Mental Illness Is an Invisible Disability
How to interact with people with mental illness during a job interview:
Etiquette
Hiring Process and Selection
Maintaining Successful Employment
Etiquette
- Be mindful of language- Avoid using the term “crazy” or saying things like “I am so stressed out, I am going to kill myself."
- Use "person-first" language- Example: Say “a person with schizophrenia” instead of “a schizophrenic person.”
- People with mental illness may have additional disabilities, such as physical mobility, learning disabilities, etc.
- Otherwise, there are no other specific accommodations regarding communication.
Hiring Process and Selection
- If candidates disclose during an interview that they have a mental illness, acceptance is important. Ask them what type of accommodations they may need to be successful in their work, and thank them for being honest and brave in disclosing.
- Individuals with mental health challenges may have gaps in their work history and may not have sequential educational histories.
- It is important to understand that these candidates want to work; this may help them to achieve success in the future.
Maintaining Successful Employment
- It is important to understand that employees with mental illnesses may go through cycles of wellness and illness. In this regard, the employer’s support is crucial in reducing stigma.
