#TimeToTalk Special - 7th February 2025
?? Evenbreak celebrate #TimeToTalk Day
Yesterday, Thursday 6th February marked Time to Talk Day, an initiative led by Mind to encourage open conversations about mental health. At Evenbreak, we recognise the power of these conversations in creating inclusive and supportive workplaces, and we’re marking the occasion with a week-long series of impactful content.
For many disabled people, mental health discussions are often intertwined with navigating accessibility barriers, workplace support, and societal attitudes. By taking part in #TimeToTalk, we hope to contribute to a culture where everyone feels enabled to share their experiences.?
In this week's LinkedIn newsletter, we’ve spotlighted two of our team members who want to share their stories. #TimeToTalk?
?? Meet Dayna
1.Introduce yourself
“Hi, I’m Dayna, the Content and Engagement Manager at Evenbreak, and I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I was diagnosed in 2020, but before even visiting my GP, I first came across OCD while browsing The Mind charity website. It was there that I realized how many misconceptions I had about the condition—only to discover that what I had been experiencing all along was, in fact, OCD.”
2. What does #TimeToTalk mean for you in the workplace?
“My OCD isn’t something that simply gets ‘better’—it fluctuates, just like many long-term physical health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to work in an environment where mental health is discussed just as openly as physical health. Days like #TimeToTalk matters because OCD affects every aspect of my life, including work. Having candid conversations about how it impacts me in the workplace is vital. It allows me to collaborate with my manager to put reasonable adjustments in place, ensuring I feel supported and can perform my job to the best of my ability.”?
3. What workplace adjustments or support have made a difference?
“Time has been a vital adjustment for me in managing my OCD in the workplace. Having extra time to complete tasks allows me to work at a pace that accommodates the way my mind works, especially when I’m navigating the complexities of my OCD. This flexibility not only helps with my workload but also allows me the space to manage intrusive thoughts or compulsions without feeling rushed. Additionally, having time off work to attend psychiatric appointments is incredibly important for maintaining my mental health. These appointments help me stay on track, which ultimately allows me to perform at my best when I am working.”
?? Meet Annie
1. Introduce yourself
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“Hi, I’m Annie, one of the Marketing Coordinators at Evenbreak. I was diagnosed autistic in 2021 after years of struggling with anxiety and depression. Before my diagnosis, I struggled a lot with employment. I didn’t understand why I found certain aspects of work so overwhelming or why I was burning out so often. At the time, I didn’t know I was autistic, and I wasn’t aware that I could ask for reasonable adjustments. Now that I understand my needs better, I can advocate for the right support, which has made a huge difference in both my work and mental well-being.”
2. What does #TimeToTalk mean for you in the workplace?
“Mental health impacts every part of life, yet it’s still not taken as seriously as physical health. You wouldn’t be expected to work with a broken leg, so why should struggling with mental health be any different? Being autistic in the workplace can be exhausting - it takes much more effort for us to process information, we don’t filter things out as easily as others, and hyper-focusing can make us forget to take breaks. That’s why it’s crucial for workplaces to take neurodiversity and mental health seriously and show compassion to those who are struggling. #TimeToTalk is a fantastic initiative that encourages open conversations about mental health, helping to create more understanding and supportive work environments.”
3. What workplace adjustments or support have made a difference?
“Working from home has been a game-changer for me - it allows me to control my environment and manage sensory input in a way that works for me. My manager is also mindful of how overwhelming meetings can be, so we keep them under 45 minutes or schedule breaks if they run longer. This helps ensure I can stay engaged without becoming overloaded. Additionally, having flexible working hours means I can structure my day around important mental health appointments, like counselling. These adjustments allow me to work at my best while also taking care of my well-being. Looking back at my struggles before my diagnosis, I now realize how crucial these adjustments are - not just for me, but for anyone who needs them to thrive at work.”
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