[luv2yak]

Hi, I am new here and looking for help answering a health questionnaire for my new employer. One question asks whether or not I have ever had any mental health diseases or disorders. I have already been hired but feel this could be used against me at some point in the future, and I have a 90 day probation to get through during which they could terminate for any reason. I don't want to lie but it makes me feel very insecure about telling my new employer I have a mental health problem. I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience, how you handled it, and how things turned out. I have been referred to a mental health professional by my doctor but won't see the mental health professional until after I start the job.

luv2yak

[Perna]

I would answer "no" as you don't have any diagnosed disorders when you're filling out the questionnaire. However, if you're going to use your company health insurance to pay your mental health professional, that might get sticky? Answer no for now and make that one of the first questions you ask your therapist/psychiatrist then? :-)

It is worded in the present/past tense so I would claim ignorance and that you filled it out before you consulted anyone, etc. If you end up having a serious disorder instead of just "counselling" and need to use your medical records, etc. it could get interesting but I think the questionnaire is just a broad one so they don't get any surprises in costs for health insurance. I had a girlfriend who had a masectomy for breast cancer and went to work and lied only the company was very small and, of course, she couldn't lie to the insurance company so the company's insurance rates suddenly skyrocketed and they thought there was a mistake and asked and of course the insurance company had to explain why/who, etc. so that was a bit embarrassing for her (but she was in a supervisory job they needed and did it well so they didn't fire her or anything). Your employers are just trying to keep track of their insurance expenses I think mostly, rather than being nosey with the questionnaire.

Welcome to PsychCentral! It's a nice, pleasant, helpful place here with lots of people in the same boat.

[luv2yak]

What you said makes perfect sense. Thanks for the welcome and for your reply.

[nothemama8]

welcome, as perna said don't give out to much info, but if there are any problems in the future you have the ADA, Americans Disability Act to fall back on, there great

[ECHOES]

I would also answer "no".

I'm working on my mental wellness is all