Explaining disability discrimination, mental health

The National Health Watch

What is disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination is when you are treated badly because of having a disability, or something related to being disabled.
Your mental health problem is a disability if:

  • It has a substantial effect on carrying out your normal day-to-day activities; and,
  • Your condition is long-term (meaning it has lasted, or is likely to last, 12 months or more).

How can I stay mentally healthy if I’m unemployed?
You may be unemployed as a result of your mental health problem, or for reasons which don’t involve your mental health.
Some reasons could be:

  • Joblessness;
  • Long-term sickness;
  • Lack of opportunities;
  • Relocation;
  • Dismissal; and,
  • Not being well enough to work.

When looking for a new job, it can take time to find a suitable role, write applications and prepare for interviews.
This can feel very challenging.
You might also find that being unemployed affects your confidence.
It can be disappointing if employers don’t get back to you.
I remember a situation when a person was unemployed for quite a few years after being made redundant from his role at another organisation.
He went into a very bad state of mind.
He was stressed on who can support him in finding a job?
If you have a mental health problem, you may sometimes face barriers to finding employment.

  • Next week’s edition: What if I’m not well enough to work?