I'm in the process of changing jobs and have been made an offer subject to the usual checks (references, health check etc). I did the online health questionnaire in which I noted my absence record at work which is 6 weeks absence 8 years ago all as one period of illness, 7 weeks ending in January of last year and 4 week absence this year. All absences were single periods rather than days here and there and all were in relation to work related stress.
The two most recent absences were due to stress caused by workplace bullying and the subsequent grievance process and investigation. In both cases I had been talking to my line manager about the stress I was under and had agreed measures to be put in place to support me at work which ultimately weren't put in place and resulted in me having panic attacks etc. I work in an industry where work stress isn't unusual, the job I'm moving into is in the same sector but a very different role which is publicly acknowledged to be less stressful. In any event the reason for my stress wasn't the actual work I was doing but a very hostile working environment. I'm never usually off work, I don't tend to get the usual coughs and colds etc but I'm very aware my sickness record makes it look like i just can't cope.
I've been asked to go for further health assessment and am wondering how I can represent myself well without lying about the issues but also not looking like I just can't manage working relationships.