Employment and Anxiety

[meichmann]

Hi Everyone,
I am looking to supplement my income with a 2nd job and was wondering:

1) If you were diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety, panic attacks etc... do you have to disclose that information to the perspective employer?
2) If you have to disclose it, can the employer not hire you because of it?

I am just curious and don't want to waste my time applying if no one will hire me because of my diagnosis.

Thanks!

[Ponder]

Hi meichmann. Interesting question. It's a double edged sword.

Depends on the job I am applying for. I find collared workers to be less tolerant of my condition, say compered to working in a factory. I lost a job in a mail sorting office myself, which I note someone in this forum is just starting & I wish well. To be perfectly honest with you, I don't work because of my condition. However many interviews I have been on, and if I had to pick between telling them or not - I'd normally go with not. In saying that though, to alleviate my "fears", I often end up pointing out facts about myself as being a slow learning, then highlighting my strengths in that. Unfortunately, business DO NOT have time to train people like they used to. Therefore, more times than not, my own honesty without even disclosing any kind of illness, will have be jobless at any rate. On those rare occasions you might get someone who recognizes such a strength and you end up becoming a prized worker, despite the angst that dwells within. In some cases, such bosses will help you to hone you condition into something more productive and therapeutic whilst doing your job. I find these work places a pleasure to be in and later suffer due to unforeseen circumstances.

I'm sorry I don't have a short answer for your first question ... In hindsight now having said all that - I do aim to tell prospective employers that I suffer some from anxiety with the aim to strike one that knows well the strengths of such a condition. Most of my line of work has been labor intensive - easy to outlet anxiety -> which is why I said, "depends on the job". "What are the fears?" is another question I would say you need to identify - as knowing that will make it easier for you to be upfront whilst avoiding the stigma. I don't like working in confined spaces, around too many people, loud noise ------->> what type of instruction is given (I suffer from retaining information which is flustered more with any of the previous conditions mentioned) ------------>>> what are your strengths .... after I explain, or simply ask the employer about the space, people and noise levels - (which is tactful and also appreciated by some bosses for thinking ahead and showing interest) --- You have to remember, your also engaging in this interview process to determine weather the job is for you or not -----don't think about it as if your there solely to sell yourself to them. That is very important! Many will say to sell yourself, but again, I would warn you - just to be yourself.

Sorry to go on like this - I suffered badly with continual rejections from not getting jobs - in the end I just gave up with all the pretentious BS and then found myself being offered jobs I did not really want. No doubt some of them wanted to hire me, because they could tell I did not want the job, and they thought they could make my life hell given the welfare system. Some people are just plain cruel like that - Generally I just get up wish them well and go tell the employment agency what a dick the boss was. On other occasions they would say, they really appreciated not having to look through the deception so many people use to rise above another and that If I wanted a trial run, they'd be happy to give me a go despite my reservations and angst.

Best way to say it - is be upfront about what you can really offer - don't over sell, because doing so will only make the angst even more so when you start and think "Damn it - wish I'd never said that, winging it just not cutting it here" You may not want to say your on meds and suffer this or that - but definitely ask questions about the job, that relates to what your able to identify each fear with - people, places, space, complexities, and so on - and as mentioned - you may very well be more preferable than someone with all the credentials under the sun and shiny suite to match.

Can they hire not hire you because you disclosed a condition? ... absolutely they can - but they wont say it like that. All comes down to how you present yourself - neat and tidy is one thing, but it's all in the way you approach -> "yourself". It's not so much what you disclose, but more so, how you project it. Work on that. Same goes with honesty.

Hope some of that makes sense.
Best of luck with your job hunting.

[alankay]

If it won't interfere with work or I can manage it I don't mention it. They just need/want to know if you have a med condition that might interfere with work. I say no for 2 reasons. I can manage with the help of meds and my knowledge of how it effects me and they(most anyway) wouldn't understand anyway.
Sometimes I hint by saying "damn I hate being so high strung" at times and they seem to get that to a certain degree.
That being said if you can't get your symptoms under control laws cover that in the US now but I don't know how it works out practically.
Lesson is work with your doc to get symptoms under control and learn how to best manage, work and live with anxiety. Easy said than done I know. Alankay

[Lee Grant Irons]

By law in America, potential employers cannot require you to provide your medical history. However, they can ask you questions regarding qualifications to perform various tasks required by the job (e.g., lift weight, work nights, etc.). American law also gives employers certain flexibility in being able to fire an employee within the first 90 days of employment. So it is important that you not take any jobs that you feel you cannot do. However, once again, prospective employers cannot require you to divulge your medical history, nor should you tell them.

I would recommend you stay in the practice of applying for jobs and interviewing, whether or not you are actively looking for a first or second job. It will help you in the future if you lose your current job or if you find a job that would pay more or that you like better. It will help you get and stay comfortable with the process. This is a good way of preventing the worse financial position of having no job. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.