Will past depression affect my career development?: iVillage

Will past depression affect my career development?

Robin Sieger

Robin Sieger was diagnosed with cancer at 29. This 'wake-up call' taught him that success can be designed, and failure isn't inevitable. He recovered and went on to hold a senior position at the BBC. He's the author of the international bestseller 'Natural Born Winners' (a recent hit reality TV series) and the newly released 'You Can Change Your Life Any Time You Want'. Robin is now a renowned keynote speaker. He runs the training and personal development consultancy, Sieger International.

Q I have been off sick for just over 12 months because of depression. I am now looking for work, but am concerned that potential employers will not consider my application when I tell them about my depression, especially as I have had so much time off.

I really do want to go back to work - my employer still has my position open but I feel that I would be better to move on from this job. I am also worried about what kind of reference they will give me as I have not been at work for so long. There is a lot of stigma attached to depression, which I have recovered from now, but I don't want it to put new employers off, and hold me back for the rest of my life.

A I understand your natural concern over the stigma that some people associate with depression. You mention that you are worried about a) interviewers automatically not considering you for a position because of your experience with depression, and b) what prospective employers will say when they discover you have not worked for 12 months. Essentially you are worrying about things that have not yet happened, it is natural to do so, yet you're essentially developing an expectation of failure and looking for evidence to validate that expectation, rather than nurturing a positive attitude and expectation.

When you go for an interview the impression they will have of you will be a direct response of the image you hold of yourself. If you see yourself as unemployable, then that is what they will see. If you see yourself as conscientious, hard working and capable, then that is what they will see.

You have overcome depression and you shall overcome people's ignorance. Rather than see yourself as the subject of prejudice and ignorance, see yourself as a survivor who can and will change the misperceptions of others. Most of all, be proud of the strength and courage you have shown in overcoming depression and use what you have learned from the experience to change your life for the better.

The first steps

It is estimated that 96 per cent of four year olds have high self-esteem, they believe they can do anything they put their mind to. By the age of 18 it is estimated that less than three per cent of people have high self-esteem. What happens?

In short, the positive messages they received of unconditional praise and love from parents and carers enabled them to create a very strong and positive self-image. Once they went to school, the sources that allowed them to shape their self-image became negative.

Around 80 per cent of the skills we require to be successful in life and at work are attitude based. We have 100 per cent control of our attitude, when we realise this, we understand that we can create much more control in our lives. We don't have to feel that we are continually operating at the will of circumstances (and other people).

The road to your success may not be smooth, as people we need to be flexible and adaptable. But if you can accept responsibility for where you are, who you are, and where you want to go, then you are well on your way. Good luck!