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...

I had this dilemma and spoke to my counsellor about it - she said as i didn't have an official diagnosis of a mental illness I didn't have to disclose, despite being on medication.

Chin up naswm, fantastic that you are applying for jobs, i too put obstacles in the way, but apply for it - the worse that can happen is you wont get the job - there'll be others, but unless you apply - you'll never know.

I have had all sorts of mental health gubbins going on over the years - ED and depression - and manage to hold down perfectly good job, and do it well. Personally - I would put down depression on a form without further details. But would echo what MP said about using an advocacy service like Mind - I think that sounds really useful.

Best of luck - you can do it

Oh that sounded like 'I would put down depression but you should use service' - didn't mean that. I meant, put whatever on form - no more details than have to as forms don't really show the full person, and then use an advocacy service to help you navigate anything further. I am very open at work about my issues (kinda had to be - had a complete meltdown there and was off for 6 months - came back stronger though and I know me and my work are respected and valued) and this has always worked for me.

is it local government? if it is they really shouldn't have a problem. I know, I work for them and I was really honest about my awful depression a few years ago. If you're honest then they should be supportive in the future.

thanks for all the posts.

I had already planned to ring MIND, so I will see what they say. I have also put a call into my local cmht, but they are not very good at getting back to me.

mp - yes I can work, and yes I want to work (I have been self emplyoyed for a year) but I have not been employed by anyone for about 4 years, thus the need to explain myself on the application form. Yes I have spent years getting help, although it is an uphill struggle but I keep on. I suppose I feel despondent about this because on papre I look like the least likely candidate

Lucy - unfort I do have a dx. I am not putting obstacles in my way, I just dont know how to answer the question.

So, how does one paint my health 'problems' in the best light?

If I say 'personality disorders' they are going to run a mile, arent they?

I can see me having to change name after being so frank on this thread

What treatment are you having? i.e. medication or CBT?

eeli and meglet - your posts crossed wtih my last one, thanks for all your tips. It isnt local government, unfortunately. I have experience of civil service and know what they can and cant discriminate on, but this is in a differnet sector.

maybe it woudl be easier to say 'depression' although that itnt correct? Oh I dont know, I am getting frustrated with it all now

mp I have had various forms of psychotherapy

Have you been an inpatient over the last five years?

yes in 2007

and a regular 'out'patient, iykwim

Do you have to be so specific on the form? Is quite personal - I wouldn't put down specific issues about my eating disorders or self-harm as it presents a picture of me that is very far from being the whole thing. I would put an all-purpose statement like 'Have experienced some mental health issues for which have received treatment and support' and that you will elaborate if necessary and appropriate.

Yes I agree with Ellie

I would put something like that

I intend to be as brief and concise giving away as little detail as possible, without lying.

Your suggested line is good Ellie (sorry for getting your name wrong earlier, by typing goes to pot when I get stressed lol)

I would like to be able to say something like 'life long mental health issues, which to date have not interfered with my work, and for which I am in constant with medical services' but in a better way than that - mp??

I agree with Ellie, like her I only see my illness as a small part of me and in some ways it is actually a positive for me and my employer.

x posted mp - got any good words for me?

twinset - I wish I could see my health as a small part of me, but it does seem to crop up and remind me all the time. I dont see how it can be positive for an employer though, although I worked full time until 4 years ago so I demonstrated I was a good employee iyswim

I'd take out the 'life long' bit personally, (but MP can advise on fancy-pantsy wording!) They are long term, but your mental health issues do not define you or your whole life.

"I would like to be able to say something like 'life long mental health issues, which to date have not interfered with my work, and for which I am in constant with medical services'"

This sounds too fatalistic and a bit gloomy

I would say something like Ellie suggested - I really don't think there is any need to elaborate further

oh lol at the fatalistic bit, yes youa re right, I meant to imply that I'd had it for nearly 40 years so I was sound lol but I take your point!

So 'Have experienced some mental health issues for which have received treatment and support' it is then?

I do appreciate all your advice everyone, thanks

I think that is enough, yes

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree - what EllieG said covers it perfectly. It's true, and says all they need to know for the moment.

thank you!!!

now, for the supporting statement, 1000 words, I was thinking of saying......

only joking, I can do that bit myself!