The document discusses strategies for managing mood disorders in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of identifying symptoms, communication tools, and building a support network. It outlines actions for both employees and employers to support individuals with mood disorders, including setting boundaries and avoiding abusive behaviors. Additionally, it provides recommendations for self-care practices and resources to aid in coping with mood disorders.

1. When Someone at Work
Has a Mood Disorder
Julie Connor, Ed.D.
TED Speaker | Educator | Author
Leadership & Collaboration Consultant

2. Mental Health & Workplace Statistics
• 1 in 5 U.S. adults struggle with mental
disorders every year
• 29% of U.S. adults are diagnosed
with an anxiety disorder [phobias,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD), etc.]
• Mental illness is the leading cause
of workplace absenteeism.

3. • Objective #1: Identify mood
disorder symptoms and triggers
• Objective #2: Discover
communication tools
• Objective #3: Distinguish between (a)
positive support and (b) less effective
behaviors
Objectives

4. • Build a Support Network
• Identify Community Resources
• Use Tools to Plan & Manage Time
• Find a Positive Role Model or Sponsor
• Connect with
Positive People
• Act As If
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

5. SUGGESTED READING:
Anxiety & Panic Attacks: Their Cause & Cure,
(Robert Handly; 1985)
The Language of Letting Go,
(Melody Beattie; 1990)
The Courage to Change (Al-Anon)
Days of Healing, Days of Joy (Ernie Larson,
Hazeldon; 1987)
Guided Meditations (YouTube)
Five Minute Delight: Tiny Meditations to Relax &
De-Stress (Rohini Gupta; 2016)
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

6. Use Positive Communication
Tools
• This is what happened …
• This is how I felt …
• This is what I need …
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

7. • Set Goals / Track Progress / Reward Gains
• Expect Positive Outcomes / Readjust Your Thinking
• Develop Positive Self-Talk
• Exercise / Yoga
• Adjust Diet (Reduce caffeine, sugar, stimulants that
trigger anxiety; alcohol and other depressants)
• Write Positive Affirmations
• Vision Board / Artistic Expression
• Journaling
• Create a Gratitude List (Even if you don’t want to)
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

8. • HALT – hungry, angry, lonely, tired
• Post Positive Quotations / Recovery Slogans
First Things First, Act As If
Feelings Aren’t Facts
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real
Keep It Simple
This Too Shall Pass
• Play & Have Fun
• Calming Music & Relaxation Tools
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

9. • Respect privacy and avoid discussing their diagnosis
in the workplace.
• Report concerns to your employer.
- Be specific
- Describe observable behaviors
- Immediately report intentions
to hurt self or others
• Set appropriate boundaries. Never tolerate abuse.
What EMPLOYEES Should Do

10. • Contact HR or organizational department to share
concerns; create plan
• Discuss concerns with individual per policy
• Offer support & resources within organization and
community.
• Create a plan to meet goals.
• Set appropriate boundaries.
Never tolerate abuse.
What EMPLOYERS Should Do

11. • Establish workplace norms.
• Do not tolerate bullying or abusive behavior.
• Discuss inappropriate behavior with individual or mediator.
Describe the situation, how you feel, and what you need or
want. “When _____ happens, I feel _____. I need _____."
• Use “I” statements
• Ask clarifying questions
• Focus on solutions
• Document and report bullying
to your supervisor.
Set Appropriate Boundaries at Work

12. • Show concern – but avoid over-concern
• Refrain from name-calling or ridicule (i.e:
“hypochondriac”)
• Refrain from diagnosing
• Refrain from offering advice
• Avoid gossip
• Never tolerate abuse
What NOT to Do

13. Communication
• Identify issue
• Create norms
• Establish boundaries
• Ask clarifying questions
• Listen
• Focus on present issue
• Use respectful nonverbal communication

14. When engaging in a
:
• Calm down / Select time to talk
• Use “I “ statements.
When ________ happens, I feel _______.
I need ________.
• Set boundaries.
When ________ happens, I feel _______. I need
_____.
Clarify.
“I heard you say ____. Is that what you meant?”

15. • Keep accurate records
• Track progress
• Break down responsibilities into
chunks (schedule, planner, etc.)
• Conduct follow-up reviews
• Refer to staff and community resources
Document & Report

16. Julie A. Connor, Ed.D.
Speaker / Educator
Collaboration & Leadership Consultant
913-617-9979
julie@drjulieconnor.com
www.DrJulieConnor.com
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