Karren Brady’s career advice for a worker suffering from depression and a boss making snide comments

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions and meets an inspirational CEO.

Here she gives a reader advice on how to be a good manager for their team.

Q) Recently, I was diagnosed with depression and I’ve started taking medication.

I’ve had a few days off work over the past few months, as I haven’t felt able to go in – my job is in a warehouse, so working from home isn’t an option – but now my boss has started making snide comments to me when I do go in.

Plus, when I text her to say I’m not able to work, she sends me one-word replies and never asks how I am.

I’m uncomfortable telling her too much about my illness, and the stress of how she is treating me is making me feel even worse.

Do you have any advice?

Cate, via email

Karren says: I am sorry to hear about your struggle with depression, but it is great you have sought professional help.

Ask your GP for a doctor’s note explaining your diagnosis and the need for occasional time off.

While you don’t feel comfortable talking to your manager about your illness, the note can provide legitimacy to your situation and potentially improve their understanding.

Mental health assistance is now a priority for many businesses, so your company should have a support plan in place.

Speak to your HR department to discuss how they can best support you, including changes that could be made to your responsibilities, your working hours and time off for medical appointments.

The priority here is your health, and you deserve understanding and support.

If the situation continues to escalate, you might want to consult with a legal professional, such as Citizens Advice.

In the meantime, keep taking your medication, attend therapy if recommended, and engage in activities outside of work that help your mental health.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk