How to explain gap in employment due to mental health issues

One eyed Jack · 22-05-2019 10:52PM

mrslancaster wrote: »

ime employers always put their own interests first. It would be different if OP was already working somewhere then ER should be understanding and supportive and appreciate honesty but at interview stage? Not sure about that. Why do some think it's necessary to divulge private medical issues?

I’m not sure about it either, but I would never discount the possibility either. Otherwise it’s a case of who’s judging who? If the interview candidate goes in with negative thoughts about their interviewer, that’s going to reflect in their attitude towards the interviewer, who at the end of the day are people too.

My experience too would be pretty much the same as yours, but my current employer are so invested in their employees health and welfare that for me at least it’s appreciated in some circumstances, a tad overbearing in others. They’re so supportive when it comes to mental health that it’s almost like it has the opposite effect :pac:

It’s necessary to be honest with any potential employers so that they’re aware at least and can support a person where and when they need the extra support. Many employers now have all sorts of initiatives and assistance programmes to provide support for their employees. Of course it depends too upon the industry or profession you’re in as to the quality of support on offer, but that’s something that people should be investigating for themselves before they even consider applying for a role with any employer. It’s not just a case of whether or not an employer wants to hire them, employers don’t tend to waste resources on interviewing candidates they have no interest in hiring, but it’s an opportunity for the candidate to see if they would want to work for the employer.

Might also be worth a read for anyone interested -

Equality and mental health: how the law can help you

mrslancaster · 23-05-2019 05:08AM

One eyed Jack wrote: »

I’m not sure about it either, but I would never discount the possibility either. Otherwise it’s a case of who’s judging who? If the interview candidate goes in with negative thoughts about their interviewer, that’s going to reflect in their attitude towards the interviewer, who at the end of the day are people too.

My experience too would be pretty much the same as yours, but my current employer are so invested in their employees health and welfare that for me at least it’s appreciated in some circumstances, a tad overbearing in others. They’re so supportive when it comes to mental health that it’s almost like it has the opposite effect :pac:

It’s necessary to be honest with any potential employers so that they’re aware at least and can support a person where and when they need the extra support. Many employers now have all sorts of initiatives and assistance programmes to provide support for their employees. Of course it depends too upon the industry or profession you’re in as to the quality of support on offer, but that’s something that people should be investigating for themselves before they even consider applying for a role with any employer. It’s not just a case of whether or not an employer wants to hire them, employers don’t tend to waste resources on interviewing candidates they have no interest in hiring, but it’s an opportunity for the candidate to see if they would want to work for the employer.

Might also be worth a read for anyone interested -

Equality and mental health: how the law can help you

In fairness, some employers have all the bells & whistles but many do not & some small employers are not even aware of all the various bits of legislation until there's a problem.
There is no obligation to disclose/discuss medical information so why do it? Even when employed, it is up to the individual.

If a medical issue/disability impacts on the persons capability to do the job then why would they apply for that job in the first place. Makes no sense to me to go into such personal issues at an interview. Organisations should be looking for a good fit based on qualifications & experience for the role.

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 05:27AM

There is an implicit bias as it may cause problems in the employer's mind. If you're way out in front they will probably still give you an offer. If it's neck and neck, it might be the casting vote against. Don't mention it.

Wanderer78 · 23-05-2019 06:00AM

Let me guess, majority recommend not mentioning mental health issues, are we truly getting to grips with this issue?

mrslancaster · 23-05-2019 06:11AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Let me guess, majority recommend not mentioning mental health issues, are we truly getting to grips with this issue?

Imo there's a big difference with "getting to grips" with this common health issue and discussing it at an interview. Not saying society doesn't need to deal with certain attitudes.
If someone had a different medical issue would some folk think that should be discussed too? Say for instance arthritis or diabetes? It's nonsense imo & nobody else's business. .

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 06:19AM

jvan wrote: »

Personally I'd say that I was sick and had to take some time off to recuperate, you don't need to explain the specific illness.

I wouldn't do this, the employer will wonder if this is a chronic issue that they should worry about.

