Here's the Tip Sheet that Elise mentioned: http://cafetacenter.net/new/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TAC_EmploymentGuide2_Final.pdf

Good point, Ken. I am curious... to everyone... does the phrase "mental health" or even "wellness" need to be mentioned? Everyone, whether they have a mental health diagnosis or not, has bad days, bummer moods, etc. Could a person say, "Wow, I'm feeling really anxious right now..." and that would lead to some conversation that has nothing to do with a person's diagnosis, but just how they're doing in the moment?

https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm

John: agreed.

Does that make sense? Aren't enough people having unwell moments such that mentioning that you're this or that won't mean that you're disclosing that you have a mental health challenge or diagnosis. "I'm really feelng down today." Or, "I am feeling pretty judged and it's making me anxious."

Can I do this job? I am having self doubt. One way to handle this might be having statements that don't betray your mental health challenge but still get it on the table that you need help. For example, "I'm stuck at the moment... I would really like to talk through the next steps. I've got some ideas, but I would value your guidance." Or, "I'm having a sort of writer's block right now... I'm going to need some more time." Or, "I am nervous that I'm not going to meet your expectations... so I'm wondering if we can talk about the approach you'd recommend."

Then... take time to write down the process by which you overcame the self-doubt... put together a personal library of case studies that you can read back through and give yourself confidence.

John: terrific examples, suggestions, reminders. TY.

For me, the idea of a check-in makes it very individualized. Sometimes that's what's needed. On a broader level, you might be able to create a Team Culture Review, or a Team Dynamics Meeting, etc. If I were a manager, I would make it about the culture of our working environment, and as people are comfortable they will "check in" and share what they are ready to share--but at the very least I would be able to talk about team culture without singling anyone out or expecting that anyone share something personal. And then I would add, "If anything from today's team culture chat resonated with you and you'd like to talk one on one, my door is open."