medical form

[indian]

where it says "do you suffer from any mental illnesses" would i get in trouble if i failed to mention i've suffered from depression? i've got an interview but don't want to ruin my chances or for my future employers to think differently of me.

[MrJamie18]

I wanted to ask something similar to this, I've just filled a form in and it didn't ask if I have any illnesses but it did ask if I'm on any medication. I just wrote down the name of my anti-depressants. I'm not suffering from depression anymore, but I'm still taking the tablets.

I think you should include that you have had depression, but you're no longer suffering from it. If they question you about it in your interview, you can say that you learnt a lot from it.

[Loosehead]

Don't mention it. It's a sad fact but people are very judgemental when they hear words like depression especially when it's to do with potentially hiring someone. You see rightly or wrongly they don't want to hire, as they see it, potential problems.

[Scarlett]

I wouldn't mention it, particularly as you are now okay. You can mention that if they should ever query it. The question does not say "Have you ever suffered from.." it says "Do you suffer from..". And at present you do not!

[fairy!]

I wouldn't mention it.  I read a magazine article recently that basicly said if you've ever had depression, they will use this against you.  Will try & find the magazine & see exactly what it said.

[mystress]

Hi indian,

I am Manic Depressive,and so would have to say yes,keep quiet about it.

However unless you qualify under one of the following,I would not say anything.

At present taking medication.

Have seen Psychiatrist/Psychologist.(recently)

Have been hospitalised due to depression.(recently)

Are being seen(now) by a Community Psychiatric Nurse.

If the answer to the above is NO,then don't mention it.

As Loosehead says rightly or wrongly they will use it to judge you now,and more importantly AFTER you get the job.Any problems in the job in future and it will be "oh well he/she is Mentally Ill, what can you expect!"

Sad to say, I speak from experience.

Good Luck though!

[jake-the-peg]

Employers don't have the right to see your medical records just because you work for them so I don't see what right they think they have to ask such questions when they're taking you on. Unless of course the job is one where it would have a material affect on your ability to do the job.

I guess they'd argue that they are making exactly that assessment - well, save them the trouble and make it on their behalf.

I might argue that somebody suffering from bouts of depression should have told me when they applied to be a redcoat for example :c)

[AllYourBase]

If you were to suffer again, you'd have to convince your employer that it was your first time. This may be difficult.

Equally, you could be seen as having something to hide if you are not honest - which would do far more harm to your career and give you NO employment protection were you to suffer again. Your employer could deem that your lying on your form was gross misconduct, then sack you at the first sign of any future similar illness, rather than being supportive.

I have just interviewed someone who was honest enough to tell me at interview about her similar difficulties, how she had battled them for 12 years, she had got over them and how she was moving forward. Her motivation and honesty were refreshing. She got the job.