Your struggles with mental health issues are hard enough to deal with on your own. It takes everything you have to stay on top of it and live a fulfilling life. The last thing you need is to face discrimination in the workplace based on your condition.
Fortunately for you, you are generally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This applies in all states, including California. You cannot be discriminated against on account of your mental health condition, just as you cannot be discriminated against because of your age, gender, race or religion.
To make sure that this does not happen to you, here are a few examples of potential discrimination that you could face:
- You get the job assignments that other workers never want
- You get paid less than others who do the same job
- You see your pay docked or reduced after they find out about your condition
- You do not get a fair shot to get hired in the first place
- You get fired from your position solely because of your mental health condition
- You do not get all of the training that other workers get
- You get passed over for promotions and can’t seem to make any forward progress
- You get laid off first
- You do not get the same benefits package that the other employees are offered
In short, your career should not suffer any sort of setback based on discrimination, and it is illegal when your employer takes this type of action against you. Make sure you fully understand all of the legal options you have and the steps you need to take.
