on the whole honestly is the best policy. if it really gets on top of me again people will know why. and now i know who my real frienda are...

I work in a situation where there are a lot of gossipy women. I used to hang out with some of them on my own time, and they would see the non-professional sides of me, which includes me being drunk or high. I only talk to this one girl who has bipolar disorder about medications that I am taking only because I don't want that to get around the company. People can always find something to knock you on no matter what it is and I figure that this is one of those "you don't need to know" deals. If it hasn't worked for you in the past to tell others of your problems, see what it's like to keep that skelton in your closet.

Best of luck..

Love,
JW

I don't tell anyone, but I think people would have a fair idea just by the way I act.I'm not as good at 'putting on the act' anymore.

It all depends on how you get on with you'r workmates. I in fact work in the health servise as a nurse, and would never tell most of my workmates about my illness. Although my close friends at work all know, But I know I can trust them not to tell anyone else.It is up to you, no-one else. Hope you make the right decision. XXX

i work for a company thats very understanding about my illness...ive worked for them now for 6yrs.. and in that time i've been of for at least a year {on and of}..they have a great team called the E.H.S...who have given me support over this time....as for my colleagues,well there are a few as in any place that take the piss ..{sorry}..so i only confide with the people that i regard as TRUE friends....as of now iv'e been signed of for nearly 3 weeks {ongoing}..and iv'e received good responses of support by email from these friends...in conclusion..remember thous people...there the one's that matter..and as to the rest..well personally they can go to hell...keep smiling hun.....zd:))xxx

thank you all for your comments and support, i really appreciate it! x

your welcom good luck with your decision!

I work with some great people, been there for nine years, but only one very close friend knows, and I only divulged after knowing her for a couple years

You can have friends at work and love them, but they don't have to know everything

I so not work, so there no need to hide anything. When, I am with people I am open about my depression and anxiety. I don't label my illness, "dark secrets". I also do not hide away miserable. I am blessed that I do not see my illness as the whole me. I am not way an associative person either. I do love short conversations when I am out and about. I like online relationships. My pedaling my bike is a passion of mine. So, you see my illness is not the all of me. I even have a medical condition that is rare and complicated. I am also buddies with my cats. I surely do not use my illness as an excuse to be rude to people. If I catch myself being unkind I make amends quickly. "Sorry" is an empty word without change. I do be kind even though I feel depressed and anxious much of the time. Maybe, it is gratitude not attitude or having the attitude of gratitude. I do not know if this is what you were looking for. I hope it helps some.

RICHARD