Disclosure Stigma & Workplace

DeserveBetter · ‎21-02-2018

Hi everyone. I'm new on here. I have a long term anxiety condition which I take medication and have counselling for. I have been off work a few times over the years because of it. I'm now thinking about trying some possible volunteering (even though I'm quite anxious about it) to try to get some confidence. My question is how do I explain the gap in my CV for the period I've been off work (over 4 years now) or should I disclose my condition? I know I am under no obligation to do so but I'm unsure how to go about explaining what I've been doing since my last job unless I make something up and hope for the best. A family member suggested I talk to my psychologist about whether or not to disclose and ever since they said that I've been feeling confused and worried about what I should do. Anyone been in this situation with some positive feedback that won't freak me out would be very appreciative?

Quercus · ‎21-02-2018

Hi DeserveBetter and good for you for getting back into employment.

I don't think disclosure is a bad thing. A lot of my support network told me to keep my depression quiet when applying for a new job. But I felt differently...

If I'm upfront they are less likely to be angry and feel decieved if I need to access leave.
If I focus on that it is managed and that I have medical support to do so how is that any different from managing diabetes at work?
Isn't it a positive thing that I WANT to work? A good workplace gives you purpose and an outlet and financial independence. I value the opportunity. An employer would be silly to disregard that.
My depression is an ongoing thing. There is no magic cure. So rather than fight it I see it as a health condition I manage. The benefit of having crappy experiences in life I found is I have a heck of a lot more compassion and patience and empathy for others than I did before. Again... A mental illness does not always mean negatives for a workplace.
I don't want to work for someone who has no time for people with a mental illness. So me being upfront means I rule myself out of workplaces that would be toxic for me.

That said I think it depends on the type of job you apply for. If the role has a lot of responsibilities that will be inpacted by absences that sort of job may be a problem.

Volunteer work is a great place to start to gain confidence in yourself. But please don't sell yourself short. Yes the job market is competitive but you also have skills. Maybe consider volunteering for a company and asking if there is the potential for paid work once you are trained.

Good luck and a big cheer to you. I hope you find a role you love.

Nat

DeserveBetter · ‎21-02-2018

Thanks Nat. You make some very good and valid points. I commend you for having the healthy mindset to be open and honest with yourself and others thereby demonstrating that yes it is like any other medical condition which we should not be ashamed of. I've had some bad experiences with past employers exacerbating my anxiety even after they found out about my condition which I guess is why I'm hesitant going forward. Thank you so much for giving me a different perspective to take into consideration. I will think about what sits best with me at this point since I'm only looking at short term voluntary work for a day or two a week so need to weigh up how best to go about applying as even unpaid work they want CVs, interviews etc. Many thanks!

Quercus · ‎21-02-2018

Hi again DeserveBetter,

My pleasure. I'm glad you got something useful out of what I wrote.

Have you looked into something like volunteering on the forums or with BB in general? I just figured if you need someone who is understanding of MI and have had a few hard experiences why not approach organisations that help others in the same postion as you?

All of us here with the badge community champion are volunteers. If it is something you might enjoy it's worth looking into.

Looking forward to hearing how you progress 😊

Nat

blondguy · ‎21-02-2018

Hello DeserveBetter

Good on you for writing such a great thread topic that effects so many people

You are not on your own with this awful disorder.Your post was the same as my own background with people not willing to accept my long term anxiety

'On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in ﬁve men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life' Courtesy of the Beyond Blue Website statistics under Anxiety.

Just as per my experience I find it more comfortable not mentioning my mental health issues unless my anxiety has a direct effect on my job requirements.

Quercus made a great point above in her post about not being ashamed of our disorder which is spot on. In a volunteer role I dont foresee any problems with bringing up basic anxiety as a health issue

Just a thought about your CV if I may....the shorter the better.....One A4 page is ample 🙂

If you have any questions or thoughts I do hope you can post when its convenient for you DB

Great to have you as part of the forum family by the way!

Paul

DeserveBetter · ‎23-02-2018

Thank you Paul for your suggestions. Much appreciated. Are you saying that you choose not to disclose if your condition doesn't interfere with requirements of a role? I guess where I find myself second guessing what to do is if I'm unsure until I commence a voluntary role I really won't know how or if my anxiety will be affected. Also dealing with new people being upfront is a gamble as have no idea where they stand on accepting those with mental health issues. On the one hand I want to gain confidence and try and on the other my anxiety creeps in and starts with all the "what if" questions. Decision making has never been one of my strengths unfortunately and if I'm completely honest I do even if don't like to admit it have shame issues surrounding my condition. I guess like many things there's no black and white answer but lots of grey when it comes to disclosure.

blondguy · ‎23-02-2018

Hi DeserveBetter

Thankyou for posting back

I have been in management (including HR) for a long time. The anxiety was a continual pain for me with my work. If I had to apply for a job now (just for me) I wouldnt bring up anxiety if it didnt effect my job responsibilities

Frequent counseling can provide us with the strength to overcome these application/interview issues

I understand about being in a fog where decision making is concerned

Can I ask if you have been getting some help from your GP ?

You are not alone

Thankyou for being here DB

Paul

DeserveBetter · ‎24-02-2018

Thanks Paul. Yes I'm under the care of a specialist as on meds and I also see a psychologist who I'm keen to catch up with as she's been away for a while. A good talk with her may be just what I need so can't wait until she's available for an appointment. I understand where you're coming from about not disclosing if you think it won't impact on your duties.

quirkywords · ‎24-02-2018

Deserve better,

Nat and Paul gave given helpful advice.

In the end it is how comfortable you feel.

When I was teaching there was a clause that said do you suffer any illness or condition that will affect your work. I always said no because I was medicated and stable.

However now I am my own boss, I am open about my health.

Take care

Quirky

DeserveBetter · ‎01-03-2018

Thanks so much for your suggestions Nat. I bit the bullet and applied for a volunteer role. After discussing with my psychologist and family decided that yes I would disclose that I have a condition. I haven't gone into details but kind of just mentioned it among many other important things I have done and still do. I do have shame issues about it which I wish I didn't but as you said in your initial reply to me if an organisation decides to disregard me because of my condition then I should probably not want to work with those people. Mind you it will be interesting as they state quite clearly in their position description etc that they are an equal opportunity employer so I guess I'll watch this space what happens next. Once again I can't thank you enough for y our advice!!