By Maggie Mortali, MPH, CEO of NAMI-NYC and Jennifer Da Silva, MPA, Director of Marketing and Communications of NAMI-NYC
Seventy-four percent of surveyed U.S. employees say they feel comfortable talking about mental health at work. That comfort often changes when mental health impacts job performance or leads to time away from work entirely. In fact, only 58% of employees say they would share personal mental health challenges with their employer.
If you’ve experienced a psychiatric hospitalization, whether due to a suicide attempt or another mental health crisis, returning to your job can feel daunting. You may want to resume your routine but question whether you can manage the stress. You might worry about what to say to colleagues, or how to approach your manager about the support you need. These uncertainties are real, but you are not alone.
Here are some strategies to help you transition back to work with confidence and care.
Know your rights in the workplace. Work closely with your mental health care team, including therapist, psychiatrist, and case worker, to evaluate your daily schedule and responsibilities and what adjustments might be helpful. In the U.S. under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your employer must provide reasonable accommodations, such as flexible scheduling, additional breaks, or access to a quiet workspace. Your Human Resources department can guide you through the process. Resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides examples of accommodations, ranging from modified work hours to task reassignments.
Share at your comfort level. In the workplace, you are not required to disclose your diagnosis. With colleagues, you can keep it simple: “I was dealing with a health issue and needed some time,” or “I’d rather not talk about it.” Depending on your workplace culture, you may or may not choose to share more details. Explore internal supports such as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and mental health benefits, and remember there are community-based supports, like NAMI-NYC programs, where you can connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
Continue asking for support. Reintegration doesn’t end on your first day back. Sustaining a healthy work-life balance requires ongoing support. Ideally, you have a manager you can check in with regularly on your successes, challenges, and how they can support you. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Accommodations can be requested at any time.
Prioritize your recovery. Nearly 70% of people discharged from an emergency department after a suicide attempt never begin outpatient mental health care. Make it a priority to stay connected with treatment and invest in daily self-compassion. Lean into mindfulness practices, social activities, and hobbies that bring you joy. Participate in programs like NAMI-NYC’s Peer-to-Peer class, which offers education, coping skills, and connection. Research shows peer-based support such as this is associated with a reduction in risk of psychiatric hospitalization by 14%.
Lean on your strengths. Your experience can become a source of healing for you and for others. Some workplaces encourage employees to share their mental health stories; others may not. Regardless, communities exist where your story can inspire others. With art, music, storytelling, or day-to-day informal conversations, you can bring inspiration and encouragement to others going through similar lived experiences. Sharing your journey, when you are ready, can help you heal personally, as well as show others that when you reach out for help, healing is not only possible, but also common.
Returning to work after a psychiatric hospitalization is a significant step, one that demonstrates courage. With the right resources, self-compassion, and strategies, you can thrive personally and professionally.
For any mental health questions or resources, reach out to NAMI-NYC’s Helpline by phone/text, email, or chat: naminyc.org/helpline. For employers looking to better support their teams through mental health challenges or crises, learn more at naminyc.org/workplace.