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Original poster

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

79 replies

naswm · 02/03/2009 19:00

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...

OP posts:
RaspberryBlower · 02/03/2009 21:22

Good luck!!!

morningpaper · 02/03/2009 21:23

Go through the Person Spec point by point

Say why you meet each point

Now I know you were joking but HONESTLY I trawl through loads of job applications and only 10% of people bloody fill them in properly

twinsetandpearls · 02/03/2009 21:23

naswm I have periods where my illness dominates my life, you only have to quickly glance at my archives to see that.

I am a nicer more sensitive person because of my illness, I have been through some real shit and come out of the otherside. I am certainly a better teacher now. I also have highs when my energy is boundless and I can work and work, my school reaps the benefit of that. I am also a bit quirky and the kids like that. I am also very conscious of the fact that I come with a label so work very very hard to make up for it. I am not sure if this is the BPD but I am quite obsessive with my work and unbelievably competitive. My classes have to have the best lessons, my displays have to be the best, my books have to be marked in real detail and always up to date and it goes on. There are times when I am not a model employee, at the moment I am going through a bit of a low period and although I am in work and getting everything done I am very very tired. My marking is falling behind but I have managed to get the essentials done. I know that is a week or so I will be on a high and get up to date.

I also think it is important for young people to have positive role models in their lives of people with a mental illness. I am as open as it is appropriate to be and have done assemblies about my illness.

Original poster
naswm · 02/03/2009 21:23

If I get an interview I will take you out for a coffee EllieG!

OP posts:
Original poster
naswm · 02/03/2009 21:29

twinset you are inspirational

mp, thank you. The person spec is very brief - 9 bullet points of about 3 words in each. But I can easily show I fulfil them.

Any 'buzz words' for application forms atm? It has been a long while since I trawled them myself (or indeed fill in one myself lol)

OP posts:
twinsetandpearls · 02/03/2009 21:31

What a kind thing to say, I think we all just find ways of coping with what God has dealt us. I really believe there is a reason that I am like this and if I dont find a positive in it life is quite dark and potentially pointless.

Original poster
naswm · 02/03/2009 21:35

twinset, forgive me, I think I misread what you wrote earlier - did you say you poss had a dx of BPD? as in, borderline? I read it as Bipolar, but just realised I maybe jumped to the wrong conclusion...

Your posts are really unlifting atm, thank you

OP posts:
MitchyInge · 02/03/2009 21:36

good luck

QuantitativeMeasure · 02/03/2009 21:38

Oh Good luck.

I wish there was more encouragement for those with MH issues to get meaningful employment, not all this reluctance to even consider you for employment.

Hope you are successful x

twinsetandpearls · 02/03/2009 21:40

I have been told for some time that I have bipolar depression, I have however been very resistant to treatment as in the medication seems to have little effect and also I am a nightmare at taking it. I have an awful history of self harm and attempted suicide, some of which is dramatic attention seeking and some I mean. I had a huge meltdown a year or 2 ago and dp got the money for me to have private treatment. They suggested that I have a borderline personality disorder. When he discussed this with dp and I it was like a light had been switched on, I match almost every if not every symptomn, trait to the letter. It shook me to the core when he said it because it was like he was saying you are an unpleasant person or you are faulty. But over time it has helped dp and I get on a lot better as we both understand my behaviour much better. I have also realised that having a label does not change who I am.

Original poster
naswm · 02/03/2009 21:46

thank you for sharing all that twinset. I too match all teh DSM IV criteria for BPD. I do not have depression though, although have had peiods of depression, but have not had any query with regards to Bipolar. Sounds like we are quie similar. I just need to grab some of your positivity about my 'label'. But the label didnt change me, I agree that, but it did answer years and years of the unexplained. Do cat me if you want to talk offboard.

OP posts:
twinsetandpearls · 02/03/2009 21:52

thanks naswm feel free to do the same.

I am not positive all the time, I have recently moved and started a new job and am still very much riding the wave of all of that. I know that i am appreciated and valued in my job and that has made a huge difference to my confidence, I think I would crunble without it.

Original poster
naswm · 02/03/2009 21:55

thansk twinset. I will do, when I ahve got round to paying for a cat subscription

I am pleased the job is going well for you. You sound like you are doin so well. I need to be back in the workplace. I am a good worker, and am good at what I do. I just need to get back in there. The busier I am the less time my mind has to wander and dwell on things.

bed now. I find sleep hard (natural, unaided sleep that is) but I dont want to get over tired tonight, so taht I can finish this form tomorrow/WEds

Thanks everyone again

nas
x

OP posts:
twinsetandpearls · 02/03/2009 22:00

twinandpearls @ hotmail .co.uk

Night

EllieG · 03/03/2009 13:09

Sorry had to go see to yelling child last night - how did you get on? Did you get it done?

Will hold you to that coffee

Original poster
naswm · 03/03/2009 13:51

Thansk twinset

Ellie - I'm not having a productive day tbh. Had draining therapy session this morning, then took myself for a walk (in the drizzle, but I thought it would do me good and help clear my head) but I have got home feeling quite depressed, so of course I am not in the right frame of mind to complete that damn form I just hope I can 'snap myself out of it' asap

OP posts:
EllieG · 03/03/2009 15:20

Don't pressure yourself too much. When does the form have to be in? If you don't have to do it today, put it aside, forget about it, and concentrate on doing things to distract yourself from crappy thoughts and just get through the day. 'Twill pass and the form can wait while it does x

Original poster
naswm · 03/03/2009 16:09

Wise words Ellie - yes, I have put it aside for now. If I feel more in the right frame of mind to do it tonight when the dc are in bed, then I will. But I still have tomorrow to do it (closing date is Fri, so will post on Thurs). AF arrived this afternoon - early - which could be contributing to my general depressiveness today. So I will try to be kind to myself instead of beating myself up (which is my default reaction). Thanks for posting

nas
x

OP posts:
EllieG · 03/03/2009 20:18

No worries - let us know how you get on (if you want to of course) x

Original poster
naswm · 04/03/2009 21:46

Well the application form is complete. Now I wait to see if I hear anything....

OP posts:
EllieG · 05/03/2009 16:47

Well done and good luck!

Original poster
naswm · 05/03/2009 19:02

Thansk Ellie. I sent the form off today and felt a huge sense of pride in myself as I did so. Then got home and discovered I had left a copy of my crb check in the printer/copier - which was supposed to be attached to the application form so that says a lot about my efficiency, doesnt it?

OP posts:
EllieG · 06/03/2009 13:02

Oh they won't mind about that! Just send it off with a covering note. Yey for you!

Original poster
naswm · 07/03/2009 01:35

Yes I did so. So now I am waiting to hear.

And am awake.

And not drunk. But wish I were.

And feeling odd. So what is new?

OP posts:
EllieG · 08/03/2009 10:22

Is going to make you nervous - is anxiety provoking time. Will be OK. If you don't get this one is valuable experience for next time, so not losing anything.