Mental Health: Mental Health and Employment - To Mention or Not?

Mental Health and Employment - To Mention or Not?Should you or should you not mention any mental health problems when applying for a job? Will employers sympathize with your health matters or will they look upon them in a negative light?

I strongly believe that certain work can help improve my mental health, so is this something that I should note to the employer or not? Thanks.

Answer by Kaelin J
I would say no unless they ask personally. If you admit to mental health issues you have to admit in some circumstances that you have to take pills which they find you as a liability to the job, I know it's dumb but yeah. If they ask for prescription records then yes tell them you are taking them and why, but if they don't ask, don't tell. You wouldn't drive to the police station and tell the sheriff you have a kilo of coke in the back end of your car voluntarily would you?

Answer by Flutterby
I wouldn't, unless absolutely necessary in the future. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma on mentally ill people, and some others will treat you badly if they know of your problems. From not understanding or fearing what they don't know, I assume. I once made the mistake of telling my employer of my mental health issues, only to have it backfire. Where I thought they would understand and realize this is a medical condition and by no means my fault, they instead told everyone, talked about it behind my back and basically waited for me to lose it constantly. It sucks, but way too many people don't understand that mental illness is not your fault, and doesn't mean that you're going to go crazy and kill everyone. I ended up having to leave that job because I got sick of the whispers and stares from my boss and coworkers. I have since found it best to just not mention it to people that I'm not particularly close to. Unless it's affecting your work performance, chances are that they'll never even know. There is always the chance that your employer will sympathize rather than persecute, but is it worth the risk? Especially when it's not necessary to tell them? This world will be so much better when/if people start to realize the truth about mental illness- that we are suffering and just want to be seen as normal people. I hope this helps.

Give your answer to this question below! Access information and advice on a wide range of mental health issues including conditions and disorders including stress and depression, therapy

---

Orignal From: Mental Health: Mental Health and Employment - To Mention or Not?