Advice needed re occupational health form for new job and treatment for anxiety

[theladybirdheard]

I've been offered a new job at a further education institute and one of the things I have to fill in is an occupational health form. I went to my GP a few months back because I was feeling anxious due to a specific thing that has now past and she has put me on (low dose of) beta blockers and referred me for a CBT course. I've never missed a day's work in my life, feel much better than I did when I went to see her and certainly don't think I have a condition at present that affects me doing my job. Do I have to tell them? It would certainly raise my anxiety levels stratospherically not to get this job….What should I do? There's two poss questions it affects - do you have a condition that affects your job, and are you having medication/treatment at present

I really don't think that you have to tell the new employer. Only stuff that is relevant ie would affect the duties that you've been asked to perform. I filled in an OH form for a new employer recently and hesitated - because I, too, had seen my GP about something that was causing me great distress. I let it go - I'm expecting to be quite happy in the job and so it wasn't relevant. You always have the option of updating OH if you think that would help, ie if whatever it is resurfaces.

As for medication - if you're on a course with a limited timespan, then, again, I can't see the need. As for the treatment - I'm not sure. Problem with raising that is that it would beg the question 'Why CBT?'

Enjoy the new job and congratulations on getting it!

My employer has a health questionnaire but it is completely confidential and only the OH provider gets to see it. Their response to HR doesn't indicate anything other than "yes they are ok to start" or "needs to see me".

It's up to you whether you want to declare it, it's unlikely that they will want a full doctors report if that is your only health concern. I wouldn't worry about it.

I think you do have to declare it. But it absolutely won't be a problem. And if it is presented as a problem by anyone you can bloody well take them to the cleaners for discrimination.