Do I tell my new employer straight up about my anxiety/panic disorder?

[Elbo]

[knowles8586]

I wouldnt at first because they can be judgemental, thinking you cannot do the job unless its the council

[Elbo]

Yeah the job I am leaving is in the local council I'm going to private sector so I don't think they will be as understanding but I just don't know they might be really good about or think what the f have we taken her on for!?

[Yankee_Doodle]

It’s your choice whether to tell your employer but If you do, they are legally obliged to consider making reasonable adjustments to your work. This might include allowing more flexibility to have therapy or letting you work from home during stressful times.

The Equality Act of 2010 means most employers have no right to ask for information about your health when recruiting. However, in an interview, they can ask whether you have the ability to do key elements of the job. There is also a specific exception in vetting applicants for work in national security such as intelligence services.

If your mental illness has lasted 12 months or more you are likely to have rights as an employee under the Equality Act. Telling your boss, occupational health or human resources department will mean your employer is obliged to consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to your working life to help keep you well. You can ask them not to tell colleagues, but they may need to tell the human resources department.

Admin

[joella in reply to Yankee_Doodle]

The trouble with this, Yankee_Doodle, is actually enforcing the protections given under the law. No matter what the legal situation is or what the organisation's HR policy might say, most employers do not want to go to the expense and trouble of making 'reasonable adjustments' or allowing flexible working for appointments etc - especially for a new employee.

[fadedlizard]

Hi Elbo,

Welcome to the site.

I started a new job twelve years ago having had the best part of four years off due to anxiety and depression. My new employers requested I went through Occupational Health (an interesting experience ). As a result my employers have always known about my mental health issues. It really hasn't been a problem. They have always been supportive and I have been so much better since I returned to work. I really hope it works out well for you whatever you decide to do.

Good Luck,

Love

Lizard.xxx

[Elbo]

Well I have to go in to my new job to go for lunch and to be introduced to the directors, I would like to tell the, as I hope to be working there for a long time, its hard and scary enough as I haven't been in full time work for 7 years so I'm really anxious already but I'm taking steps to ensure I can manage my anxiety as the interview caused major attack and I've been on lorazepam for the last few days and have realised I need to talk more about it hence writing my blog etc. I think it is for the best that I tell them, just how and when and what to say!?? Thank you for your replies by the way xxx

[fadedlizard in reply to Elbo]

I think you're doing really well. I know how daunting it is to return to work after a long absence. You're putting all your strategies in place to help you cope and I'm sure the opportunity will come up if you want to disclose your condition.

I'll be thinking of you.

Keep posting and let us know how you're getting on.xxx

[Elbo]

I have had to turn the job down it has caused me a huge amount of anxiety have had a really bad Episode this week. I was doing it for all the wrong reasons when really I was settled where I was and when it came to it I had a nervous brake down about it so picking myself back up and ill be ok thanks for the kind words xx