I’m Mentally Ill. Hire Me.
Dear Employer,
Hi. I’m Deena. I’m mentally ill. Please hire me.
I want to be clear, I’m not asking you to take pity on me and hire me because I’m mentally ill. I have plenty of people who will take pity on me, I don’t need any more. No, I am saying I am mentally ill. I am open about it and don’t feel the need to hide behind shame (a ridiculous idea, I know,) and you should hire me because I will be one of the best employees you’ve ever had.
But you’re mentally ill, you’re thinking, that sounds scary, you could go crazy at work, or always call in sick or be less productive because of your illness, or you could be sad all the time and be a total drag.
I hear you and I’ll answer these concerns one at a time.
What if you go crazy and scream or just lose it?
I’m not the employee you need to worry about, in fact I’m the exact opposite because I actually get the help I need. I’m someone who has identified my illness, sought treatment, and is aware of how I am doing. The people who fly off the handle and make your life difficult, they are the ones not seeking treatment, and they’re probably not because they’re afraid of the stigma, especially workplace stigma.
I bet you call in sick a lot or are less productive cause you’re depressed.
Have I missed work because of depression? Yes, but very rarely, and not to lay on the couch or because “I just wasn’t up to it.” The person who called in “sick” to binge watch all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls so they were caught up for the Netflix reunion show has already been hired by your company, that’s not me. I am like someone who has diabetes or Crohn’s, I come in every single day unless I require medical attention and even if that happens I’ve still worked from a hospital or home. The unnecessary guilt I have about living with this disease and also the feeling of not wanting to let people down, those feelings will actually work to your advantage because I want to be your best employee to get rid of any doubts or misconceptions you may have about mental illness.
Yeah, but if you’re depressed you’re probably a total buzzkill and sad all the time.
Your office already has a sad person, every office does. But that’s not me. I’m a delight. Really. Depression gets a bad rap. People think you’re an Eeyore always walking around bemoaning life, but that person is a pessimist, not someone with mental illness. Me? I’m a Tigger, a Tigger who might think about death a little more than I should (hey, I’m going for honesty here) but who leaves those thoughts for the professionals I see and the friends I message post-work. At the office I’m the hard worker, doing what you ask, making jokes when appropriate, and texting you on the way in to ask if you want a Starbucks.
So as I said, I’m Deena. I’m mentally ill. Please hire me.
References (from past employers and therapists) available upon request.
Deena is a freelance writer and has also worked as an on-staff humor writer for American Greetings and has professionally tweeted about vacuums. She is a founding member of Crooked River Comedy and is also the creator of This Improvised Life, a part improvised, part written story-telling hour, performing regularly for over 5 years. In addition, She co-wrote and stars in Funnel Cakes Not Included, a one-woman show about ending stigma associated with mental illness. She is also the co-creator of a kind, funny, awesome, nine year old boy who would like you to know he has a huge Star Wars collection, over 35 hats, and constantly crushes her in foosball.
Angie
Well, I already commented on Alex’s post. I can’t even work at Target. Maybe you could share some advice with me. I’m 48 and have a bachelors in education. I lost my job teaching because of my bipolar disorder and PTSD. Thanks
Jackie B
So true and very well written. I am a vocational coach for people with disabilities. Some are dealing with mental illness and the biggest obstacles to their employment are the fears of prospective employers, not their capabilities. I hope your post goes viral. Thank you for your brilliant insight!
Deena Nyer Mendlowitz
Thank you so much for the work you do!
Lina
Awesome! I love this post! Thank you for your courage and honesty and making it real….