What do future employers really think about.....?

Question

a potential employee who is on anti-depressants?

If there is a health check up and there is a blood test, will the anti-depressants show up?

I am applying for airline companies -commercial airlines

Answer 1

Okay, being in a situation right now where my mental health issues have thrown a spanner in the works of my employment I may be able to give you some advice.

Most UK employers require a satisfactory medical report from Occupational Health in order for you to start employment. This can take quite a while, but providing you can prove to them that you're fit for work and that your medication does not have an adverse effect on your work, you should be fine.

Interview and application wise, there won't be any problems as they have to apply equal opportunities legislation which means they must ask the same questions of each candidate. The subject of Anti-Depressants is unlikely to come up in this context.

When offered a job, which I'm sure you will be, you'll be sent a med form to fill out. Ensure you are honest on this form as it will only cause problems later if you are not. Put down the medication you're on etc. They may request a GPs report, which you are entitled to see before it goes back to them and which you can refuse consent for.

In my case, the Occupational Health team has worked very slowly, and have delayed and lost me money which is very annoying. I will have my interview with thier Dr on Thursday this week, and should be cleared then for work. I am not on medication, but have been in the past, and do have issues with depression etc.

Anyway, the best way to look at it is that you're not alone, and many, many people are working in very good, very powerful jobs who are taking anti-depressants because no one is invincible.

Hope you get a job, and most importantly I hope you get one you love. By the way, if you're not UK based, this is probably useless!

Take care, H.

Answer 2

As a former office manager who has interviewed quite a few potential employees, I can tell you that it isn't a question that comes up in an interview (that may depend on the industry). They are also not a catagory of drugs that are tested during a standard urine drug test that some larger organizations require.

So many people have been/are on anti-depressants that I really don't think it's that big of an issue in the general workforce. If you and/or your physician feel that this type of medication would benefit you, please don't let something like this prevent you from getting the help that you need!

Answer 3

OK, no employer wants to hire anyone on meds for emotional disorders. You should tell interviewers also that your life is just terrific and your at a very confident point in your life etc. ( and all that Bull) Remember your future employer is the enemy and HR is an office that builds a case against you if they have been directed to terminate you!

So, an employer should never know what medicine you take AND don't tell any co-workers anything about your problems etc. this is a good rule to live by. You will thank me later.

Answer 4

I really do not know how to answer that. I hope that that is not a problem because I have really close relatives who take anti-depressants. I would hope that that would not be held against them. I look at it like this, no one looks at someone with diabetes differently. Mental illness is like any other illness only it attacks the brain so it should not be looked down on. Especially if it can and is being controlled. Unfortunately, that is not how the rest of the world looks at it.

Answer 5

The only way they'll know is if you tell them. So, don't. Anti-depressants are prescribed medicine. Drug screens are looking for illegal drugs and alcohol. Employers generally can't screen for medicines without violating the ADA.

There's more than enough stuff to be anxious about when it comes to seeking a new job. Cross this one off your list. It's not a real concern.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm not trying to be mean when I say this but employers aren't really concerned about your anti-depressants because it is so common today. The fact is, they're not concerned about you personally at all! You're nothing but a number and another "ant" who works there. Don't be so paranoid....just apply for the job and hope you get it.

Answer 7

Don't think many employers do blood test cost them too much, but a urine test may show the anti-depressants so you might want to list them when they do the psychical exam.
Who really knows what employers think.
Should not even matter to them but I could see them looking at it from a production point of view,lost days,slow production and all that.

Answer 8

Hi i have been reading a few of the answers most of them don't know what they are talking about. First of all if there is a question on your application form asking if you are taking any medication they need to know the truth. For medical reasons/Insurance needs. If they ask you in your interview the same question you need to tell the truth. Plus most anti-depressants have side affects.

Answer 9

Depends on the kind of a job. If it involves being on an aircraft, they might have some reservations because you're in a very confined space and depression can result in anxiety or panic attacks or claustrophobia in some individuals. I don't think it would be an issue if the job is on the ground.

Answer 10

You shouldn't need to tell an employer about medications that you're on unless it would hinder your work (i.e. - makes you drowsy, unable to operate machinery, etc.). They cannot hold anything like that against you.