Mental Health Stigma.

I have always known that there is a certain stigma around mental health, but I had never imagined that I would be rejected by two different companies, without consideration, purely for the fact that I have anxiety.

I wanted to spend summer 2016 working on a Camp somewhere in the US, and I applied first through Camp America, and then through Americamp, to be told by both companies that they were unwilling to accept my application simply because of my mental health condition. Of course, I do understand their concerns and appreciate that they want you to be as healthy and happy as possible while out there, but I was so surprised that they could outright reject you for something so small. Camp is a stressful environment, and I accept that. I know that it would be a challenge. But surely it would be challenging regardless of mental illness. If anything, I think that acknowledging my anxiety and seeking help for it gives me an advantage; I know how it manifests itself, what my triggers are and how to avoid them, and how to deal with any unavoidable problems that may arise.

By summer 2016, I will be a fully qualified teacher, a profession that is arguably amongst the most stressful. I have always excelled under high pressure situations, having completed a Masters degree full-time while simultaneously working-part time, volunteering with Children's University, teaching dance within the Dance Society and being an all round active member of the Students Union. I also have over six years experience working with children, as well as an extensive history in a variety of sports and arts.

It is situations like this that feeds the stigma surrounding mental health, and why so many people still refuse to speak out and get the help that they need through fear of facing prejudice that can damage their careers. It makes me almost wish that I hadn't asked for help with my issues, as I know that without this black mark on my record, I would have been a perfect candidate. Had I applied this time last year I have every confidence that I would have been placed, but I also know that I wasn't in a position to have coped with the stresses of camp life. My mental health is very stable, I am on medication which I am looking to reduce, the CBT also has made a huge difference to how well I can deal with a variety of issues that I would have otherwise struggled with.

'Shut me up, but I just scream, I'm only one voice in a million, but you aint taking that from me.'