Julie St. John
Julie St. John

May is mental health awareness month. It is designated as such to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and to de-stigmatize mental illness. As an employment lawyer, I believe this effort is of the upmost importance. 

Mental health should not be looked at any differently than physical health. Our brain is a part of the body. Accordingly, health issues that are associated with the brain should not be treated differently than health issues that affect other parts of the body. 

The good news is, under the law, they are not treated differently. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” 42 U.S.C. § 12102(1)(A) (emphasis added). The bad news is, despite the fact that individuals with mental disabilities are entitled to the same protections under the law as those with physical disabilities, employers have a tendency to treat them differently. This may be in part because mental disabilities are so called “invisible disabilities”. When employers cannot see the disability physically manifested, perhaps they do not believe the workers should be entitled to any protection. But they are wrong. 

Clearly, under the law, individuals with mental disabilities are protected from discrimination on the basis of their disability. They are also protected from retaliation if they make complaints about discrimination on the basis of their disability. Nevertheless, discrimination against those with mental health issues is prevalent. Moreover, when individuals with mental disabilities are discriminated against, it can be particularly difficult because of their underlying condition. 

Almost everyone who is subjected to illegal discrimination or retaliation in the workplace finds it takes a toll on their mental health. When this additional strain is added on top of an existing underlying mental health issue, the problem is often exasperated. It’s like the difference between kicking someone in the leg versus kicking someone in the leg who already has a broken leg. Unfortunately, too often, employers seem to attempt to use this to their advantage. This can come in all different forms, such as the employer being overly intrusive into an employee’s health information, or overly burdensome as to what medical documentation they claim they “need” for leave or accommodations to be provided, or sometimes it can even be suspending the employee and subjecting them to a fit-for-duty evaluation. Although an employee facing such a scenario may want to refuse or quit, although it may all feel like too much to handle, it is very important to instead contact a lawyer immediately. 

Overall, it is of the upmost importance for those with mental disabilities who are experiencing discrimination or retaliation in the workplace to not only seek medical help, but also legal help. Under the ADA, there is protection from discrimination and retaliation for those who are being targeted because of their mental health condition and those who have complained about discrimination. Workers with mental disabilities also have the right under the ADA to request reasonable accommodations from their employers to be able to do their job. Accommodations for workers with underlying mental health issues can vary widely, but employers are required to engage in what is called the interactive process to determine what accommodations can be provided. Obviously, an employee’s mental health care provider will also play an important role in this process. 

If you have faced discrimination because of your mental health, or retaliation for complaining about mental health discrimination, or your employer is refusing to provide you with reasonable accommodations, you should consult with an employment attorney right away. You are not alone in your fight for equal treatment. 

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Photo of Julie St. John Julie St. John

We asked Julie L. St. John, an experienced Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to impart her candid answers to a range of questions. After reading, you will be more more informed on the well-respected reputation that Ms.

We asked Julie L. St. John, an experienced Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C., to impart her candid answers to a range of questions. After reading, you will be more more informed on the well-respected reputation that Ms. St. John carries.

1. Why did you start practicing labor and employment law?

Because I care about the rights of employees and believe all workers should be treated fairly. 

2. If you could write a new law, what would it do?

Guarantee a living wage for all workers.

 3. Besides Rob Wiley, P.C., what is the most interesting job that you have had?

I worked as the beer cart girl at a golf course in college. 

4. What’s the best part of living in Houston?

Houston is clearly the best city in Texas, way better than Austin or Dallas. The people are wonderful, and the food is delicious. The only downside is the traffic, which is why I refuse to go outside of the loop (with a key exception for Ikea).

 5. If you were not practicing labor and employment law what would you be?

I would start a gardening/landscaping company with animals that do the work. The goats would eat the weeds, the pigs would till the ground, and the chickens would keep the bugs away.

6. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

To have another tool to use to fight for things I believe in. I’ve always wanted to change the world.

7. What do you do when you’re not practicing law?

Travel, watch Ohio State football, and work to make my cat instafamous.

8. What’s your favorite legal movie

The Pelican Brief because it features Tulane Law!

9. Have you ever learned something from one of your clients?

I learn something from almost all of my clients. Most importantly, courage.

10. Who do you most admire as a lawyer?

Kalandra Wheeler

Julie L. St. John is a Trial Attorney in the Houston office of Wiley Wheeler, P.C. She graduated from Ohio State University with her bachelor’s degree in 2007. Ms. St. John then graduated from Tulane University School of Law in 2017.