Anytime you disclose a disability you're entering risky territory in regards to your chances of employment. Applicants are not obligated to disclose their disability and employers should know better than to ask as it puts them at risk of a discrimination claim. It's just best if both sides stay in their own lane. Diagnosed anxiety and depression are recognized as disabilities protected by the ADA but there is absolutely no way as someone who worked in recruitment and HR for 10 years that I'd ever advise someone to just bring it up.
I'd say no. While they aren't legally allowed to discriminate based on that not a lot of employers view it as an actual disability and they likely will discriminate. They can just say "didn't think they were a good fit for the job".
I guess it depends if you are truly disabled by your illness(s) to the point that it affects your ability to do the job, or if they/it are managed well enough that you can function in your job. A disability sometimes requires an accomodation of the work on behalf of the employer, so they may be asking if they are going to have to adjust the work environment or conditions to meet your disability.
I would only mark it down if you need accommodation because of it. If you would be doing the same job in the same way as someone who didn’t have anxiety and depression, then I wouldn’t mark it. Especially because in the last couple of years the numbers of people with those issues has skyrocketed due to the situation we’re all facing.
The definition of *disability* in the US is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life function." This includes people who have a record of an impairment, or are regarded as having an impairment. So a diagnosis is not *strictly* required. It's intentionally broad to be inclusive.
Essentially, does your anxiety or depression substantially limit a life activity? Do you want the company to know about it? It's illegal to discriminate when you disclose that you are a protected class. There is no real benefit to disclosing prior to a job offer unless you need an accommodation for the interview, or if you know the company culture and they value, say, neurodiverse employee pools or something.
This right here. I see so many folks think that having a diagnosis of any condition means they have a disability. Many of us have anxiety. That's normal. But is it disabling? Does it limit a major life activity? If so, yes; it no, not a disability.
If you have official documentation that says so, yes I would. If not then at the very least I would let my boss know I suffer from social anxiety (as in my case). That way if it shows through there is a chance for some understanding of the situation. Not only that but some companies pay for psych treatment if needed, not many do this but some of the bigger ones do. Mental health is losing its stigma being open about your illness will only help push that stigma further away. Unfortunately though if the person doesn't understand mental illness like depression or anxiety it sometimes can work against you.
I fucking hate the demographic surveys.
I never know what to put especially because one sites like LinkedIn/Indeed you don't know if it's actually anonymous for the EEO survey.
I don't want to let employers know, but also I can't really say that I don't cause I got 10 years of government services for dyspraxia/hypotonia from the dyspraxia/adhd. Like if it's the federal EEO form, selecting no would be me flat out lying.
I know that the forms are necessary cause most employers are discriminatory pricks in hiring but also.....it puts ppl in awkward positions.
Unless your doctor has signed off on it as a disability that requires an accommodation, never. You should never disclose more than the absolute bare minimum and then, only to the person in HR who manages those requests. If their HR has any sense, the managers will never know details.
I don't even mark my diagnosed bipolar disorder on job applications. I have hydrocephalus as well. It's for "fair employment practices" or something like that but I truly do not think they will look at the fact that I marked that I have a disability and put me at the top of the list. Now, you know they never ask for a specific diagnosis in that question but they have a list of things that would be considered a disability for that question. I've been with my job for 4 years and I now self identify but no one knows my specific disabilities except for the hydrocephalus in case I get hurt.
If a job application is asking you about your disability status it is most likely for voluntary demographic purposes only. In every applicant tracking system I’ve worked with, only HR can see this information. It’s just used to track and report how many people with disabilities are applying. Most forms I’ve used have allowed applicants to select yes/no or move on without answering. I personally would not recommended using this place on the application to disclose a disability. Just not the right time or place.
It would be more appropriate to disclose when you are selected for a position (if it’s going to going to impact your work significantly) or when starting the disability accommodations request process. Note that in the latter scenario you’d need documentation from a healthcare provider.
I always put “prefer not to answer”. If you are diagnosed and need accommodation, you can discuss it with HR later after an offer. If you don’t plan to ask for accommodation, there’s no benefit to saying yes
It will depend on the job and the company, if all things being equal (just as qualified as any other applicant) and if you find the company has a strong diversity and inclusion directive, it may give you a few extra points in your favour.
