What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.
Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.
If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work
01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles
02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression
03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process
03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again
04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis
04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly
05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent
06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work
07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10%
07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations
08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety
09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover
09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care
10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility
11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough
12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance
13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health
14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation
15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery
17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change
18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragement
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
