To feel worthless because of my medical condition?

[NooNooHead]

I have a drug induced movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD) which was caused by some antipsychotic drugs I took 2 years ago after a head injury.

I’m starting to think it will hold me back in my job search and getting back into employment. I’ve been unemployed for 3 months, applying for lots of jobs, have had 3 / 4 interviews and haven’t once mentioned my condition to potential employers, but after watching the tv programme ‘Employable Me’, I am scared employers will discriminate against me.

I feel so worthless. I had an excellent career as a journalist and copywriter for a decade before I had my head injury, breakdown and movement disorder. My DB passed away this year too, and I had an ectopic. The best thing to happen to me so far this year is my pregnancy with DC2...

I am trying my utmost to carry on and be strong/positive but am absolutely worried about doing a good job and not being potentially discriminated against by future employers.

I know i’m being a negative Nelly - I just wish I could look past my condition and not worry about what people may or may not think.

You are definitely not worthless.
Apply for jobs you know you can do. They cannot discriminate against you because of their disability. I'm not an employment specialist so please can someone point out OP's rights.
Good luck with finding a great job.

Sorry to hear about everything you're dealing with. Can I just check in case I've misunderstood- are you pregnant at the mo with dc2 or was that the ectopic? I'm assuming the former and if so congratulations. Depending on whether you're showing there is a chance that's a factor but of course discrimination against being pregnant is no better and no real consolation I know. It is tough out there and you're doing well to get that many interviews in a relatively short space of time. Have you got feedback from the interviews which makes you think there may be discrimination i.e. If it doesn't add up to you? Were they private firms or public sector as the latter tends to be better. Actually, isn't there a guaranteed interview for applicants with disabilities in many roles? If that's relevant make sure you're asserting all your rights. Good luck and I really hope you land the right role soon:

Thank you Mike - that is very kind.

I do genuinely feel a lack of self esteem because of it, and used to have social anxiety issues before I had this condition but it has become considerably worse since. I like to think I am employable but it depresses me to see how those amazing and employable people on that tv programme aren’t given a chance - and they only manage to find because they go on a tv programme.

It shouldn’t affect job prospects having a disability or medical condition but it is surprising how it does even in this day and age. Even my own mother thinks my involuntary movements are odd - what on earth does that mean an employer or colleagues may think?!

Thank you Pink this is my third pregnancy as the ectopic was my second, so fingers crossed it all goes ok (I’m 10w5d) and I get to my next scan ok and employers won’t discriminate against that either. 😳🙄

I am trying my best to think positively and not think I am ‘worthless’ but having to keep reminding myself I have something to offer is an ongoing thing I have to make myself do - just to keep my spirits and self esteem up.

I would personally be honest and upfront about it somehow, possibly in a covering letter and just saying you have a facial tick after a historical head injury. Some employers will be fine with it, and at least you won’t waste your time in interview, as I think sadly you will experience discrimination

Sorry you are feeling down. I have a health condition, and was feeling very stressed about the change to my life, so my GP has referred me to a health psychologist. They specialise in how health conditions affect you. It has helped me to look at all of the changes that have come about as a result of my illness - there are positives as well as negatives - I am much healthier for example, because I have started exercising to help my condition.

As for employment, a lot of companies offer guaranteed interviews for people with disabilities (as long as you meet the essential criteria). The NHS/big companies/academic institutions are good for this, even in support roles. Once you are in employment, reasonable adjustments have to be made. Could you look at retraining in a different field? I have decided that a complete change of direction is a good idea, otherwise I would probably dwell on what I can't do, rather than what I can.