Got told at work I need to compartmentalise my mental health, emotions and anxieties .... how when ocd is so consuming? Feels like I’m been beaten down by real life as well.

Now I’m playing what she said over and over

I hope I’m not misinterpreting things, but that seems like a bit of an inappropriate comment for your boss to make

I’m in the UK, but there’s similar legislation in place. Thanks for your advice, it just all got a bit much and the idea that I could switch it off because I was at work seemed offensive. Thanks everyone for the support

Who told you that? Your boss?

Yes

Has she ever supported you?

Absolutely Francis. Totally inappropriate.

She knows about my “issues” and has had some mental health problems herself, so we used to talk openly about it. It seems her other management colleagues have said this isn’t appropriate and I should be more professional and focussed. Admittedly I’ve cried and panicked at work a couple of times recently, but I’m doing my very best to remain upbeat and work hard. Also I have to move some hours around therapy, which she was not pleased about..

Sounds like a catch 23 -the important thing is to remember the things that will remain important things after it’s all over -

Are you in the USA? Look into the Americans with Disabilities Act. I’m pretty sure Ocd is considered a disability and you have protections and rights including a right to a reasonable accommodation. I studied hr in college and really would recommend documenting comments like this (time and date) in case it gets worse.

It sounds like she is under pressure from others and that has led her to make this comment. Going by what you have said, perhaps you have the kind of relationship where this could be discussed when the dust has settled? If she has her own mental health problems then she will maybe reflect and see that it wasn’t appropriate to suggest ‘compartmentalising’, whatever that means. Only you know your boss and whether you can discuss this quietly with her, or whether it needs to be more businesslike from now on.