New job - should I be honest on the health assessment about mental health or not?

[umpteennamechanges]

I've been unemployed since the beginning of the pandemic. I've now been offered a new role which we really, really need as we've run out of savings.

My previous roles were as a management consultant - extremely long hours, lots of travel abroad disrupting my sleep patterns, very stressful.

I have bipolar disorder and did not do well in this environment. It was pretty much everything you shouldn't do with bipolar.

The new role is half the salary but a lovely job, much lower stress, no travel abroad and unlikely to be working such long hours.

Cut to the new starter process...I have to fill out the 'medical questionnaire'.

I've accepted the offer and have signed and returned my contract. The questionnaire obviously says it won't be used to make decisions about your suitability for the role.

However - I have had a fair amount of experience of being discriminated against and I REALLY can't afford to lose this new role.

I'm not usually cynical and try to be open about my MH diagnosis when it's relevant.

WWYD?

Be open about your MH issues but with the worry that it could result in the job being pulled (of course, they would find another reason to pretend it's because of something else)

OR

Start off on the wrong foot by lying on the form?

If I was just moving from one job to another I'd be honest on the form. It's the fact that we'll be financially screwed if this gets pulled that's making me doubt the right course of action...

What does it ask that you feel needs a 'i have bipolar disorder' as an answer?

If you're on medication, I would just be honest and say you have MH issues but they are controlled with medication. A decent company will just want to know if they need to put any reasonable adjustments in place, but I completely get why you're nervous. I hope it all works out for you

I would be honest, they've offered you the job they can't go back now.
But they can sack you if you lie and they find out.
Truth is always the best option.

That's difficult for you . Does the form have a specific question regarding m.h. if you lie and need extra support at any time it might be stressful for you.

You need to be completely honest and transparent in order to protect your rights should you become ill.

If you disclose your condition now, then you are afforded certain rights should you require time off etc due to your life-long condition. Absences due to this recorded separately from routine illness absence etc.

Should you choose not to disclose this to your employer, you then, heaven forbid, require an extended period of absence or some adjustments made due to your condition, your employer would be under no obligation, and indeed, would be within their rights to remove you from your position as incapable.

Honest would be better by far in terms of protecting yourself.

Honestly I wouldn’t mention it yet unless you think there’s adjustments they need to make to accommodate you. Why mention it otherwise?

If you do need time off or adjustments in the future, you can inform management or HR at the time. You don’t have to reveal your private medical information if your condition generally doesn’t affect your work.

I very much doubt they would pull the job if you disclose this though. Even if they another reason for the rescinded offer, you would still be eligible for unfair discrimination due the timing.

You need this job, you’ve been unemployed for almost a year. This job will at least refresh your CV for other roles down the line if it turns out not to be a good match.

I would declare it but as a pp said, reiterate it's well controlled with medication. Usually the medical form goes in a sealed envelope to HR or OH if they have it. That way if you need time off later down the line, or they change your job so that it becomes unsuitable, you'll have a leg to stand on.