Unemployed for nearly a year

Been struggling to find a job for almost a year already. I have applied for job support scheme but till I yet to find luck. I am trying hard to get back into the healthcare industry as Patient Service Associate was my first job. However, with my history of declaring my mental health issues to my ex boss on my first job things have been harder for me to stay or find the next. My previous job as a Student Care Teacher asked me leave when they found out I have mental illness by “observing” which is obviously bs cause how could do they tell when I have not shown any signs? I really don’t know what I can do and my job support scheme is ending. I tried going to Mindhub for job placement but they want to put me into low jobs like cleaner, retail and f&b which I’m not interested. I don’t know what else to do. Anyone else with mental health struggling to find job as well ?

Dear @user7678 , I hear how frustrated you are right now, where it seems like your job applications are being held back due to your mental health issues. It is already challenging to live with mental health issues, and now finding a job that you deserve to have? Gosh, I feel for you. You are so incredibly tough to manage all the difficulties you have on your plate. I am so proud of you for pulling through every day, for taking care of your mental well-being and for showing up for every interview. Give yourself a big pat on the shoulder, ok? You have gone very far. With regards, to finding a job with mental health conditions, I am not familiar with how things work, but i did read that there is an upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation, where workplace discrimination on the basis of mental health conditions will be prohibited across all stages of hiring. Would you want to look further into this? It might be possible for you to find a job without the need to disclose your conditions. But of course also do check in with mindhub, they might have more advice for you! Hoping you all the best!

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Hi there!

It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot on your own for a very long time, and anyone in your position would feel exhausted and discouraged. What you’re going through is not a reflection of your worth or ability. It’s a reflection of an unfair job market and the stigma that still exists around mental health.

Your experience in healthcare and student care shows that you can do meaningful work. The issue isn’t you, it’s the environments that didn’t support you properly. Declaring mental health conditions should never be a reason for people to judge or remove you, and I’m really sorry that happened.

It’s okay to want a job that matches your skills and interests. Wanting more than “any job” doesn’t make you ungrateful or unrealistic. You still have relevant experience as a PSA, and that’s valuable. Some hospitals and clinics are more progressive now and have HR teams that understand mental health better. It might take time, but it’s not impossible. You deserve a workplace where you’re respected and supported, not judged.

You’re not alone in this. Many people with mental health challenges take a longer path to finding the right role, but they eventually do, often somewhere that finally feels safe and stable.

Please don’t give up on yourself. You’ve already shown resilience by trying, applying, seeking help, and reaching out for support:)

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