The workplace that does not know

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Some people carry a great deal at work while appearing capable to everyone around them. They may meet deadlines, attend meetings and keep going while privately dealing with poor sleep, fear, intrusive memories, panic, numbness, concentration changes, grief, physical symptoms or another form of distress. A workplace may not know what is happening, but a blog cannot decide that the person has PTSD, explain why the difficulty developed or predict how an employer will respond. Work can bring specific pressures. There may be a meeting room that feels difficult, a colleague whose tone is unsettling, a commute that has become exhausting, a need for time away from a desk, or a worry that disclosure will change how others see the person. These experiences deserve consideration, but the right response depends on individual circumstances, workplace policies, safety, health and the person’s own priorities. Choosing whether to tell an employer, manager or colleague about mental health is personal. This page is not legal, employment or HR advice, and it cannot say whether someone has a right to a particular adjustment or what an employer must do. A person may wish to seek advice from an appropriate workplace representative, HR professional, union, adviser or legal source before making a decision. An assessment can explore what is happening now, what feels unsafe or unsustainable, how symptoms affect work and what support is already available. It can also consider whether CBT is appropriate, whether another form of support or a medical review is needed, and whether practical changes need discussion elsewhere. Therapy is not a substitute for emergency, safeguarding, medical or employment support. If someone is being threatened, controlled, harassed or harmed at work, their safety needs attention. If they are at immediate risk of harm or cannot keep themselves safe, they should call 999, attend A&E or contact urgent crisis support. When CBT is appropriate, work may focus on understanding patterns of thoughts, emotions, body responses and behaviour, with goals set collaboratively. It should not require a person to disclose to their employer, revisit difficult experiences alone or use a strategy that compromises their safety or livelihood. Progress and workplace decisions are reviewed in context, not promised in advance. For related information, read about <a href="/therapy/ptsd/">CBT for PTSD and trauma related difficulties</a> and the <a href="/guides/ptsd comprehensive guide/">PTSD clinical guide</a>. The Lyceum Clinic offers assessment led CBT online and in West London, and a first conversation can help clarify what support may be appropriate.