Do I have to declare my mental illness to a future Employer?

Many people with existing mental health problems are reluctant to disclose this information during the hiring process. They fear, often justifiably, that this will reduce their chances of employment. Employers may be less than willing to hire applicants with disclosed problems, because they fear that the employee will be unreliable, or less competent than other applicants. Research indicates that employees with mental health problems are usually willing, conscientious and determined to contribute to their workplace.  If employees feel safe in disclosing during the hiring process, future problems can be avoided, or managed in a rational and considered fashion.

In most cases, you are not required to disclose your mental illness to a future employer. However, there may be situations where it may be beneficial to disclose your condition. If your mental illness may affect your ability to perform your job duties, you may need to disclose your condition to request reasonable accommodations that can help you to perform your job. For instance, if you have anxiety, you may need to ask for more flexible work hours, a private workspace or additional breaks to manage your symptoms. In addition, some employers may have programs or resources available to support employees with mental health issues. If you feel comfortable, you may want to disclose your condition to access these resources.

However, you should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of disclosing your mental illness to an employer. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health conditions still exists in some workplaces, and some employers may hold negative attitudes towards individuals with mental illness. Additionally, disclosing your condition could potentially limit your career opportunities or lead to discrimination. Ultimately, the decision to disclose your mental illness is a personal one that you should make based on your individual circumstances and needs. If you are uncertain about what to do, you may want to consult with a mental health professional or an employment lawyer who can provide guidance and support.

What is Disclosure?

Disclosure is telling your employer about your disability. It is important for individuals to understand that informing an employer about a disability does not mean co-workers will know about it. This is sensitive and confidential information and will always be treated as such. In the context of mental health, disclosure often refers to the decision to share information about your mental health disorder with others. This might include disclosing one's diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, or medication to friends, family, healthcare professionals, or employers. Disclosure can be a complex and challenging decision, as it involves weighing the potential benefits of sharing information against the potential risks and negative consequences. Some people may choose not to disclose their mental health condition due to fear of discrimination, or other negative reactions from others.

However, disclosing your mental health disorder can also have positive outcomes, such as receiving support and understanding from others, accessing appropriate treatment and accommodations, and reducing feelings of shame or isolation.

Ultimately, the decision to disclose one's mental health condition is a personal one that should be made based on individual circumstances and needs. It is important to consider the potential risks and benefits and to seek support and guidance from mental health professionals, trusted friends or family members, or legal experts if needed

What about support?

Think about what support you think you might need to return to work, such as having your Employment Specialist who understands your illness to be able to help advocate for you. You may also like having flexible work hours to attend appointments such as counselling or the opportunity to work part-time. It’s important to remember that the degree of your mental illness determines what’s possible and realistic when considering a return to work. Some people may only need to make small changes, while others may need to have significant workplace adjustments. For example, you may need to arrange for a later start time if you find that medication makes it harder for you to get going in the morning.

How can Work Opportunities help me with maintaining employment?

Our aim is to work towards independence with natural supports in place in your work and home lives. Work Opportunities is a resource to help you reach this goal but working together. When you have secured employment we will discuss your individual support needs with you and your employer. Work Opportunities can identify support for you in the workplace. or work out ways to deal with potentially stressful situations. Support is often what you require to sustain your employment during those times when it becomes more challenging this can be due to work related or external factors. With regular contact with your employment specialist often these challgenges can be discussed and resloved before there is an impact on your health and/or employment with WOT. Your employer may benefit form a greater understanding for your cultural requirements.

Challenges can include:

• Medication changes which may impact on you that could be noticed by your employer or colleagues such as seeming tiered or emotional.

• Changes in personal circumstances resulting in higher stress levels.

• Accomodation and changes in accomodation that can impact on your daily life and employment.

• Colleagues in the work place, some of whom may have their own challenges and by being in regular contract with your employment specialist gives an independent perspective on the situation.

  These challenges may seem scary or too hard to deal with but they are not. We are here to support you with any issues that may arise. You will be getting assistance on an off the job to remain successfully employed. Supported employment means ongoing support.

Tips and Tricks for helping maintain employment

Be positive

• Maintain a positive attitude and ethic to work.
• See yourself as a valued employee.
• View bad days as something that everyone has from time to time.
• Practice good ‘employee attributes’ (listening skills, honesty, organised, happy, optimistic, intelligent, communicative, friendly, respectful).

Be relationship-focussed 

• The relationship between an employee and employer is pivotal to positive and successful employment.
• Be open and honest with your employer.
• Communicate any issues and the support you require to your employer in a timely manner.

Persevere

• Positive and successful employment for most people involves employers that value a friendly, respectful, communicative work environment, with a culture of flexibility, inclusion and diversity. It may take time, effort, trial and error to find, but persevere.

Such employers do exist and it is well worth finding them, in terms of job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. If you would like some advice on disclosure or would just like to chat click the button to contact us!