According to Mind, 1 in 4 people will suffer with a mental health problem at some point in their lives. In some cases people have a temporary condition from which they completely recover. Other people learn to manage their condition, but it remains with them.
'Mental Health' covers a range of specific conditions, the symptoms and implications of which vary. Conditions include Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Bi-polar disorder (Manic Depression) and Schizophrenia. Details about specific conditions can be found at Mind's website.
A person who has been able to put themselves through a course of Higher Education is likely to be in sufficient control of their symptoms to be able to perform satisfactorily in the workplace. In fact they are likely to show increased levels of determination and motivation.
Remember to find out as much as you can of the implications of the condition and where the candidate's strengths and weaknesses lie - this will be expected and can help you understand any adjustments you may need to make for that specific individual (You could ask the applicant to provide a brief medical letter stating their diagnosis and giving a brief explanation of the ways it is likely to affect them). Everyone is an individual, so it is important to work with the person to provide suitable solutions for each situation.
You may be able to get financial assistance towards any costs of reasonable adjustments from the Access to Work scheme operated by Jobcentre Plus.
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