I Am in the Process of Looking for A New Job, Should I Tell of Depression History?

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I Am in the Process of Looking for A New Job, Should I Tell of Depression History?

by Annemarie Infantino Murphy, Ph.D.

Question: I am in the process of looking for a new job. Some years back, I was treated on an inpatient unit for depression. I still see a psychologist once a week and take medication. Do I have to tell a prospective employer?

No, The American Disability Act (or ADA) makes it illegal for an employer to ask you anything related to your health - physical or mental - unless the problem will effect the essential functions of your employment.

Therefore, unless you will be needing to attend frequent appointments relating to your condition during working hours (such as a partial hospitalization program) or there are aspects of your job you would not be able to handle because of your depression, you are not required to tell a prospective or current employer.

Good luck with the job hunt!