Steve's story

Steve had worked for the same organisation as a journalist for 25 years.

"Work was dominating my every waking minute. Seven-day working weeks and the ever-increasing demands made by a new and aggressive management were a major factor in my increasing distress.

"I was advised by a hospital doctor to 'ease down a little'. But that proved impossible. My immediate superior at work merely noted, 'if you think you've got it bad, then come and sit in my chair for a week. We're all overdoing it.' It was against this background that I contemplated suicide.

"My GP signed me off sick with 'stress and anxiety'. Within a week the editor had contacted me requesting 'a chat'. I was subjected to more than an hour of criticism. The editor queried the GP's assessment of my health, disagreed that my workload was particularly onerous and suggested that other factors may have been to blame for my depression. 'How are things at home?' he asked. I left the room a yet-more-broken man.

"At a later stage, I got legal advice that I had an excellent case to bring against my company under the Disability Discrimination Act. In view of the nature of my illness, I should have been offered the opportunity to undertake lighter duties at work or to work for shorter hours (at a reduced rate of pay, of course) to gauge whether my condition improved."

Learning points:

• Don't assume stress effects everyone equally.
• Make adjustments if a person is stressed.
• 'Chats' should be positive and supportive - exploring the issues and how the employer can help
• Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Other employee case studies

Gary's story
With the support and help of others, Gary has managed to start an interesting and rewarding new career.

Phil's story
Attitudes of managers have made Phil's return to work difficult.

Jenny's story
Jenny's manager and colleagues provide support and understanding.

Claire's story
How Claire and her employer managed her clinical depression in the workplace.

David's story
Managing OCD, anxiety and depression in the workplace.

Maureen's story
Returning to work after mental illness.

Employer case studies

South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust
How a NHS trust worked with a professionally qualified staff member following their diagnosis of bi-polar affective disorder.

AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca uses 'personal MOTs' and an innovative counselling scheme to help promote employee health.

Language and positioning
Looking at three employers:

• Marks and Spencer
• Glaxo Smith Kline
• Augusta Westland