Does Mental Health Count as a Disability?

Mental health is something that has been recognised in the disability sphere far more over the last ten years or so. Mental health problems are now more often being given the recognition they deserve as serious and impactful. This is the case for our day-to-day lives and our professional lives. 

A question that many people have when they’re struggling with their mental health is, “Does mental health count as a disability?”

Knowing whether your mental health condition counts as a disability or not is actually very important. When it does cross the threshold into disability, it means that you’re entitled to certain types of support. It is important to access all of this support so you get everything you need. Not doing so is doing yourself a disservice. 

This is particularly the case when it comes to working. Knowing your rights when it comes to work is essential, as you need to be getting the support and access you’re entitled to. At Careers with Disabilities, we want to help you with that. 

So, in this blog, we’re going to talk you through when mental health counts as a disability and what this means for you in the workplace. 

The Definition of Disability

The Equality Act of 2010 gives us our most up-to-date definition of disability. Under the Act, a person is disabled:

“…if [they] have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.”

They define substantial as, “more than minor or trivial”. And they define long-term as 12 months or more. 

Progressive conditions that get worse over time are also classified as disabilities under the Equality Act. Your status as disabled may change, however, if you become well again down the line. With conditions such as cancer, MS, and HIV/AIDs, you are classified as a disabled person from the day of your diagnosis. 

When it comes to mental health, we use this simple definition to determine whether your mental health condition/struggle is a disability. People often think it will be difficult and mysterious to work out. In reality, it’s really quite straightforward. 

If your mental health has a substantial impact on your ability to do normal activities and that isn’t predicted to change any time soon, then you can be classified as disabled in the UK. The best way to go about getting this assessed is by talking to your local GP. They will be able to help you and signpost you on to further services in your area. 

Should You Disclose Your Disability?

If you’re deemed disabled due to your mental health, your next question might be – should I disclose my disability? 

When it comes to the world of recruitment and work, many people wonder whether disclosing their disability is the right thing to do for them. Many people worry it will work against them and that they will be excluded from certain opportunities because of it.

This is, of course, discrimination.

You cannot be denied a job or have your position at work change because of your disability. People can’t treat you any differently because of your disability unless it is to help and support you. This is backed up by the Equality Act, too.

You aren’t under any obligation to disclose your disability to an employer and you can’t be coerced into doing so either. So, if you’re worried about these more negative potentials, you can take comfort in the fact that you only need to disclose your disability if you feel ready and if you feel it would help. If not, there is no pressure to do so.

Benefits of Disclosing Your Disability

There are quite a few benefits in store if you do decide to disclose your disability. They are as follows: 

1. Increased Access to Support

When you disclose your disability to an employer, the main aim is to get more of the support you need. Your employer cannot support you appropriately if they don’t know about your condition. One of the main ways that your employer can support you is via reasonable adjustments. 

2. Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes and modifications that can be made to jobs and workplaces for disabled people. Whatever reasonable adjustments you need depend on your condition and you as a person. There are lots of different reasonable adjustments that can be made in regard to mental health. Some options include time off for counselling, remote working options, longer breaks, and changes to workload/work duties. 

3. Reducing Stigma

The more we talk openly and honestly about mental health, the more we can reduce the stigma surrounding the topic. Disclosing your disability at work may help others do the same. It may also show others that there doesn’t need to be any shame in talking about mental health. It’s okay to need help and it’s okay to ask for it. 

4. Better Relationships with Others

When we’re honest about ourselves, it helps our relationships with others. You might think that disclosing your difficulties with mental health will do the opposite in the workplace, but this isn’t the case. Honest disclosures help to bring people together. 

What Next?

If you’re considering whether your mental health condition is a disability or not, talk to your GP first and foremost. 

If you think you have been treated unfairly because you have spoken out about your mental health, you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service discrimination helpline. 

Finally, are you ready to take the leap and disclose your mental health disability to your employer? You can read more of our advice on Careers with Disabilities.

Jobs for Disabled Job Seekers

If you need a new job where you will be accepted and supported, take a look at our inclusive and accessible disabled jobs board. Here, you will find lots of job listings posted by Disability-Friendly employers.

For example, you’ll find low-stress UK jobs, jobs for people with PTSD, jobs for people with social anxiety, jobs for people with OCD, jobs for people with depression and jobs for people with anxiety.

Picking the right employer is sometimes half the battle. Everything is easier in a safe and inclusive environment.