Should I report my mental health issues?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

You are not alone, my friend.

I'm sorry to hear you're having mental health issues. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), millions are affected by mental health issues in the U.S. every year. The prevalence is 21% of adults. 

Nurses at Risk

Nurses are at risk for emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression and PTSD. I've worked with nurses who have eating disorders, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and other mental health disorders. 

There are many nurses with mental health disorders who are treated with medication and practice successfully. Chances are one or more of your colleagues has or has had a mental health disorder.

Disclosing to Current Employer

Can you do your job? If your medical condition does not affect your performance, you do not need to disclose to your employer unless you are asking for an accommodation. You have a right to privacy.

Disclosing on Job Application

When applying for a job, you may be asked "Do you have or have you ever had or been diagnosed with a mental, physical, or emotional disorder that may affect your ability to practice safely as a nurse?" You are legally protected by saying "No".

You do not have to disclose your medical history on a job application unless you are requesting  a job accommodation.

Organizations should only be concerned about conditions that currently affect one's ability to do the job. Under the American Disability Act (ADA), you have a right to privacy.

The ADA covers such illnesses as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.

Disclosing on BON Application

It is controversial whether BONs have the right to ask the question and whether it violates ADA law. Accordingly, some BONs have changed their wording to comply with ADA , but not all.

Therefore, according to Nancy Brent MS, JD, RN, when applying for licensure, say if you were to practice in another state, you should be forthcoming.

Stigma

Mental health conditions are not a moral deficiency, they are neurological brain disorders.  My husband and I learned a lot first hand when our daughter was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. She is my hero. She is brave and kinder than most people I know. Thankfully, her medication adherence, a loving support system, and education  help her live her best life independently.

People who say you should "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" to someone who is depressed would never think of saying that to someone with a broken leg. It's just a lack of education. Even some churches to this day view mental disorders as a spiritual problem and discourage medication. Mental health disorders are not a spiritual problem any more than diabetes is a spiritual problem. Both need diagnosis and medical treatment.

Self-Care

Have you seen your provider for a diagnosis and treatment? You need a diagnosis and treatment from your healthcare provider. Follow your treatment plan, monitor your sleep patterns and use your support system. Trouble sleeping is often a red flag. 

 If you are unable to do your job, consider having your doctor take you off work on a medical leave of absence. In 2021 and 2022 there is an increase in nurses taking medical leave due to stress and mental health disorders. 

Most employers have an Employee Assistance Program that includes employee counseling. Take advantage if you do.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is an excellent resource for families of those suffering from mental health disorders.

Hope this helps. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

References/Resources

Havaei F, Ma A, Staempfli S, MacPhee M. Nurses' Workplace Conditions Impacting Their Mental Health during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9(1):84. Published 2021 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/healthcare9010084

https://www.boardvitals.com/blog/disclosing-mental-illness-nurse/

RN Concerned About Disclosing Psychiatric Condition to Board