How to explain the gaps in CV due to mental illness

Amethyst2014 · 27-03-2014 11:00PM #1

Hi All,

I have read a lot of the recent information highlighting mental illness in Ireland. While I agree that it's great that a lot of celebrities and sports people are telling their story and letting us all know that "its Ok not to feel Ok". But I believe that this still isn't acceptable to HR recruiters in Ireland. To me, it seems that any form of mental illness is taboo in the work place in Ireland. I have no knowledge of how it is in other countries, so I can not comment.

So my question is, how does a person suffering with mental illness explain the gap of a year in their CV, where debilitating anxiety and depression prevented them from working. I would appreciate your comments and opinions

Thank you

WildRosie · 28-03-2014 12:41AM

I have a gap of ~4 years on my CV due to mental illness including multiple hospitalisations, which is a lot when you're not yet 30. When I was ready to reenter the work force, I decided to retrain in a completely unrelated area, an area I always wanted to work in. I am now employed in that area and also studying full time in the same area. I haven't been asked about the gap in my CV, I think most people assume the gap is due to the economic circumstances of the country (my previous area of work would have been effected by the recession) and my decision to retrain. While it has been extremely difficult, every cloud has a silver lining, I'm now doing the job I've always wanted to do, and if I hadn't been unwell, that opportunity wouldn't have been available to me. Now that I'm working again and have a year's current work history on my CV, I hope that gap is closed.

Turtwig · 28-03-2014 03:39AM

You're not obligated to disclose your health to HR. You just need to pass company medicals. If you really feel the attitude of HR towards mental illness will hold you back you needn't disclose that. Bear in mind though that a lack of detail may lead to them guessing about what your absence was. If you wish just say difficult period of illness and trauma.

There are many studies and reports that show that some employers still have an ignorant attitude towards mental health. So think carefully over whether you want to work in that environment. If your mental health is the reason they decline you the job then it's a possibility that you were better off not working there anyway. If your mental health is an ongoing condition you need to be working in a supportive environment where your employer is aware of the condition and difficulties you are facing.

lockman · 28-03-2014 09:10PM

WildRosie wrote: »

I have a gap of ~4 years on my CV due to mental illness including multiple hospitalisations, which is a lot when you're not yet 30. When I was ready to reenter the work force, I decided to retrain in a completely unrelated area, an area I always wanted to work in. I am now employed in that area and also studying full time in the same area. I haven't been asked about the gap in my CV, I think most people assume the gap is due to the economic circumstances of the country (my previous area of work would have been effected by the recession) and my decision to retrain. While it has been extremely difficult, every cloud has a silver lining, I'm now doing the job I've always wanted to do, and if I hadn't been unwell, that opportunity wouldn't have been available to me. Now that I'm working again and have a year's current work history on my CV, I hope that gap is closed.

Great to hear your story. It is very encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

WildRosie · 28-03-2014 10:17PM

No problem

I've really been very fortunate and am so thankful for how everything has worked out. I'm happier and more content that I could ever have imagined to be possible 5 years ago.

Amethyst2014 · 29-03-2014 11:33PM

Thank you WildRosie for your inspirational story. I am also contemplating retraining as I do not think that I will be able to re-enter the stressful corporate world I once worked in. Wishing you all the very best :-)

cerise · 31-03-2014 06:43PM

Well done wildrosie. what area did u train in and did u get work before or after yr course?

Call Me Jimmy · 31-03-2014 06:47PM

Very good thread imo, I have a similar situation and I agree that it is a stickler, especially when trying to get a job. When in work there are protections and rights afforded to you but in interviews it can obviously come up and not look good, they can choose to pick another candidate privately because of this gap.

I would never use the words mental illness myself at all, well not the word 'mental' any way. I like what someone above said, illness and trauma.

Graces7 · 02-04-2014 03:50PM

so sad that in these days there is still this ignorance. i met this forty years ago when misdiagnosed as being mentally ill. it was a total stigma. i have and had m.e. lost my whole career to the stigma and glad to be old now

WildRosie · 13-04-2014 01:11AM

cerise wrote: »

Well done wildrosie. what area did u train in and did u get work before or after yr course?

Sorry for the late reply. I'm training to be a nurse and am on placement at the moment hence the late reply. I did a one year course as a healthcare assistant first to make sure I liked it and was able for it physically and mentally and am now working in a nursing home as well as training to be a childrens and adult nurse. Nearly finished my first year

How to explain the gaps in CV due to mental illness

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