Ask HN: Should your boss know about mental issues like depression or ADHD?

It depends on whether your boss is competent or not.

Generally, yes. You should be able to discuss this with your immediate manager and they should (1) understand or (2) educate themselves.

This evening I had a long conversation with a direct report about problems he is having with his girlfriend. It’s impacting his work and his health. I can help him and direct him to additional resources that help him more. It also provides context to the time off he needs.

If you are uncomfortable discussing these kinds of issues with your boss, find a new boss. Understanding you, your motivation and challenges is literally what they are paid for.

contrary to what the `gaspoweredcat` says, and agreeing with others in this post.

I don't have experience with depression personally, but know of other employers who have employees who struggle with depression. Some of these employees are the best in the company, and the employer understands that in order to serve the needs of these employees, this is something that needs to be taken care of.

It's about understanding, and making sure the employer knows what to do to help you be the most productive at work. When you're going through a tough time, what can they do to help?

If your employer doesn't understand, it is possible that they don't value your contributions. And you should want to be contributing.

I'd take that approach.

You are a contributing member to the team, an issue exists, you want to continue to contribute, how can you both work together to make sure it works.

If your employer doesn't appreciate that, maybe you have the wrong employer.

my friend did this at a well known tech company, and they screwed her over in a very bad way

sadly your boss usually isn't your friend, and your boss will talk to other co-workers, and then they may want to get rid of you

i'm sure there are exceptions to this, but you sadly can't bank on that

Maybe if it is a disability and you require something like a service dog in the workplace to cope with it. I know some people with physical problems require special chairs.

I think "should" is a dangerous idea, and when it comes up I look for some other way of framing the question.

It depends.

no, theres no benefit in them knowing as its highly unlikely they will understand