"Employment"

I am a lady who has had some difficult times in my past in terms of my mental health. There was a time that I used to feel life was fun and when I honestly did not think I would get ill.

I wanted to get back to work so I decided to get involved with a service within my local LMHT. In the past I have been in admin and enjoyed it, but I realised my confidence was not great after being unwell. I also lost a lot of my confidence and in some ways my identity when I suffered bi-lateral hearing loss.

I started with Debbie in October 2020. We got on well and completed all the paperwork, she was good with me as she is very down to earth and has a similar sense of humour to my own.

At that time, I felt that historically I had been victimised because of my disability. Debbie would send me jobs to apply for and we did a CV together. I did not feel very confident in my own skills and what I could bring to any workplace, but Deb reassured me and always would explain why my skills were valuable.

In October I got interviews but there was a lot of rejections and it really knocked me for six. I started avoiding interviews at the last minute. Debbie told me to begin looking at interviews like rehearsals and encouraged me to view every rejection was a piece of learning. We did do a lot of interview prep, Deb helped me to see that I was not selling myself effectively during interview.

After several rejections I found it hard not to get downhearted but then one interview I got the job. I was so happy, and when I told Debbie she told me she did a happy dance, and actually I believe it.

I got support while in the job, but unfortunately a few months later, they wanted me to go. I was gutted and they told me it was due to my audio typing, which of course I struggled with due to my hearing issues. They did not sack me and offered to give me a reference. Debbie talked with me about disabilities being protected characteristics, however I didn't want any intervention at this point.

We quickly moved on and carried on applying for jobs. I had a lot of interviews, but in May, had another, and loved the atmosphere. I was unsuccessful but Debbie asked for feedback and I was told by the interviewer to go for a bank position. The feedback was amazing and spurred me on. In July 2021 I did get a role within my local city Council,  there was another happy dance from Deb. Before this, I did struggle to trust anyone again after my experience with the first job, but with support, beginning to trust people again.

Still did not feel I had found my perfect job, then I was offered another temporary job. I then applied for a job with someone who had given great feedback in the past, and got an interview. Debbie had sourced questions over time and given me them and potential answers. I was a bit torn as did not want to leave the role I was in, but it was temporary.

I went to the interview and, safe to say, I wanted it more than I dared to admit. This time I was offered a permanent position. Before this, I was struggling to see any breakthrough at all. Debbie did another happy dance and told me how proud she was of me. Debbie is still supporting me to date. I have now started believing again, and my message to others who think there is no hope… there is. Keep at it and carry on. I am living proof that things can change and recovery is possible, just never ever give up.