This is one of those tricky things, and can be a 'damned if you do and damned if you don't' !!
Firstly, stigma is a major concern when disclosing a mental illness. I think many with mental illness don't like disclosing it to employers, let alone prospective employers. Let's face it, this is how things are.
Secondly, you accept a new job and have been ok for the first 3-6 months, or even the first few years. But what happens when down the track you have a few things go wrong. Unforeseen circumstances, personal illness or a rough period. Maybe a change in medication which sets you back. There are a few things I thought of when reading this post.
One main thing is have a look at your work Contract or Agreement, this could be an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). Some things are not as clear cut as we'd like, especially when it comes to medical leave, carer leave or personal leave including holidays.
You may think that taking a few days off isn't a big deal, or that you don't have to disclose that your 'medical condition' is. You know the doctor/patient confidentialty stuff. Some Agreements or contracts may include something like the odd single day you don't need a medical certificate but if you have these fairly often then check your contract or agreement, take too many of these and you as a worker could be subject to occupational health and/or a medical review. If you have been off work and returning, then you as a worker could be subject to some form of return to work or rehabilitation (including coming off workers' compensation). Also, it could be that your employer will request a medical certificate for EACH day off, and that's stressful - especially after recurrent sick days.
It's worth checking what relevant policy is in your state for the Medical Board, and what rights you have as a patient when being required to include information on a medical certificate.
Some contracts and agreements may include a clause about appointments with a dentist or doctor. Such an appointment might be allowable under something like personal leave, but you may be required to provide a certificate. I understand some patients would be reluctant to hand over a certificate from their Psychiatrist or Psychologist, especially if they don't want their employer finding out about regular psychiatric or psychological treatment. Maybe it's possible to see your doctor on the same afternoon you see your specialist, then your doctor can provide the certificate so your specialist isn't disclosed.
Finally, if you're really worried about having regular time off work because of your mental illness, but you are worried about disclosing this to your employer (or having them find out at some stage by necessity because of a review organised by your employer), then consider seeking a letter from your treatment providers. This can be a letter done by your doctor stating that you, as the worker, in their medical opinion, do have an underlying medical condition (ie anxiety) but that this condition does NOT prevent you from performing the requirements of your work role with 'ABC' (employer).
Personally, I'd like to see every work agreement/contract have an immunity clause, whereby you can disclose your mental illness and that such disclosure doesn't automatically give the employer a right to sack you or force you to undertake a medical review. The first review should be conducted by your own physician and not by some stranger like an employer's review doctor or work doctor. I feel that all companies should have managerial staff who have undertaken compulsory mental health training.
It seems that it's OK to have the flu and be off work for a week, but it's not seen the same with mental illness.
So, I would:-
1. Discuss my concerns over sick leave with my treatment providers and ask for their advice and support,
2. Organise a letter from my doctor about my ability to perform the requirements of my job, despite having an illness,
3. Keep copies of all medical records, and even a diary, including keeping evidence of when certificates are provided to my employer (ie emailing information and printing it), and
4. Try to organise as many appointments outside of work hours, or at least during lunch breaks (if possible) or even reorganising my hours so that I finish on a Friday early (scheduled psych visit) and this becomes the norm so isn't questioned. Remember you may be recommended to see your Psychiatrist weekly or fortnightly, and failing to do this may impact on your treatment - but not all of us can see a specialist Monday to Friday, so talk to your Psych about what to do in this situation.
5. Think long and hard about whether to disclose a mental illness, taking into account the employer. Ones that are on your side can make adhering to treatment and working much better, but those that react negatively can really have an impact on you sadly.
Good luck, and you are certainly NOT alone.
Thanx, JJ.