It is a pity that people are still judged based on mental health but if it potentially affects the ability to work, an employer can't ignore it. Even if it doesn't, most employers don't know that and just want to avoid the risk. Understanding the implications of mental issues is perhaps the way forward, for employees to select into suitable jobs and employers to not discriminate.

soenow what · 23-05-2019 06:36AM

Strumms wrote: »

You quit because you had to unexpectedly care for someone... yourself.

best advice there^ just don't mention who

Wanderer78 · 23-05-2019 07:02AM

mrslancaster wrote: »

Imo there's a big difference with "getting to grips" with this common health issue and discussing it at an interview. Not saying society doesn't need to deal with certain attitudes.
If someone had a different medical issue would some folk think that should be discussed too? Say for instance arthritis or diabetes? It's nonsense imo & nobody else's business. .

again, are we actually getting to grips with it, if we have to somehow suppress its existence?

batgoat · 23-05-2019 07:52AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

again, are we actually getting to grips with it, if we have to somehow suppress its existence?

I totally get your point but as a person with a chronic illness, I also wouldn't tend to let potential employers know. I've been in jobs where they were great but would generally prefer to reveal on own terms or if absolutely necessary. From my perspective, it also reduces my general stress.

suicide_circus · 23-05-2019 07:56AM

just say "i was too mentally unwell to work"

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 08:02AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

again, are we actually getting to grips with it, if we have to somehow suppress its existence?

This approach is very common nowadays and does not help anyone. On the surface it looks good but skirts around the problem. Of course we have not gotten to grips with it, I'm pretty sure everyone on this thread agrees with that. But that approach misses the point. There is a difference between the direction society should go and what an individual should do given the current state of society. The current state of society does not facilitate open discussion about mental health at an interview. Therefore, it is not in the OPs best interests to disclose this. By all means they should start a campaign to put the proper mechanisms in place to deal with it competently at the interview stage but until that exists, keep quiet.

23-05-2019 08:32AM

Nancy Raspy Shortchange wrote: »

This approach is very common nowadays and does not help anyone. On the surface it looks good but skirts around the problem. Of course we have not gotten to grips with it, I'm pretty sure everyone on this thread agrees with that. But that approach misses the point. There is a difference between the direction society should go and what an individual should do given the current state of society. The current state of society does not facilitate open discussion about mental health at an interview. Therefore, it is not in the OPs best interests to disclose this. By all means they should start a campaign to put the proper mechanisms in place to deal with it competently at the interview stage but until that exists, keep quiet.

An interview is not the place to discusses mental health issues it would come across as very self-absorbed and would rais a red flag, that is not the same as a quick I have been having medical treatment for the past 6 weeks.

Be carefull of not developing a persecution complex.

Mrs OBumble · 23-05-2019 08:36AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Let me guess, majority recommend not mentioning mental health issues, are we truly getting to grips with this issue?

I wouldn't recommend mentioning any health issue.

The OP lasted two weeks in his/her last job due to a chronic health issue. An employer will see high risk of the pattern repeating, no matter what the illness is

batgoat · 23-05-2019 08:44AM

mariaalice wrote: »

An interview is not the place to discusses mental health issues it would come across as very self-absorbed and would rais a red flag, that is not the same as a quick I have been having medical treatment for the past 6 weeks.

Be carefull of developing a persecution complex.

I think in the long run, it would be far better if we could have open discussions with potential employers. I simply don't think we're there yet. Wouldn't view it as self absorbed.

23-05-2019 08:44AM

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I wouldn't recommend mentioning any health issue.

The OP lasted two weeks in his/her last job due to a chronic health issue. An employer will see high risk of the pattern repeating, no matter what the illness is

That has not been my familys expierence it might not even be brough up at an interview. Life happned people have babies, have operations on their back or their foot or have treatment for cancer and it has had not effect on their employability.

The OP is talking about 6 weeks they have not been out of work for years which would be diffenent.

realdanbreen · 23-05-2019 08:48AM

matthewo111 wrote: »

Hi all,

Just looking for advice/get a pulse on how to handle a situation. I recently changed jobs (old job was a place I had worked for 4+years, and I had the beginnings of a good career). However in the lead-up to and in the initial weeks of my employment at the new job I got a very strong flair-up in my generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.

Without going into details, it was pretty bad for me, and my mental health took a big hit. I ended up quitting the job two weeks in - to save my life (that might sound dramatic but its true). I've had 6 weeks of illness benefit and I'm doing much better, I'm on meds, attending therapy etc.. I'm on the mend.

