does anyone else have this problem? i have been battling with self harm and depression for a while, saw counsellors and psychiatrists and then seemed to improve but now since buying a house and having issues at work i feel i need to re-open the support network but am finding it hard i cannot go to my gp due to work as i cannot afford for them to find out. I was seeing a counsellor but she quit on me and ive found that in my area if you aren't a teenager then services are none-existant unless u can pay and i certainly cant afford it.
any thoughts, advice anything would be greatfully recieved.
I've had this before - I hate filling in pre employment questionnaires because of my mh history. BUT, the reality (and the law) is that they can't discriminate against you because of mental health issues. And in the long run, you'll be so much better for seeking the support you need. We're here to support you as much as we can! X x x
Your work wouldn't find out if you went to your GP, and what for, unless you told them. Your GP is certainly your first point of contact in terms of getting help again, so I'd definitely advise you to go. If it's during work hours just say you have a doctor's appointment - your boss has no right to ask you what it's for, and if he/she does, then just say it's personal or something like that.
There are, it has been said, two types of people in the world. There are those who, when presented with a glass that is exactly half full, say: 'This glass is half full'. And then there are those who say: 'This glass is half empty'.
The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: 'What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!
Why can't your work find out i.e is it that you're worried how they may react or do you know from other peoples experience that they will discriminate (although not outright)? basically i'm wondering if you can not disclose anything on official paperwork but have an off the record chat which a manager you trust enough? - thus being given support or at least the freedom to go to health appointments if need be.
thanks for the replies, im overwhelmed by the support :)
im not overly happy in my job at the moment and want to look for a new one and in my line of work they can look at medical records and while i know that they shouldnt dismiss me for it its pretty much a known fact that they do.
You would have to fill in an occupational health form but this should now be after you get the job offer. They can't withdraw the job offer based on your medical history unless there is a significant reason. I had to see OH before I got my job because of my MH and they were fine about it. They don't access your medical records but they can ask your gp to write a letter. You can see this and ask for changes to be made. Hope this helps.
There is still quite a lot of stigma involved in workplace and mental health. The rethink mental health website may be able to sign post you to appropriate support.
my work only found out as my self harming spilled over into work as did my anxieties and depression, then while i have ben off i have had welfare meetings etc. if you can cope with work then they dont have to know anything.
Qualified Peer Support Worker (2017)
current mental health diagnoses: depression, PTSD, GAD, self harm, bpd
current meds (as at Feb 2017): , thyroxine, metformin, iron, b12, vit d, atenolol, Butec, Naproxen, Nefopam, Lanzoprazole, Bupropion, quetiapine (prn)
A workplace cannot discriminate based upon a mental illness. In fact they are pretty much legally bound to offer support for you to help enable you to continue to work.
Please do not let your work make you feel as though you should not be reaching out for help. If you need it, then get the help you need. Your workplace should be supporting you in doing this (allowing you to attend appointments etc) some places of work will even provide payment plans to help.
I would advise you to speak to your works HR department, as well as your GP to look at what help is available for you.
As for new places of work, in my experience it is better to be honest and upfront about any issues you may have during the application process, as they can't discriminate against you at that stage, but they can implement any support systems that may be able to help you from the outset (you also have a stronger case in asking for that support, and in kicking up a fuss if you dont receive it).
If you want more information on your work rights in terms of mh, it is worth looking at the ACAS and Mind's websites.
Roiben x
If the Human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we wouldn't.
