Discussions

How do you find a job with a mental health disorder? For me, it's easy enough to get a job but I can't keep it due to a mental health issue.  
 
I did a bit of searching the internet and it says that if you have to take time off work or any other accommodations your employer should do so, etc., but that's only if you've been working there for a period of time.  
 
I've had a few jobs where I'll work for about two months before it starts becoming an issue. I then begin to miss work because of it and lose my job once I explain to them what is going on. All of my previous employers have told me I'm an extremely hard worker, and my last employer told me my work was excellent but they didn't want to deal with my issues.  
 
Are there any places in Brandon that help individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder to find work, gradually increase hours, and keep a job? How do others manage?

what kind of mental health disorder do you have that an employer doesn't want to deal with? I would suggest maybe being upfront when you go to interviews and put it on your application. Failure to disclose a pre existing medical condition mental or physical on an employment application is considered grounds for dismissal so when you explain your condition two months into your employment especially when you're still in your probation period an employer would have the right to terminate your employment.  
 
Lots of people work with mental health disorders of varying degrees and most if not all employers do have programs and support resources available to help their employees who are dealing with these kind of issues.  
 
Good luck with your job search. I hope you find something.

Have you tried these people yet?  
 
http://www.brandoncommunityoptionsinc.com/employment_opportunities.html

one more thing.. said "what kind of mental health disorder do you have that an employer doesn't want to deal with? I would suggest maybe being upfront when you go to interviews and put it on your application. Failure to disclose a pre existing medical condition mental or physical on an employment application is considered grounds for dismissal so when you explain your condition two months into your employment especially when you're still in your probation period an employer would have the right to terminate your employment.     Lots of people work with mental health disorders of varying degrees and most if not all employers do have programs and support resources available to help their employees who are dealing with these kind of issues.     Good luck with your job search. I hope you find something. "

Quote "Failure to disclose a pre existing medical condition mental or physical on an employment application is considered grounds for dismissal so when you explain your condition two months into your employment especially when you're still in your probation period an employer would have the right to terminate your employment."  
 
its not a pre-requisite to tell a perspective employer you have a mental illness, and its certainly not cause for dismissal..it called HUMAN RIGHTS!!  
 
If you get terminated by an employer because of a mental illness then they are in contravention of the Human Rights code.  
 
They HAVE to accommodate you and get you the help you need.  
 
Ignorance is why people with mental illness are afraid to tell anyone they have issues because of the stigma that is attached to the words Mental Illness. More employers need to educate themselves and look for the signs, its not up to the employee to divulge private information about their mental health.  
 
Edited by mightyquinn2, 2016-01-18 23:18:34

If you have any illness that may cause an inability to preform your job you are required to put that on a job application.  
 
While I'm not fully versed in all things human rights as it relates to law I believe that there would be circumstances when an employer could exclude someone from being considered for a job due to a mental illness. I could list a number of jobs you can not have if you're let's say.... schizophrenic.  
 
Try sparking a human rights law suit against the RCMP when they won't accept your application to be a police officer and handle a gun when your diagnosed as a manic depressive.  
 
Now on the other hand if you have an undiagnosed mental health issue that is diagnosed after seeking employment then an employer can't fire you and has a responsibility to support you and offer whatever help they can which can then lead to short term/long term disability lay off.

To all of you who have replied. The employment opportunities Midway suggested is for those with more of a learning disability.  
 
I have a few diagnosis within the mental health area, the main ones being severe depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.

Tried telling an employer, only for the employees to find out and ruin a job opportunity with another company.

one more thing.. said "If you have any illness that may cause an inability to preform your job you are required to put that on a job application.     While I'm not fully versed in all things human rights as it relates to law I believe that there would be circumstances when an employer could exclude someone from being considered for a job due to a mental illness. I could list a number of jobs you can not have if you're let's say.... schizophrenic.     Try sparking a human rights law suit against the RCMP when they won't accept your application to be a police officer and handle a gun when your diagnosed as a manic depressive.     Now on the other hand if you have an undiagnosed mental health issue that is diagnosed after seeking employment then an employer can't fire you and has a responsibility to support you and offer whatever help they can which can then lead to short term/long term disability lay off. "

then communicate.

https://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/depression-in-the-workplace/  
 
This might be a good resource for you to take a look at.

