So this may be a big dream, but I'd really like to start a nonprofit that helps remove barriers regarding careers and college for people struggling with mental health issues. I'd like to begin by educating employers and college administration. But my big goal is to help link people with quality jobs, college, certifications that are hopefully lasting because of the training we provide to employers/schools to help create a better workspace for those struggling with mental health.

I feel frustrated when I see mental health awareness month all over social media and linkedin, yet so many employers keep up barriers that don't allow space for people with mental health issues. I'm speaking of the U.S. but I can imagine this can't be the only place having this issue.

I am in the very early stages of researching and I'd like to know some barriers that you struggle with and I'll share mine below!

I am diagnosed with BPD, and possibly on the autism spectrum. My barriers include:

Job applications - the chronological order and start/end date requirements of a job application are very difficult for me because I have large gaps in employment and only hold jobs for short periods.

Job descriptions/application - when jobs list a degree is required for a specific job title I've held and had experience in, and that one can perform without the need of a degree.

Job application - Including the section of where I went to college and what major I had. This is often required for online applications you can not skip this part. I did not go to college. I had quite a traumatic childhood which did not lead me down a path that one could easily go through that process. This one, in particular, is very demeaning for me because I am well educated via online training and certificates I sought out as an adult.

Asking for accommodations - whenever I have asked for ADA accommodations, I have never been met with compassion. Each time I was treated as a burden and although the employer legally followed through with their end of the deal, they did not treat me with dignity during the process.

College admissions - I recently applied to a community college and applied for financial aid and the process was very stressful and confusing. I disclosed my mental health issues to explain my struggle with understanding what they were asking of me, and then I was discriminated against. I contacted the state board of education about the issue and provided the emails and voicemails and no one ever contacted me. And I ended up not being able to attend college.

So for me personally, I think people in these types of positions of power need to be more compassionate and kind in their words. I believe employers need to reimplement training as opposed to requiring degrees for entry-level jobs. They need to understand the real difficulties we face with preserving information, emotional sensitivity, and lack of stability in our childhoods that developed into a struggle in stability in adulthood. They need to understand that just because we have mental health issues doesn't mean we can't perform well or that we are a burden.

Thanks to anyone who shares!