Look, it aint often a Big Brother contestant really makes you think about the big issues.
But former BB housemate Ben Zabel has just got 3 million people talking about mental health in the workplace.
Zabel has just revealed why he lost his job as a flight attendant at Virgin, via a passionate Facebook update that has since been shared thousands of times.
Zabel says the airline let him go because he was struggling with anxiety and depression. He’s at peace with his own condition, but distressed by the way his bosses handled the situation. Doesn’t sound like a lot of tact or compassion was involved in his dismissal.
Here’s what Zabel had to say:
A year ago I was ‘dismissed’ from Virgin Australia as I suffered severe anxiety & depression, & was no longer ‘fit’ to fly I was just 5 months short of 10 years long service, & a free return trip for two, to the USA (taking Mum to Graceland of course!)…
A year later I’m flying weekly with Qantas (ch 9 contract) & being upgraded to business! The lesson to be learned? Never be afraid to ask for help, & never let a ‘stigma’ stop you from giving new things a go! Look how my life has transformed, in part to all your kindness & support. Thank you.
Zabel told News.com.au: “I was dismissed because I wasn’t capable of fulfilling my duties as a flight attendant. I certainly wasn’t fit to fly, it was just the manner in which it happened,” he said.
“I did nine and a half years without a break, continued full time service. I knew that I was entitled to long service leave.”
“I’m sorry it took so long [to share this story], but honestly I was scared of possible threats of legal action (silly I know!), the inevitable backlash from Virgin brand loyalists, people making broad assumptions on what sort of employee I might have been, & just the plain old stigma of mental illness!”
Ben’s just done his part in helping to get rid of that stigma. The fact that so many people liked his Facebook status just proves thousands of other people are ready to join him.
If you would like to speak to someone, you can call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or visit the beyondblue website.
Top Comments
ben you where amazing to work with - and only those who work at virgin really know what middle management is like! good on you for speaking up as i was disgusted at there claim for you while you were in the house and trying to use you while there own gain and publicity and all the so called wannabe best friends milking you for there 5 minutes of fame!! those who knew and cared for you knew the truth! I glad you finally have the life you deserve x
Yes, Virgin probably handled it really badly. Could they not have changed his position in the company?
I hate flying so I can understand him not being able to be a flight attendant - the last thing I want to see is an anxious attendant! But surely he could have been on desk duties