Workplace Sensitivity – Dealing with Crazy People

At some point in time we all have a co-worker we don’t like. In my experience, the personality conflict usually revolves around work ethic. I have a difficult time accepting that some people do not work the same way as I do. Sometimes there’s a legitimate medical reason your co-worker seems to be having trouble – mental illness.

I have major depression with general anxiety disorder and have been medicated and stable for over 15 years. I get indignant and tend to think, “If I can handle it everyone else should be able to step up and handle it.” It is the frustration over not having any control of the situation coming out in me. I want my co-workers to be just as successful as I am in dealing with their illness.

Attention Deficit Disorder and depression are great at interrupting a person’s work flow. I know mental illness is a personal experience that is different for everyone but I can’t help but get angry when I see someone succumbing to their condition. My solution is to be open and honest about my condition in hope that I can be a resource for others. By understanding the issues an individual deals with we can get along better at work. Try to give your co-workers the support they need during tough times. It’s a favor that will most certainly be repaid.

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