Can you be denied a job because of depression?

No. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave.

Can you be denied a job for being bipolar?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that “The Act also makes it unlawful to discriminate against an applicant or employee, whether disabled or not, because of the individual’s family, business, social or other relationship or association with an individual with a disability.”2 For example, if your …

Should I disclose depression job application?

You are not required at any point during the interview to disclose your illness history, nor on the job if you so choose. Be prepared though that an employer may ask about your ability to perform certain tasks that will touch on issues impacted by mental health, such as high pressure situations or conflict resolution.

Can a depression diagnosis affect job?

Depression, left untreated, may have a significant impact on work performance . It contributes to presenteeism, or employees at work but not engaged and absenteeism, or employees missing days of work.

Do you have to disclose bipolar on job application?

Disclosing a psychiatric disability: Legal protections According to the ADA, employers can’t require applicants or employees to disclose a disability (with a few exceptions described below). So, in most cases, disclosing a psychiatric disability is a choice, not a requirement.

Does Bipolar Disorder count as a disability?

Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, just like blindness or multiple sclerosis. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can’t work.

Is major depressive disorder the same as bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is easily confused with depression because it can include depressive episodes. The main difference between the two is that depression is unipolar, meaning that there is no “up” period, but bipolar disorder includes symptoms of mania.

Can I work with bipolar disorder and keep a job?

About 58 percent of them quit working outside the home altogether. There are many challenges related to having bipolar disorder and keeping a job. However, experts say that work can actually be quite helpful to people with bipolar disorder. Work can give people a sense of structure, reduce depression, and increase confidence.

What is the employment status of bipolar disorder patients?

The evidence indicates that a majority of patients with bipolar disorder are not employed and many others are employed only part time. Job-related difficulties are common, and patients with bipolar disorder tend to have higher rates of absenteeism from work compared with working individuals without bipolar disorder.

Should I put my depression on a job application?

If you suspect you have depression, but haven’t actually been diagnosed, then you should not indicate ‘depression’ on a job application. Get medical help so you know for yourself, and so that you can get appropriate treatment. Let’s assume that you know you do have depression.

How does bipolar disorder affect your work performance?

In one survey, 88 percent of people with bipolar disorder or depression said their condition has affected their work performance. About 58 percent of them quit working outside the home altogether. There are many challenges related to having bipolar disorder and keeping a job.