Hi, my name is Beam_Flower23! Being affected by discrimination

Beam_Flower23

Hello,

I am exhausted from struggling to get support at work for my mental health. I am also being affected by discrimination, and I feel like giving up. Working helps me get out of the house, but when I face stress at work, it affects my personal life.

Alex_Alumni

Hello @Beam_Flower23 and thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you're going through a tough time at the minute.

I'm sorry to hear what's been happening at work, it's easy to understand that it's having a negative impact on your mental health. 

It would be helpful to know a bit more context, so can I ask if you've raised these issues with anyone at work, or if you have an HR department? 

Scope has some excellent advice on what to do when you face discrimination at work, and I'd also encourage you to contact ACAS for support.

Are you being supported outside of work with your mental health at the moment?

Let us know if we can help support you further, I've just moved your post over into our work & employment category, so it's easier for members to share their thoughts.

Beam_Flower23

Hi Alex_Scope,

I had an Occupational Therapist meeting last year, and they recommended putting a 'reasonable adjustment' in place. I learned last week that none of the leadership team or HR had read the report, even though they initially referred me because of my absence levels. Recently, one of the line managers started to pressure me to do tasks that were clearly stated in the report for me to be exempt from. I asked them to set up a meeting where I reminded them of the information. Finally, they agreed to support me. But because of the ongoing pressure from my line manager, I feel it is discrimination, and it has affected my mental health to the point of dreading going to work every day. 

I feel the line manager discriminates and I fear she will find some other way to knock me down. 

Alex_Alumni

Hello @Beam_Flower23 thanks for explaining, that's very helpful to know. 

The fact they've agreed to support is positive, but if you're still facing negative attitudes then this needs to be addressed.

Do you have any complaint or grievance procedures where you work that you could talk about with HR? If your line manager is making you feel uncomfortable it's definitely worth raising with HR or a trusted colleague. 

If you feel you need to escalate things beyond your employers, I'd encourage you to contact ACAS for additional support.