Clinical Depression and finding work?

Question

I suffer from depression, am on medication and it helps. I am casually employed (supply teaching), but this doesn't help my finances or my depression. I enjoy teaching, but need regular permanent employment to a) pay the bills b) my own self esteem. I feel, every application I make, has been thrown away when I declare my illness, what, except for lying, can I do??

Answer 1

I am a teacher and I have depression. I know for a fact that it is illegal to deny someone a job because of a mental illness, However, declaring it on your job application is certainly not going to help find you a job. Where in your application are you mentioning that you have depression? If it is in the spot about "reasonable accommodation", than there is no need to include it. People who have depression do not need anymore "reasonable accommodation" than anyone else. You have no disability that will impair your ability to teach, so there is no reason to say that you need "reasonable accommodation". It is not lying to exclude mention of your depression. You wouldn't declare irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, warts, or anything like that, so there is no need to mention that you have a mental illness. After the staff gets to know you, (give it at least three months) go ahead and mention it.

Answer 2

I presume applying for such positions you need to declare any sensitive information so lying is probably not an option. Wouldn't you consider another vocation so that you can at least earn a regular salary and a change of job may also help your depression ("change is as good as a rest" sort of thing). I have never been depressed so don't know what it's like but you have to try to stay positive and if you at least have your health, that's a start and a good basis to work from i.e. you're not wheelchair bound or anything. You should also try to fill your life with as much activity as possible so it reduces the time you can become depressed. Join a gym or a club where you can meet people and network from. Good luck!

Answer 3

I understand the need to disclose your depression, but it won't help you get a job. People only need to know things about your mental health if you DON'T have it under control - and it sounds like you do have things under control right now. Sometimes too much self-disclosure is just as bad as omitting things. I've been working consistently for YEARS and I have depression. No one has ever asked me about it - in fact, if you ask my co-workers, they would probably tell you that I'm the least likely to have depression.

Again, I understand why you feel the need to be forthcoming about it, but it really doesn't matter unless you feel like you could fly off the handle at any moment. If you like teaching, then you probably like talking. Why don't you look into becomming a spokesperson for depression and talking on the corporate circuit. What do employers need to know about depression - become like a consultant and tell people about it. You may not make a ton of money doing it, but it might put your foot in the door to a lot of different companies. You could also try freelance writing - write about your experiences and get involved in a positive way. I know you need to pay bills, but where there's a will, there's a way.

Good luck!!!!!

Answer 4

Depression is very serious, I hope your meds continue to work. Do you see a psychologist? There are many talk therapy that show great promise with depression.

Now for the Job:

Look at retail -- not walmart or target, but somewhere that offers commission.

Lowes, Sears(Sears may have moved from this practice), most electronic and appliance stores. They have flexible hours so you can seek treatment. Rapid advancement available. Insurance is not always the greatest, but it seems most place are moving away from good insurance.

If you can teach, you can sale. Most store are looking for a individual who can educate the public about their product.

I probably would not mention, your depression. Don't think of it as lying.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Good question, and I sympathise, unfortunately. I actually prefer part-time work (I'm a university tutor) as it allows me time to write, however I also need the money from a full-time job and will have to get one. It's hard to say what you should do; personally I don't declare it on app. forms as my illness is not usually apparent. If yours is more serious I understand the quandary here. Are you sure your forms were thrown away because of your depression, or might this be understandable paranoia? Personally I would just not mention it (would they sue you?), unless there's a good chance that you'll be found out.

Answer 6

I agree that if you dont need to declare it then why do it because you are just sabotaging yourself. It may have nothing to do with that for example have you enough experience, is the area of teaching you are looking at very competitive.

I actually think that this experience makes you a better teacher because you can emphathise with experiences of your pupils. Next time you apply for a job in the interview process ask what they are looking for/anything you can do (like volunteer or take on a teaching assistant as a step on the ladder) to increase your chances.

You need to have faith in yourself to project it in the interview, you can do this.

Good luck ;-)

Answer 7

this will keep happening to you because the world is full of small minded poeple and they are to scared of wot they dont understand. try and not let this get you down .
i suffered with p.t.s.d for 5 years before i got things together,
in the end i lied, didnt tell them about my probs ,
get throught those dark days, remember the bright days .
i di know where you are at in life ,
stay strong do not let them win its only you who will lose out in the end , its your life try and live for you , good luk.
its not easy posting a question like that , you might be stronger than you think ..

Answer 8

Is it obligatory that you declare your illness when applying for a job in this field? Or is it for health insurance purposes? (Sorry, I know I'm supposed to give an answer instead of asking questions, but more info would be helpful.)

Answer 9

You don't need to lie, just don't mention it.

I believe it is illegal for any employer to question your medical history unless it's absolutely critical for the job.

Answer 10

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