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I'm amazed that they rejected you for 'depression' -that has to be one of the most common issues people in this country have to contend with --I never thought of it as carrying such stigma!
I certainly don't think anyone has a right to be asking personal mental health information from any prospective employee -it actually doesn't sound legal -it's a very strange process that you've described. Did you initially say that you suffered from depression, and then they asked you for details?
I don't know if this correlates, but I recently applied for and was granted Intermittent Leave of Absence at work, which basically allows me time off for appointments and treatment based on my diagnoses (with medical information from my providers). I work in healthcare, so it's a bit unique in this way, but my medical/mental health information goes to HR and Occupational Health, they make their determination, but no personal information is passed on to my boss -she just knows I'm allowed some schedule flexibility based on medical issues (doesn't even mention mental health). My medical information is protected by law. I also used to interview people for positions at the hospital where I work --we weren't allowed to ask any questions about a prospective employee's health (medical or mental health) -again, I think it's illegal.
I suppose they could claim that you freely gave that information, but again, my understanding has been that you can't even ask about it. Maybe it's okay because it was considered particularly relevant to this position? --I don't know. Sorry this happened.
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