Before getting the job I have now, I hadn't worked in years. Although it was due to my depression mainly, since I have kids nobody questioned it. And even before I had kids I have gaps in my timeline, but nobody questioned that either. I guess I got lucky. I didn't mention my depression to my current employer until I went IP twice in one month this year, the second time I felt it was the right thing to do to let my employer know what's going on. (The first time my husband just told her that I was in the hospital and she didn't ask any further questions.) Luckily she was extremely understanding and supportive.

I don't think I would ever outright lie about it. I don't like being lied to, and I'm sure any potential employer would feel the same way.