Explaining a period of unemployment due to untreated depression can be challenging, but it's essential to be honest and open while highlighting your personal growth and steps taken to address the issue. Here's a suggested approach to explaining this situation:
Be Honest: Start by acknowledging the gap in your employment history and be straightforward about the reason for it. Mention that you faced a difficult time due to untreated depression, which affected your ability to work during that period.
Address the Issue: Explain that you experienced depression, which is a legitimate medical condition, but was not addressed at the time. Make it clear that you now recognize the importance of mental health and have taken steps to seek help and treatment.
Emphasize Personal Growth: Discuss how this challenging period provided an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Mention any coping mechanisms you've learned, such as meditation, exercise, or therapy, that have helped you better manage stress and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Show Readiness to Work: Highlight your current readiness and enthusiasm to rejoin the workforce. Mention that you are now in a much better mental state and are eager to contribute your skills and experiences to a new position.
Focus on Skills and Achievements: Highlight any skills or achievements you gained during your period of unemployment. If you took courses, participated in volunteer work, or engaged in any personal projects, include them in your explanation to demonstrate your commitment to continuous self-improvement.
Connect It to the Job: Relate your experiences and how you've grown during this time to the specific job you're applying for. Explain how overcoming these challenges has made you more resilient and adaptable, which could be valuable traits in the workplace.
Avoid Negativity: While it's essential to be honest about your struggles, try to maintain a positive and forward-looking tone. Focus on how you've learned from the experience and are now better equipped to handle challenges effectively.
Remember that many employers understand that life can present difficult circumstances, including health issues, and they appreciate honesty and transparency. Discussing your experience with untreated depression and its impact on your career can also help break the stigma surrounding mental health, promoting a more compassionate and understanding workplace culture.