Finding Your Voice: How to Talk About Mental Health at Work

It takes guts to even ask this question, let alone act on it. If you've been sitting with something heavy and wondering whether it's safe to say anything at work, you're not alone, and the fact that you're thinking about it carefully is already a sign of good instincts.

This question was answered by Dr. Aileen Alegado, registered clinical psychologist and Director of Mindset Consulting, a boutique Sydney-based practice specialising in corporate professionals, executives and high performers. Aileen brings over 15 years of clinical experience to this conversation, and she knows this territory well. The host of Asking For A Friend guided the discussion with warmth and practical curiosity, helping draw out the kind of grounded, real-world advice that actually helps.

Yes, There Are Risks, and That's Worth Acknowledging

Aileen doesn't sugarcoat it. There are real implications to disclosing your mental health at work, and pretending otherwise would be doing you a disservice. But, as she points out, smart leadership and good management recognise that looking after employee wellbeing is actually in their favour. The culture is shifting, even if it hasn't shifted everywhere yet.

Start Small: Test the Waters Before You Dive In

One of the most reassuring things Aileen says is this: "When you open the door and walk through that door, you don't have to go all the way." You don't have to march straight to HR. Start with people in your close circle at work, peers who feel safe, people you already trust a little. Bit by bit, you build a picture of what's possible and who's genuinely in your corner.

You Stay in Control of What You Share

This is important. Aileen is clear that disclosures are still within your control. You set the boundaries. You decide how much to say and to whom. Nothing about starting this conversation means you've handed over the whole story. That sense of agency matters, especially when you're already feeling stretched.

Get Clear on What You Actually Need

Here's where language becomes your friend. Before you say anything, Aileen suggests asking yourself: what outcome do I need or want from this conversation? Because, as she explains, the answer shapes everything. Are you asking for a deadline extension? Some relief on your workload? An afternoon free each week to see your therapist? "All of those things are valid," she says, "but they require very different types of conversation." Knowing what you're asking for helps you say it clearly, and it helps the other person actually help you.

Go In With a Problem and a Direction

The host adds something worth holding onto here: going to a manager with just a problem tends to create more problems. But going in with a problem and some sense of what you're looking for, even if it's not a perfect solution, shows you've thought it through. It gives the conversation somewhere to go, and it helps the other person understand where you're coming from.

Finding Allies Makes It Easier

Chances are, someone at your workplace has already navigated something like this. The host gently points out that finding those people, the ones who've already opened that door, can make the whole thing feel a lot less daunting. You don't have to be the first. You just have to find the ones who went before you.

Talking about your mental health at work is a big deal, and it's okay to treat it that way. You don't have to do it all at once, you don't have to tell everyone, and you don't have to have it perfectly figured out before you say a word. Start where it feels safest, know what you need, and go bit by bit. That's not timid, that's wise.

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