As a person with a mental illness, what rights do I have at work?
Your right to an accommodation
An accommodation is a support or change to a job that removes barriers for
someone with a disability so that they can do their work better.
You have the right to request an accommodation if you have a disability, including
a psychiatric disability like depression or anxiety. If you're having problems
being effective in your job because of limitations caused by a mental illness
(limitations like fatigue or memory problems), you have the right to request
an accommodation.
Your right to freedom from discrimination
Because of human rights laws, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination
where they work. Mental disorders can be considered a disability under human
rights laws. If you have a psychiatric disability, you're protected from being
discriminated against because of your disability. This includes being passed
over for promotion or excluded from training or project opportunities.
Your right to freedom from harassment
You have a right to be free from harassment where you work. It's against
the law for anyone to harass you, insult you, humiliate you or treat you unfairly
because you have a mental illness.
Your right to privacy
Your mental health is part of your personal medical information and you have
the right to keep it private. You're not required to tell anyone about your
diagnosis. But in some cases, sharing information about your mental illness
can help everyone to understand and support your situation. Only you can decide
whether or not sharing this information feels like the right thing to do.
Additional resources
Frequently Asked Questions on the Duty to Accommodate - Canadian Human
Rights Commission
Canadian Human Rights Act
Office for Disabilities Issues
Mental Health Works
Last Modified Date: May 2006
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