But I want to get back to work soon. And I don't want my career to suffer any further than it already has so I don't want too lengthy an absence from work. So I'm applying for a few roles.

My question is, how do I explain this event in my life to potential employers. Should I be frank and honest about my mental health issues. Or should I leave this whole thing out, and try to make up with some other reason for leaving my last job (and hope they don't do a background search and find out about the two week stint)... I'm afraid either way is not good. I would have referees who would vouch for me no problem, and I hope the 4 years shows I'm at least capable of being reliable. But still... I'm worried about what's best. If anyone has been in a similar situation, or has some thoughts, I would be open to hearing it.

Thanks.

TLDR: Had mental health issues which caused me to quit from a new job, wondering how to explain to potential employers.

Good to hear that you're on the mend. You come across as a sound bloke and I'm sure any employer would benefit having you on the payroll. Personally I'd leave out the two week stint, get the job, blow them out of the water, and enjoy your life, you deserve it!

23-05-2019 08:50AM

batgoat wrote: »

I think in the long run, it would be far better if we could have open discussions with potential employers. I simply don't think we're there yet. Wouldn't view it as self absorbed.

It is, the person is their to be interviewed for the job and assess their suitability not to talk about their mental health or other health issues in detail. It might not come up and even if it did its a qick they have been having medica treatment.

Despite the fact the other poster have said their employer has been supportive its as if some posters do not want to belive that.

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 09:29AM

mariaalice wrote: »

An interview is not the place to discusses mental health issues it would come across as very self-absorbed and would rais a red flag, that is not the same as a quick I have been having medical treatment for the past 6 weeks.

Be carefull of developing a persecution complex.

Agree completely. I suppose I was thinking that it should be clear what sort of mental health issues can affect certain roles (on average) and let employers know this, the same way they know to install a ramp for a wheelchair user. Then if someone has mental health issue x, there is no red flag and it is not swept under the carpet. Going into a deep discussion on it is not appropriate, 100% agree.

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 09:33AM

mariaalice wrote: »

Despite the fact the other poster have said their employer has been supportive its as if some posters do not want to belive that.

It's not a matter of belief, it's a matter of whether this particular employer is supportive or not. We don't know. There is a very strong chance they are not supportive. In that case, why take the risk?

23-05-2019 09:35AM

Nancy Raspy Shortchange wrote: »

Agree completely. I suppose I was thinking that it should be clear what sort of mental health issues can affect certain roles (on average) and let employers know this, the same way they know to install a ramp for a wheelchair user. Then if someone has mental health issue x, there is no red flag and it is not swept under the carpet. Going into a deep discussion on it is not appropriate, 100% agree.

Why would you apply for roles that make your mental health worse? telling an employer that your mental health issues could affect cetin roles is not a good idea at an interview and could come across as very odd.

Its not the same as a wheelchair acesse with is an accesses issue not an issue with preforming the role. I think you know that.

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 09:52AM

mariaalice wrote: »

Why would you apply for roles that make your mental health worse? telling an employer that your mental health issues could affect cetin roles is not a good idea at an interview and could come across as very odd.

Its not the same as a wheelchair acesse with is an accesses issue not an issue with preforming the role. I think you know that.

I think you're missing the point. The OP has a gap in his CV and is hesitant about saying this was due to a mental health problem if asked about it. The hesitation is because the employer may not know that it is not going to negatively affect his work, and will misinterpret this as being a problem. The solution to that is to increase awareness of the nuances surrounding mental health issues, how different issues are likely to affect different roles (and not affect others) while also recognising that each case must be considered on its merits. In that context, the OP would be free to say it was due to mental health issue X, I've dealt with it by doing a,b and c and that isn't going to be a problem for this role. The employer would most likely believe him and move on to the next question.

I agree with your point though, they shouldn't bring it up and make a deal out of it unless it comes up naturally, could raise other red flags as you suggest.

matthewo111 · 23-05-2019 11:33AM

Hi folks,

No the role is not in a relatively high-risk/high-stress role - it's IT. And yes, I'll need to make sure I find a role where I'm not at high-risk of falling ill again.

