What Do I Do If My Workplace Doesn’t Take Mental Health Seriously?
Let’s talk about something that’s unfortunately still way too common: working somewhere that just… doesn’t get it when it comes to mental health.
Maybe you’ve tried bringing up burnout or stress, and you were met with awkward silence—or worse, eye-rolls. Maybe your boss thinks “self-care” is just a weekend spa day, and “mental health days” are for people who aren’t cut out for the job. Whatever the case, it’s hard. Really hard.
So what can you actually do when your workplace doesn’t take mental health seriously? Here’s what’s helped me (and others I’ve talked to) navigate this kind of environment.
1. Start by validating your own experience
First off, if you’re feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or unsupported at work, you’re not being dramatic. You’re being human. Mental health at work matters just as much as physical health does, and if your workplace isn’t acknowledging that, it’s not a reflection of your weakness—it’s a gap in their leadership.
Trust what you’re feeling. You don’t need permission to prioritize your wellbeing.
2. Document what’s happening
I know this sounds super formal, but keeping a record can be really empowering. Whether it's being denied time off when you're clearly burned out, or feeling unsafe opening up about stress or anxiety, write it down. Keep emails, jot down notes, or start a private doc.
This isn't about being dramatic or gearing up for a legal battle (though in some cases, documentation can help with that too). It's about getting clear on what’s going on—so you’re not gaslighting yourself later.
3. Find your people (even if it’s not your manager)
Even in the most toxic workplaces, there’s usually at least one person who gets it. Someone you can talk to openly, or who’ll say, “Hey, take the afternoon off, I’ve got you.” If you can find a coworker or two who cares about mental health, that solidarity can be a game-changer.
And if you can’t find that at work? Find it outside of work. Online communities, friends, support groups—just knowing you’re not alone can be everything.
4. Take care of yourself inside the system—even if the system isn’t built for it
This part’s tricky, I won’t lie. But sometimes the best thing you can do is protect your energy. That might look like:
Taking your lunch break away from your desk, no matter how “busy” it feels
Saying no without over-explaining
Logging off at a reasonable hour, even if the culture glorifies late nights
Using your PTO (yes, all of it) without guilt
In short: draw your boundaries and honor them, even if no one else is doing the same.
5. Ask for change—but pick your moment
If you feel safe doing so, consider raising the topic of mental health support with HR or leadership. You don’t have to come in hot—sometimes starting with a question like, “Has the company ever thought about mental health training for managers?” can open a door.
But also: you don’t owe your workplace a crusade. If advocating for change is going to drain you or put your job at risk, it’s okay to skip it. You’re not responsible for fixing a broken culture.
6. Make a plan to leave (if you need to)
If the culture is toxic, if leadership just doesn’t care, if it’s starting to mess with your mental health in a real way—it might be time to start looking elsewhere. And that’s not failure. That’s you protecting your peace.
A job should never cost you your health. Period.
Start slow if you need to. Update your resume. Reach out to old coworkers. Look into companies that do care about mental health at work. You deserve better.
7. Remember: your mental health is valid. Always.
The hard truth is that not every workplace is going to be supportive. But the good news is—you’re not stuck. There are workplaces that genuinely prioritize mental health, where you don’t have to suffer in silence or power through until burnout.
Until then, take care of you. Because you matter. And your mental health matters too.
Working in a place that doesn’t take mental health seriously can feel isolating and exhausting. But you’re not powerless. Whether it’s setting boundaries, finding allies, documenting what’s happening, or even making a plan to leave—there are ways to take your power back.
If this hit close to home, you’re not alone. We’re having these conversations at inbloomproject.com because they need to be had. Share this post with someone who needs to hear it. Or, drop us a message—we want to hear your story.
And if your workplace won’t take your mental health seriously, just know: we will.