Disclosing My Mental Illness While on Disability: Trying to Go Back to Work at 43

Being Mentally Real - Disclosing Mental Illness 4 a Job at 43

Recently, I opened up in a video about the challenges of balancing mental health, disability benefits, and the desire to work. I discussed the confusion, fear, and pressure of trying to improve while not wanting to risk losing my safety net.

After I shared that, one of my members, SweetDreamz0223 left a comment on my YouTube channel that really stuck with me. She said:

“Hey, Steph. I don't feel it's necessary to disclose your mental illness to an employer because of the discrimination and stigma that can come with it.

If you're taking your meds and haven’t had any recent psychosis episodes, there’s no need for your employer to know about your mental history. You’ve been doing well with therapy — just make sure you pick the right job

for your physical and mental health.”

That message hit home for me. Because truthfully, that’s one of the hardest decisions to make when you’re living with mental illness — deciding who deserves to know.

On one hand, I want to be transparent. I want to work somewhere that understands mental health and creates a safe space for people like me. But on the other hand, I’ve seen how quickly people can judge you or treat you differently once they find out you have a diagnosis.

It’s a scary reality — especially for Black women, people with disabilities, and anyone who already faces stigma or misunderstanding in the workplace.

Talking About My Struggles While Doing Uber Eats

I recorded a video in my car while doing Uber Eats, sharing my reality: trying to work while living on Social Security disability benefits. The money helps, but it’s not enough, and managing my mental health while hustling every day can feel overwhelming. Speaking my truth on camera helped me process my challenges and inspired me to do more with my experience.

Living With Mental Illness and Disability at 43

Mental illness and physical health challenges have shaped my life, my work, and my purpose. At 43, I’m learning how to balance my health, financial needs, and personal goals. My journey has made me determined to create opportunities for myself and others in similar situations.

Facing Discrimination and Finding My Voice

I’ve experienced stigma and discrimination firsthand — being judged, misunderstood, and overlooked. But these experiences motivated me to find my voice and create something meaningful. Instead of letting discrimination hold me back, I decided to turn it into advocacy.

Why I Started My Advocacy Business

My advocacy business was born out of the need for safe, supportive spaces for people with mental illness. It’s Black-owned, disabled, woman, and LGBTQ-friendly, focused on empowering individuals, sharing resources, and providing guidance for navigating work, benefits, and health challenges.

Becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist

I’m in the process of getting recertified as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Peer support is about lived experience — helping others because you’ve been through it yourself. This certification allows me to turn my struggles into guidance, hope, and empowerment for those navigating mental illness or disability.

Turning Struggles Into Purpose

Even while working Uber Eats, I’m building something bigger. Every challenge, every exhausting day, and every moment of perseverance fuel my advocacy work. My mission is to transform pain into purpose and help others find strength, hope, and opportunity — no matter what they’re facing. 💜

Getting recertified as a Peer Support Specialist is my next step in that mission. I want to use what I’ve been through to empower others — to show that even when life knocks you down, you can still rise, rebuild, and find purpose again.

So yeah, I might still be out here doing Uber Eats right now. But that’s just part of my journey — not the end of it. Every delivery, every struggle, every moment of exhaustion is fuel for something bigger: advocacy, awareness, and change.

Because I believe our hardest battles can become the foundation for our strongest purpose. 💜