Worried about attendance affecting future job offers

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I had some mental health difficulties this year. I think it was a combination of lots of things in my personal and work life, but it meant I got signed off my by GP. I had 2 months off work, and then a staggered return over 2 months, so I have had a huge amount of sick days this year.

I'm wanting to get a new job soon, but I worry about the impact of my attendance on securing a new job. Should I hold out longer, maybe until the one year mark of when I went off sick to try and reduce its impact? Or be upfront when interviewing for jobs? My worst fear is getting a job, handing in my notice and then when they do the reference checks they decide to let me go and I end up jobless.

Dont be hard on yourself OP. You had issues that needed sorting and you addressed them. You are human.
Phases return is normal after a long time off and there is no need to tell any prospective employers unless asked.
Go for it if you feel ready ❤️

My worst fear is getting a job, handing in my notice and then when they do the reference checks they decide to let me go and I end up jobless.

don't ever hand in your notice until you've had a firm offer of employment, in writing including a start date, which will only happen after they've taken up references and want you to start.

you'd be amazed at how irrelevant a single period of absence is to a future employer. If they like you and you have the skills and experience they need a good employer will take the experiment route which includes seeing you as a human being.

experiment = expedient

Apply for jobs, and don’t mention it, not even at the interview stage. I doubt anyone would put it in a reference, it’s personal information. For all they know you could have had cancer or similar. It’s none of their business, if they ask just say it was illness. If they don’t hire you because you were ill then you’ve probably had a lucky escape, you wouldn’t want to work somewhere so unsupportive anyway.

Hey so it may help to know this. I am a head of talent for a company and my job is to grow various departments which obviously means lots of interviewing and eventually extending offers and onboarding people.

Remember this: Anywhere worth its salt will not judge you based on your mental health needs prior to now, nor will they judge you for anything you have going on right now. If they do and they decide not to take you on then that can only be a good thing for you. Sounds like a weird perspective I know. But!! You wouldn't want to ever be worried about speaking to your boss should you get poorly again in the future as you should be in a supportive environment. If they're going to judge so badly based on a previous illness you don't want to be there.

I'd just be honest, and they might surprise you. I always appreciate candour when meeting candidates. Good luck with the new role!!

Also don't put your notice in till you have AT LEAST an offer in writing, but if possible wait till you have your contract signed and sent off.