Dont know what to say on job application form about mental health....

[naswm]

I havent applied for a job in years.

What on earth do I put in the box 'give details of any serious illness in the last 5 years'?

Not sure 'frequently suicidal addict with personality disorders' is the going to get me the job...

When I got my first teaching job after my ilness I put it down as post natal depression and then was willing to elaborate at interview.

After that I put depression and have explained how it is managed and it does not seriously impact my job.

You don't have to disclose, but they may be more willing to help (ie if you need time off etc in the future)if you do

I get protection under the DDA, this means that I am not subject to the same absence monitoring as others, although I am rarely absent. In theory my workload needs to be such that I do not have to work weekends. In practice it is not that easy but if things get on top of me I get help or extra time.

thank you for the replies. Twinset, it sounds like you did the sensible thing and are fairly treated.

I dont have a diagnosis of depression. And my mental health problems are not 'managed' so to speak.

I am feeling more and more like this is not going to work

Not sure that get me the job though Kerry although it is very tempting (thanks for your support on the Archer thread the other day (yes that was me) it was much appreciated)

the inquiry

It is nerve racking. I work in the public sector who perhaps are more tolerant. I also had done some voluntary work and casual work to show that I was reliable. When I eventually returned to teaching I worked in a school that most teachers would not choose to work in. I earnt my stripes by staying a few years and getting promoted. I am now confident that any school would give me a job regardeless of my medical history. I do take real care though not to have time off unless I am at deaths door.

That's ok Kerry, I was being deliberately vague lol

Twinset, sounds lke you have earnt your position, well done.

I am feelin very despondent about this application atm

You have nothing to loose by applying, I can remember after getting my job that a few months later human resources asked to see all of my medical records. I was certain they were going to get rid of me. I refused but said I was happy to have a medical or be observed by my line manager and they backed down . The longer you leave it the harder it will be.

If you have no diagnosis and are on in the system there is no reason you should disclose IMO

what do I write tho? I cant say depression cos that isnt true

My dx is multiple personality disorders, and I am an addict.

I know I am employable, but I dont know how to demonstrate that to someone who doenst know me

That is a good point actually MP. I really had to diclose as I had been hospitalised and it was a good job I did disclose as I had a little meltdown the other year and needed some time.

mp we crossed posts - I do have a diagnosis unfortunately. What do you mean by 'on in the system'? thanks

An addict to what?

As MP says if you have no diagnoses there is nothing to declare.

Sorry seen you OP, ignore my last question, very insensitive.

I have been in hospital too, so do need to mention my medical history. I wasnt thinking of lying but I just dont know what to say

I didnt find it insensitive twinset, I just didnt know how to answer. My addicitons are no secret to mn. I am what is known as a functioning alcoholic, with sh and ed addictions. Shit I sound like a complete loser. Wish I'd never started this thread. I cannot believe I could ever attempt to convince others I could work for them

naswm, I think you should get some advice on this, maybe from a mental health advocacy organisation - Mind for example. This is a common worry for people with mh problems. Something has made you get as far as an application form, so please don't give up.

Why are you writing yourself off? I'm confused. I work in mental health and we employ users/survivors all the time.

Self-harm and Eating Disorders and functioning alcoholic? Can you work? How would it impact on your working? Do you want to work?

Are you getting treatment for your problems or do you not want it?

It has been suggested to me that I have BPD I have never disclosed that though as it is so easily misunderstood and very often BPD is a last resort diagnosis.

I spent years thinking I would never work again. I now have a very successful career but it is hard work and I have had to be open with my employers. I also feel as if I have to be twice as good as everyone else to make up for my shortcomings.

I do not have a problem with alcahol but in other ways my illness sounds similar to yours. I always take union advice when filling in application forms or similar. i agree with Raspberry that maybe you need someone to advise you.

Yes I agree, try somewhere like Mind for advocacy, or ring you local branch and see what they suggest.

Don't write yourself off.