The best way to understand mental health conditions as disabilities and the struggles and and sigma sufferers face in today's society is to listen to the experiences of those affected
Tatyana's Story
Tatyana, 18, started working at a popular fast food chain when she 16. Throughout that time she struggled with severe anxiety and depression but for the most part enjoyed the work and the management were aware of her disability. The atmosphere of the workplace made her feel as though her mental health was an inconvenience for her employer. Earlier this year Tatyana was triggered during a shift at work. She became very distressed and left her work station as she was visibly upset and unable to focus. Whilst sobbing she repeatedly pleaded with various members of management, begging them to let her go home as she knew she was unable to work in that emotional state. But it was lunchtime. They were short staffed. So no, no she couldn’t go home. This in turn made her increasingly distressed especially seeing as her job required her to work with the public in a high pressure, fast paced environment. It was only when she was forced to disclose she was planning on ending her life in five hours once her shift was over that they allowed her to go home.
Trigger warning: reference to suicidal thoughts
​
​
This experience made her feel guilty, humiliated and inadequate for suffering from her mental illnesses and made her feel anxious about returning to work for fear she could be placed in a similar situation. No one should feel this way. If you can’t work, you can’t work. Tatyana took steps to try and help herself in the difficult situation she was in, which in itself is an action that should be applauded, but her employers put their targets before her well-being forcing her into an unsafe situation. She has since been unable to return to work
Under the 2010 Equality Act Tatyana's employers should have acted differently. They should have recognised her disability and allowed her to go home. This would have prevented her from getting worse and being unable to return to work.