How to Break the News
Be brief. "When I started seeing a therapist once a week, I matter-of-factly told my boss I had something personal to deal with and that occasionally I'd be missing some workday hours," says Lara Dyan Solomon, the 34-year-old cohost of the nationally syndicated radio talk show ChickChat. "Because I was professional with him, he handled the situation professionally, too. He didn't ask a lot of questions."
Be proactive. "Say, 'I have some personal issues, but I want you to know I'm taking care of them,'" says Jackie Townsend, a former management consultant in New York City. "You don't have to talk about your problems, but bosses like to know you are taking action to resolve them." And that you won't let your problems interfere with your work.
"If you are pressed for specific information, reiterate that it is personal," says Fisher. Federal and state employment laws limit what an employer can ask about your health.
Offer to make up lost time by coming in early or leaving later. And follow through.
What Not to Say
Don't ask your boss to be your therapist. "We care about our staff's well-being," says Angel. "But we don't want that role."
"Don't make a bigger deal of the problem than it is," says Anderson. "We all experience difficult times. If you appear overly guarded or defensive, your boss may become more concerned than she needs to be."