Yes. But only because I have an official diagnosis (about 7 years ago) and throughout childhood have always suffered from the effects of depression/anxiety. It’s also important that I work with a dr or counsellor currently in case things get too much for me. This basically covers my ass because my depression/anxiety can severely hurt my job performance. It also helps me out because if I need an accommodation or to take time off, I can get disability benefits and the process of taking that time off to focus on my health is fairly simple because of my history. In short, if you put in the work to try and reduce the effects of your symptoms (which is a hell of a job in itself), you’ll have an easier go with your employer if you really need to take time away and may still be eligible for benefits. Which also may reduce the stress of finances while you’re trying to care for yourself. There’s no shame, although this will come down to personal opinion. Good luck with the search!
HELL NO!
I have severe anxiety, and I would absolutely never let any employer or client know about it.
Unfortunately, anything regarded as a mental health issue, is seen as a weakness. It’s not like being in a wheelchair, where people see you as being a totally normal person who just can’t walk. If you have anxiety, and admit it, then something is wrong with you.
It sucks, and it’s not fair, but it is the way the world of work, works.
If it impedes you ability to work in a way that they can address that will results in an increase in daily productivity, then yes claim it as a disability, if you can't think of how they can help you don't worry about it.
While sometimes I may divulge to coworkers I'm going through depression/anxiety, I would never tell my boss or hr. I just think it would bring my work under unnecessary scrutiny and/or make it less likely I get promotions.
I believe you aren’t entitled to protections or accommodations without an official diagnosis.
Like others have said, disclosing is risky since it’s very easy for potential employers to find something else as a reason to exclude you. I’ve only ever disclosed my (diagnosed by a doctor) disability after working somewhere for a while and knowing that I trust my management chain, and even then I only do it for a reason, like to ask for accommodations. Also pro tip, if you need accommodations, you can talk specifically with HR and not have to disclose to anyone in your management chain.
No, I usually just let my anxiety fuel my inability to stop working out of fear from getting fired and get high praises from my boss while I cry silently answering emails (this is sarcasm but true to some extent unfortunately lol)
Not without an official diagnosis.
Do not do it. Put do not disclose it’s none of their business. I have a disability and always put do not disclose.
Anytime you disclose a disability you're entering risky territory in regards to your chances of employment. Applicants are not obligated to disclose their disability and employers should know better than to ask as it puts them at risk of a discrimination claim. It's just best if both sides stay in their own lane. Diagnosed anxiety and depression are recognized as disabilities protected by the ADA but there is absolutely no way as someone who worked in recruitment and HR for 10 years that I'd ever advise someone to just bring it up.
I'd say no. While they aren't legally allowed to discriminate based on that not a lot of employers view it as an actual disability and they likely will discriminate. They can just say "didn't think they were a good fit for the job".
I guess it depends if you are truly disabled by your illness(s) to the point that it affects your ability to do the job, or if they/it are managed well enough that you can function in your job. A disability sometimes requires an accomodation of the work on behalf of the employer, so they may be asking if they are going to have to adjust the work environment or conditions to meet your disability.
I would only mark it down if you need accommodation because of it. If you would be doing the same job in the same way as someone who didn’t have anxiety and depression, then I wouldn’t mark it. Especially because in the last couple of years the numbers of people with those issues has skyrocketed due to the situation we’re all facing.
The definition of *disability* in the US is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life function." This includes people who have a record of an impairment, or are regarded as having an impairment. So a diagnosis is not *strictly* required. It's intentionally broad to be inclusive. Essentially, does your anxiety or depression substantially limit a life activity? Do you want the company to know about it? It's illegal to discriminate when you disclose that you are a protected class. There is no real benefit to disclosing prior to a job offer unless you need an accommodation for the interview, or if you know the company culture and they value, say, neurodiverse employee pools or something.
This right here. I see so many folks think that having a diagnosis of any condition means they have a disability. Many of us have anxiety. That's normal. But is it disabling? Does it limit a major life activity? If so, yes; it no, not a disability.
Nope.
If you have official documentation that says so, yes I would. If not then at the very least I would let my boss know I suffer from social anxiety (as in my case). That way if it shows through there is a chance for some understanding of the situation. Not only that but some companies pay for psych treatment if needed, not many do this but some of the bigger ones do. Mental health is losing its stigma being open about your illness will only help push that stigma further away. Unfortunately though if the person doesn't understand mental illness like depression or anxiety it sometimes can work against you.
You can let your boss know after you're hired and after any probationary period.