People, saying "it's only 6 weeks", I totally get that. My main fear is background checks, which are commonly run now in some companies. I'm assuming if they run one, they could find out about the two week stint, and the medical benefit.

Thanks again.

matthewo111 · 23-05-2019 11:35AM

fryup wrote: »

what was your job? must have been stressful for you to quit after just 2 weeks

It's not that the job was overly stressful, that's not how mental health works.

mrslancaster · 23-05-2019 11:49AM

mariaalice wrote: »

It is, the person is their to be interviewed for the job and assess their suitability not to talk about their mental health or other health issues in detail. It might not come up and even if it did its a qick they have been having medica treatment..

agree.
It should not come up at an interview, ever. The same way as a person's marital status, religion or any of the other nine equality grounds.

Any company or interviewer going into any of those areas is out of order and it has nothing to do with them. If folk think that discrimination does not exist think again. OP does not need to put their life story on a cv only what is relevant for the job.

Would posters advocate discussing being lgbt or divorced at an interview?

batgoat · 23-05-2019 12:27PM

matthewo111 wrote: »

Hi folks,

No the role is not in a relatively high-risk/high-stress role - it's IT. And yes, I'll need to make sure I find a role where I'm not at high-risk of falling ill again.

People, saying "it's only 6 weeks", I totally get that. My main fear is background checks, which are commonly run now in some companies. I'm assuming if they run one, they could find out about the two week stint, and the medical benefit.

Thanks again.

Medical history would be off limits in a background check.

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 01:17PM

mrslancaster wrote: »

agree.
It should not come up at an interview, ever. The same way as a person's marital status, religion or any of the other nine equality grounds.

Any company or interviewer going into any of those areas is out of order and it has nothing to do with them. If folk think that discrimination does not exist think again. OP does not need to put their life story on a cv only what is relevant for the job.

Would posters advocate discussing being lgbt or divorced at an interview?

This is missing the point. It shouldn't be a direct question. Agreed. However, it is reasonable to ask an interviewee why there is a gap in their CV. The question is whether revealing a mental health problem would bias the interviewer.

mrslancaster · 23-05-2019 01:24PM

Nancy Raspy Shortchange wrote: »

This is missing the point. It shouldn't be a direct question. Agreed. However, it is reasonable to ask an interviewee why there is a gap in their CV. The question is whether revealing a mental health problem would bias the interviewer.

Seriously - what companies ask about a gap of 6 weeks between jobs?

d8491prj5boyvg · 23-05-2019 01:25PM

mrslancaster wrote: »

Seriously - what companies ask about a gap of 6 weeks between jobs?

Agreed. That shouldn't be an issue either. Again, that is a different point.

One eyed Jack · 23-05-2019 03:26PM

mrslancaster wrote: »

agree.
It should not come up at an interview, ever. The same way as a person's marital status, religion or any of the other nine equality grounds.

Any company or interviewer going into any of those areas is out of order and it has nothing to do with them. If folk think that discrimination does not exist think again. OP does not need to put their life story on a cv only what is relevant for the job.

Would posters advocate discussing being lgbt or divorced at an interview?

Of course discrimination exists, and positive discrimination exists too. An interviewer isn’t out of order at all going into these areas, and it wouldn’t immediately be discrimination either - the candidate may have legitimate grounds to claim discrimination if they were actually discriminated against on one of the nine grounds, as there are exceptions where discrimination is permitted in legislation.

Nobody has suggested that anyone needs to put their life story on their cv, all cvs will look pretty much the same, and the interview is an opportunity for the candidate to differentiate themselves from all the other candidates. One of the first opportunities to do that is generally in the first question in any interview - “tell me about yourself?”

If being LGBT or divorced was something I thought should be discussed at an interview, I wouldn’t see any issue with it, any more than I’d see an issue with someone discussing their mental health or specific needs at an interview. There’s no obligation on the candidate to bring it up, but the interviewer will already have a fair idea of whether or not you’re qualified for the role on the basis of what they’ve read on your cv. The interview is where they get to know the potential candidates as people and whether or not they’re a good fit for the role within the organisation.

More and more employers are cottoning on to the fact that employees who feel supported by their employers are more productive and loyal employees.

How to explain gap in employment due to mental health issues

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