Speaking Out: Opening Up About Mental Health at Work

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths... Beautiful people do not just happen.”— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

There’s a quiet pressure that exists in many workplaces. The pressure to appear fine. Capable. Unfazed. Even when internally, you’re not.

Despite growing awareness around mental health, many people still find it daunting to speak up about how they’re really doing. The unspoken rules of professionalism, fear of judgement, and the worry of being perceived as ‘less than’ can make it difficult to share something deeply human: that you’re struggling.

But the truth is, mental health is part of being human. And we carry it with us—into staff meetings, onto the shop floor, into emails, deadlines, lesson plans, and commutes. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Speaking about it, however, can change everything.

Why it matters to speak up

Opening up about your mental health at work is not just about disclosure. It’s about reclaiming agency. It’s about recognising that your emotional wellbeing matters—not just outside of work, but within it too.

When we stay silent, we internalise the idea that what we’re feeling is shameful or inappropriate. But when we speak—even tentatively—we disrupt that narrative. We remind ourselves and others that mental health isn’t a private flaw; it’s a shared reality.

And in doing so, we create space. Space for support, for understanding, for practical adjustments. Space for change.

Finding the right moment

It’s okay if the idea of speaking up feels intimidating. It doesn’t have to be a big announcement or an all-or-nothing conversation. It can start quietly—with someone you trust. A line manager who listens well. A supportive colleague. Someone from HR. You don’t have to share everything. You can begin simply: “Things have been hard lately, and I think it’s affecting how I feel at work.”

You don’t owe anyone a polished explanation. Honesty—gentle, clear, and respectful—is enough.

If it helps, you can plan what you’d like to say. You can choose the time and place that feels safest. You can talk about how your mental health is impacting your work, and what might help. Maybe it’s flexible hours, a lighter workload for a time, or just someone checking in occasionally.

Remember, you’re allowed to ask for support. You’re allowed to be human.

It’s not a one-time thing

Speaking up once doesn’t mean the work is done. Mental health is not linear—it changes, fluctuates, shifts. So it’s worth checking in again. With yourself. With others. Asking: What do I need now? What’s changed? What’s still hard?

And just as importantly, keep taking care of yourself outside of work. Whether it’s walking, reading, resting, eating well, or simply saying no when your cup is empty—these small acts of self-respect add up.

Sometimes, though, self-care isn’t enough on its own. And that’s when reaching out for professional support can make all the difference. Therapy, coaching, or counselling can offer you a space that’s yours—confidential, consistent, and compassionate.

Sharing creates connection

There’s something quietly powerful about honesty. When you speak your truth, you not only release some of the burden—you invite others to do the same.

You become a gentle example: that it’s okay to not be okay. That struggling doesn’t make you weak. That openness is not the opposite of professionalism—it’s a form of courage.

We need more of that in our workplaces. We need real conversations. Not performative well-being posters or vague commitments—but the kind of leadership, at all levels, that starts with “How are you, really?”

A final thought

Mental health is not a side issue. It’s not something you deal with after hours. It’s part of how we show up in the world. And acknowledging it, talking about it, and seeking support when needed—that’s not a weakness. That’s wisdom.

So if you’re struggling right now, don’t wait. Don’t downplay it. Don’t tell yourself to power through.

Find someone you trust. Say something. Start small if you need to—but start.

Because your wellbeing matters. You matter.

And you’re not alone.

If you're working in education and need support, here are some places to begin:

Education Support – 08000 562 561
Samaritans – 116 123 (available 24/7)
Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393
Rethink Mental Illness – 0300 5000 927
Saneline – 0300 304 7000 (4:30–10:30pm)