Ursaula said "How do you find a job with a mental health disorder? For me, it's easy enough to get a job but I can't keep it due to a mental health issue.     I did a bit of searching the internet and it says that if you have to take time off work or any other accommodations your employer should do so, etc., but that's only if you've been working there for a period of time.     I've had a few jobs where I'll work for about two months before it starts becoming an issue. I then begin to miss work because of it and lose my job once I explain to them what is going on. All of my previous employers have told me I'm an extremely hard worker, and my last employer told me my work was excellent but they didn't want to deal with my issues.     Are there any places in Brandon that help individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder to find work, gradually increase hours, and keep a job? How do others manage? "

do not hesitate to inbox me, i've dealt with uneducated employers and I am very educated in Human Rights laws and Mental Illness. I may also have a few ideas for you with the issues of employment and keeping a job, or being let go because they didn't WANT to deal with your issues.  
 
If you have been recently let go from a job and you have proof that they let you go because of your issues, I will personally go to your place of employment and have an educating conversation with your employer or recently ex employer.  
 

one more thing.. said "https://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/depression-in-the-workplace/     This might be a good resource for you to take a look at. "

the best education is from years of personal experience. There's no website you can advise to me to read that I haven't already seen.  
 
I've been through it personally for many many years. So like I said keep reading your websites and whatever resources you need for 25 years and then maybe, just maybe, you might be well versed enough to make an educated comment pertaining to the issue the young lady is asking for advice on.

 
 
Was intended for the OP.  
 
Edited by one more thing.., 2016-01-19 00:24:17

Good morning, there are so many resources available to you - please contact me at 204-725-1232 or connier@mooddisordersmanitoba.ca  
 
All resources are free, you may see me in my office which is located in Brandon as we have assisted many people as they transition/ adjust to changes in the workplace.  
 
We are here to help.

Know that you are NOT alone.... I'm going through this right now as well... and this is the 3rd job in a row.  
 
I hope you find help...and if you do find it PLEASE let me know what you do. I am as desperate to find help with this nightmare (my opinion of course) as you are.  
 
SO glad you posted this!

You do not have to tell an employer about your mental illness on an application or a job interview. That is like telling an employer I had cancer 10 years ago and have been in remission, or I may get cancer in two months.  
 
I went through this and did tell my interviewer, never landed a job. So one interview I was not going to tell, but somehow we got on the subject and I was very lucky and got the job. I got the job because the person interviewing me also had a mental illness and understood.  
 
Oh, the stigma that is still around about menal illness pisses me off to no end. The one's that don't understand, don't want to understand or even try!

Ursaula said "To all of you who have replied. The employment opportunities Midway suggested is for those with more of a learning disability.     I have a few diagnosis within the mental health area, the main ones being severe depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. "

I also have been diagnosed with Borderline. When I interviewed with my current employer I was upfront with them about what I have, and that it was the cause of a lot of my past moving/job hopping issues.  
 
I made it clear to them that I want to settle down now (I have children), and that I still see a mental health worker and may need time off to go to appointments. They were very understanding, and even when I've had a few off days they have not penalized me for it.  
 
Be upfront. The employer that hires you anyway and is understanding is the one you want to work for anyway.

As a person with a hidden physical disability (MS)I have applied for many jobs. Thankfully I landed a great one to suit my needs but I had many interviews prior. I didn't feel it necessary to divulge my personal illness prior to them offering me the job. If I felt that my illness would hinder my job competency it was my duty to let the employer know before I officially started. This has to be your responsibility if you are comfortable in assessing your own abilities towards the job. Most will and should at least give you a chance at the job regardless of your situation as long as you are qualified.

Thank you for bringing this topic forward. I have a family member in the same boat. It is not only about getting a job and keeping it but getting one that doesn't aggrevate the anxiety.  
 
Family member is feeling the need to change jobs again due to stress. Will definitely send her to the mood disorder resource.

