Understanding Mental Health Discrimination in California The discrimination may be overt, such as outright refusal to hire someone due to their mental health condition, or more subtle, such as imposing unreasonable demands that are difficult for someone with a mental health condition to meet.
How Does Systemic Oppression and Discrimination Impact People? A lack of availability of mental health services. Transportation issues, difficulty finding childcare/taking time off work. The belief that mental health treatment “doesn't work” The high level of mental health stigma in minority populations.
Provide your employer with a doctor's note that outlines your need for an accommodation. While this might not prevent the discrimination itself, it will put your employer on notice of your condition and help prove your case if discrimination does occur.
Medical records, along with corroborating testimony, can prove you have or had a disability. However, in cases where discrimination is based on a perceived disability, substantiating employer statements or nonverbal conduct regarding your mental or physical abilities becomes crucial.
Possible solutions: Ask that a job coach be present when you meet with your employer for feedback; offer your own perspective on your strengths and weaknesses; ask for specific ways to improve; ask to receive feedback in writing with an opportunity to discuss it later.
Discrimination arising from your disability: if you're treated badly because of something that happens because of your mental health problem, for example, if you're given a warning at work for taking time off for medical appointments.
Mental health discrimination at work is where an individual, with a diagnosable mental health condition, is treated less favorably than other employees because of this disability. This discrimination can be either direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional.
Yes, you can file an employment lawsuit for mental anguish. You can only sue for mental anguish if your employer's illegal activities caused the mental anguish. For example, if your employer fired you for complaining about wage theft, you can file a lawsuit requesting compensation for your mental anguish.
Human Resources: Do's and Don'ts of Reporting Discrimination or Unlawful Harassment DO report discrimination in writing. DO explicitly use the words “discrimination” or “unlawful harassment.” ... DO be concise in your written complaint. DO keep record of your communications with HR.