What would you do? Concerning work/depression

awkstalks

First a bit of background. I'm a guy in my mid thirties. I've been suffering from depression for over 4 years now. 2 years it got so bad that I started taking anti depressants. I've twice increased my dosage since then to get it to an effective level.

The main side affect of the anti depressants is brain fog, it can be quite bad at times. Issues with concentration, memory, overwhelmed by fairly straightforward tasks etc. Things that were a breeze to me in the past are now a lot more difficult.

I work in the IT industry and this has been affecting my work, the standard has been gradually slipping as my brain fog worsened. Its now at the stage where my team leader is starting to have to call me on things, silly mistakes, delays etc.

I'm at the stage where I'm thinking, do I tell him about my situation, the depression, the anti depressants, the brain fog? I'm not looking for sympathy or a free pass, I just want them to know that I'm aware the standard has dropped and its not because I don't care about or value my job.

I'm just concerned about any knock on effects this could have. I dont know how they will react to this? What if they decide that I'm a liability, or that I'm not a good fit for the team anymore, or a dead weight, and try to offload me? I was the victim of constructive dismissal in a previous job years before, and wouldn't like to be creatively encouraged to leave by superiors who may decide I'm no longer worth the hassle.

Hannibal_Smith

It might be worth talking to the team lead, or whoever is your manager and explaining your situation. The thing is I'm not sure I'd be walking in and admitting the performance has dropped. Maybe go back to your gp, or whoever prescribed the medication and talk to them about the sise effects. Ask them whether a prescription change is possible. If not there maybe techniques they can come up with to tackle it. I get brain fog and I now have a diary for myself of tasks to do that day. I make a note of anything i need to plan forward for a futuŕe date. Maybe something like that might work for you.

That way you could say to your manager that your doctor has prescribed medication to you and you're feeling some side effects, but you're working with them in trying to resolve it.

Purple Mountain

LIke Hanibal, I have suffered with brain fog, a result of the onset of the start of menopause. Blasted hormones!

I used to be able to wing so much in my life, especially in work. I'd make a mental note at 9am of something to do and at 5pm, I'd recall it no problem.

It really frustrated me when that ability started slipping. But I made the same changes as H. Sticky note pads are my new friend- be sure and mark things off as you do them- this gives you reassurance and satisfaction. My diary is used for reminders for everything past today's immediate tasks.

I definitely agree with H. I'd chat to the Dr first and see if there is any tweak that can be made safely with the medication. Maybe even a dosage change or switch to another brand.

Don't be hard on yourself. You'd be surprised the amount of people who admit to this and especially after having Covid.

Sonic the Shaghog

Ok so I'm off the pills and doing well and never had brain fog, however this may help I'll throw it out.

Where I am now there's a load of little tasks to do that no one can keep track so I made a little list I checkoff and it's taken so much stress off.

With your IT role is a lot of the stuff you are missing something you could checkoff or is it kinda different stuff you might not be able plan a list for

Wanderer78

op is a couple of weeks old but definitely open communications with employer, some are fantastic in regards mental health issues, and consider therapy, as medication can only go so far, when theres more fundamental issues causing the mental health issues….

Pauliedragon

Op I take meds for epilepsy which sometimes gives me the same side affects as you. As regarding the company I was told by a solicitar that unless I operate heavy machinery, heights or similar the company has to treat me as they do any other employee.

Maxface

Would def let them know. Better to be upfront about it, better for both.

HildaOgdenx

Mod - As the OP has not returned to the thread for some time, I will close it at this point. OP, if you would like it to be reopened, at any time in the future, drop a PM to me or any of the PI mods.

Thanks all who took time to give advice.