Breaking barriers at work: How I thrive with a disability

Guest blog by Tom Croghan

I work remotely as Head of Bids at Medigold Health, a role that demands focus, strategy, and clear communication. I lead a team, manage deadlines, and handle complex proposals. What does not appear on my CV is that I also live with a disability – Major Depressive Disorder.

I used to think that powering through was the answer, that if I just worked harder, I’d eventually feel “normal”. Like many people with invisible conditions, I became good at hiding it. I would attend meetings with a smile while fighting depressive episodes in silence. It was draining and unsustainable. Eventually I realised that pretending was helping no one, least of all me.

Getting a diagnosis was a turning point. It gave me a language for what I had been experiencing for years. I understood then that my brain works differently, and that this is a health condition, not a character flaw. Accepting it as a disability took longer, because mental health is still surrounded by stigma. It is not always visible, and that makes it harder for people to understand. But make no mistake, it can be just as disabling as any physical condition. Before treatment, my symptoms were unpredictable and intrusive. I would lose entire weeks. Now, I can trust that most days I will have the clarity and energy I need to do my job well. When flare-ups do come, they are shorter and less severe, and I know how to manage them. I cannot overstate what a shift that has been for my personal and professional life.

In addition to the benefits of being properly medicated, I have been able to thrive at work because I am in a role and at a company that understands the value of flexibility. Working remotely suits me. It gives me the space to manage my day in a way that supports my wellbeing. I can build a routine that works for me, with time to focus, recharge and reset when needed. I have learnt what my good days look like, and what my warning signs are, and I plan accordingly. The culture at Medigold has made a huge difference. I have never felt judged or overlooked by any manager here because of my condition. When I have needed space or adjustments, those conversations have been met with understanding. That kind of support is not just nice to have, it is essential. It is the difference between surviving and succeeding.