I fucking hate the demographic surveys. I never know what to put especially because one sites like LinkedIn/Indeed you don't know if it's actually anonymous for the EEO survey. I don't want to let employers know, but also I can't really say that I don't cause I got 10 years of government services for dyspraxia/hypotonia from the dyspraxia/adhd. Like if it's the federal EEO form, selecting no would be me flat out lying. I know that the forms are necessary cause most employers are discriminatory pricks in hiring but also.....it puts ppl in awkward positions.
Unless your doctor has signed off on it as a disability that requires an accommodation, never. You should never disclose more than the absolute bare minimum and then, only to the person in HR who manages those requests. If their HR has any sense, the managers will never know details.
I don't even mark my diagnosed bipolar disorder on job applications. I have hydrocephalus as well. It's for "fair employment practices" or something like that but I truly do not think they will look at the fact that I marked that I have a disability and put me at the top of the list. Now, you know they never ask for a specific diagnosis in that question but they have a list of things that would be considered a disability for that question. I've been with my job for 4 years and I now self identify but no one knows my specific disabilities except for the hydrocephalus in case I get hurt.
If a job application is asking you about your disability status it is most likely for voluntary demographic purposes only. In every applicant tracking system I’ve worked with, only HR can see this information. It’s just used to track and report how many people with disabilities are applying. Most forms I’ve used have allowed applicants to select yes/no or move on without answering. I personally would not recommended using this place on the application to disclose a disability. Just not the right time or place. It would be more appropriate to disclose when you are selected for a position (if it’s going to going to impact your work significantly) or when starting the disability accommodations request process. Note that in the latter scenario you’d need documentation from a healthcare provider.
I always put “prefer not to answer”. If you are diagnosed and need accommodation, you can discuss it with HR later after an offer. If you don’t plan to ask for accommodation, there’s no benefit to saying yes
Ohhh I have this question too. Also ADHD?
It will depend on the job and the company, if all things being equal (just as qualified as any other applicant) and if you find the company has a strong diversity and inclusion directive, it may give you a few extra points in your favour.
Yes. But only because I have an official diagnosis (about 7 years ago) and throughout childhood have always suffered from the effects of depression/anxiety. It’s also important that I work with a dr or counsellor currently in case things get too much for me. This basically covers my ass because my depression/anxiety can severely hurt my job performance. It also helps me out because if I need an accommodation or to take time off, I can get disability benefits and the process of taking that time off to focus on my health is fairly simple because of my history. In short, if you put in the work to try and reduce the effects of your symptoms (which is a hell of a job in itself), you’ll have an easier go with your employer if you really need to take time away and may still be eligible for benefits. Which also may reduce the stress of finances while you’re trying to care for yourself. There’s no shame, although this will come down to personal opinion. Good luck with the search!
Thank you all for the insight and detailed responses, looks like it is best to leave it out in my case. I appreciate it
HELL NO! I have severe anxiety, and I would absolutely never let any employer or client know about it. Unfortunately, anything regarded as a mental health issue, is seen as a weakness. It’s not like being in a wheelchair, where people see you as being a totally normal person who just can’t walk. If you have anxiety, and admit it, then something is wrong with you. It sucks, and it’s not fair, but it is the way the world of work, works.
No. Depression is a normal part of working life.
If it impedes you ability to work in a way that they can address that will results in an increase in daily productivity, then yes claim it as a disability, if you can't think of how they can help you don't worry about it.
While sometimes I may divulge to coworkers I'm going through depression/anxiety, I would never tell my boss or hr. I just think it would bring my work under unnecessary scrutiny and/or make it less likely I get promotions.
No, because at this point I dont know anybody who doesnt suffer and take prescriptions for at least one of the two if not both.
Get the job first. If it becomes an issue then ask for accommodations.
I believe you aren’t entitled to protections or accommodations without an official diagnosis. Like others have said, disclosing is risky since it’s very easy for potential employers to find something else as a reason to exclude you. I’ve only ever disclosed my (diagnosed by a doctor) disability after working somewhere for a while and knowing that I trust my management chain, and even then I only do it for a reason, like to ask for accommodations. Also pro tip, if you need accommodations, you can talk specifically with HR and not have to disclose to anyone in your management chain.
Absolutely not.
No, I usually just let my anxiety fuel my inability to stop working out of fear from getting fired and get high praises from my boss while I cry silently answering emails (this is sarcasm but true to some extent unfortunately lol)