MelanieDawn said "    Ursaula said "To all of you who have replied. The employment opportunities Midway suggested is for those with more of a learning disability.     I have a few diagnosis within the mental health area, the main ones being severe depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. " I also have been diagnosed with Borderline. When I interviewed with my current employer I was upfront with them about what I have, and that it was the cause of a lot of my past moving/job hopping issues.     I made it clear to them that I want to settle down now (I have children), and that I still see a mental health worker and may need time off to go to appointments. They were very understanding, and even when I've had a few off days they have not penalized me for it.     Be upfront. The employer that hires you anyway and is understanding is the one you want to work for anyway. "

nice to know you have an understanding employer. Makes things so much easier when needing to go to appointments, etc.

You can contact Westman Employment Services Inc. 204-727-2322 or their website www.westmanemployment.ca  
 
They provide exactly the services you are looking for. They help individuals find and maintain employment. The office is located at #4 217 10th Street.

I wish I had an answer to give you except weigh every decision about disclosing carefully. Society is getting better at addressing mental health issues openly and there are employers that take their responsibility seriously. Unfortunately, more often than not, employers will find a way to let someone go rather than being accommodating. Best of luck with the job search crap shoot. I know the struggles intimately but haven't given up yet.

I suffer from anxiety, depression and adhd...I have a difficult time getting along with people and always feel like I can't connect socially...it's physically and emotionally draining to work full time...I have found a job I really enjoy but it's only part time and I can't afford a part time income. I can't collect EI because I don't have enough hours...It's a struggle because working more hours is stressful but being financially strapped and in debt is stressful as well!!

mightyquinn2 said "    one more thing.. said "https://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/depression-in-the-workplace/     This might be a good resource for you to take a look at. " the best education is from years of personal experience. There's no website you can advise to me to read that I haven't already seen.     I've been through it personally for many many years. So like I said keep reading your websites and whatever resources you need for 25 years and then maybe, just maybe, you might be well versed enough to make an educated comment pertaining to the issue the young lady is asking for advice on. "

By saying "There's no website you can advise to me to read that I haven't already seen." Imply's that you know everything and thers's nothing more you can learn.....NO ONE knows everything, and from that statement alone you've lost any credibility you MAY have had. Any issues that would affect the job you're applying to needs to be disclosed, otherwise someone could complain when they get hired at a trucking company and wonder why they got fired when the employer found out the employee didn't have a license. That being said, best of luck on finding something you can do that doesn't aggravate your situation  
 
Edited by HowieSport, 2016-01-19 19:12:42

HowieSport said "    mightyquinn2 said "    one more thing.. said "https://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/depression-in-the-workplace/     This might be a good resource for you to take a look at. " the best education is from years of personal experience. There's no website you can advise to me to read that I haven't already seen.     I've been through it personally for many many years. So like I said keep reading your websites and whatever resources you need for 25 years and then maybe, just maybe, you might be well versed enough to make an educated comment pertaining to the issue the young lady is asking for advice on. " By saying "There's no website you can advise to me to read that I haven't already seen." Imply's that you know everything and thers's nothing more you can learn.....NO ONE knows everything, and from that statement alone you've lost any credibility you MAY have had. Any issues that would affect the job you're applying to needs to be disclosed, otherwise someone could complain when they get hired at a trucking company and wonder why they got fired when the employer found out the employee didn't have a license. That being said, best of luck on finding something you can do that doesn't aggravate your situation     Edited by HowieSport, 2016-01-19 19:12:42"

your example is not even close to a mental health issue! It is about lying intentionally not anything to do with your health. Your example is just asinine and has nothing to do with any sort of health issue.  
 
No, you do not have to disclose your health issues.  
 
 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/experts/do-i-have-to-reveal-my-medical-history/article13736566/  
 
 
 
Edited by Brenda, 2016-01-19 19:16:24

It may not be exactly glamorous, but larger retail stores with a large staff may be a bit easier for you. I used to work at Winners before i moved, and theyre always good with booking time off because there are lots of staff members looking to pick up shifts. One of the people i worked with there had a mental health issue and would book time off every now and then and she was able to stay employed. Hope this helps!

to know about your medical issues. Let human resources deal with them