Would it hurt a job interview to tell an employer that you suffer from panic attacks?
I always want to mention it in an application or a job interview but I’m afraid that I may not get the job – even though I know it has made my performance suffer in the past and it may have been different if I had mentioned it to a manager. I also think that people don’t really understand anxiety or panic attacks and probably think I’m just a cry baby who wants to be treated with less pressure.
Tagged with: anxiety • cry baby • job interview • panic attacks
Filed under: anxiety attacks causes
Hi Paco! Well, you are right, panic attacks are misunderstood some times. Do you take any medications for this? Because if you do, and if I were you, I don’t think I would mention it, since the medication’s purpose is to avoid getting an attack. If you don’t take medication, then it might me the right thing, to let them know that under certain circumstances, this condition arises. But you shouldn’t be in this dilemma, there is medication out there to help you. I hope this helps, good luck!
They will assume that you can’t hold up under pressure, I would not disclose that if I were you. There’s honesty, but there’s also professionalism.
It is SERIOUSLY NOT something you should disclose in an interiew, resume or application.
Unless you are interviewing for a job as a firefighter, brain surgeon, or air traffic controller, I wouldn’t mention it if I were you.
Dont tell them. Tell them a few months AFTER they hire u that way they cant fire u or u could sue them for discrimination.
Don’t say that in your interview that will make them think you are someone who will freak out easily and never get anything done and annoy everyone, even if you do have really bad panic attacks don’t say.
If you just really need a job- don’t mention it. If you are looking for a long term job where you are accepted and cared for, mention it after getting the job and talk to your boss about it. Just say something like ‘I think you should know that I sometimes suffer from panic attacks-i feel more secure with the knowledge that you accept and understand that’ or if you have to fill out a medical form for whatever reason put it in there.
If it’s something that’s chronic and that could hurt your job performance, I think it’s a very good idea to mention it right away. That way, you’re being honest about the person your prospective manager is hiring and they know what to expect of you. Emphasize ways of coping/working through it that you’ve found to be effective and let them know how you generally handle it from day to day, how often your attacks occur, etc. If I were an employer, I would very much appreciate a prospective employee being honest about problems that we can work through if we work together on it.
I wouldn’t say anything to them at the interview. If it becomes a problem, I would then tell them that you are suffering from panic attacks at which point it is a medical problem and if they fired you for it you could sue them. If you need to go home, tell them and make sure you get short and long term disability.
In a job INTERVIEW (meaning you don’t have the job yet) you are not required to reveal the existence of any disease or condition. However, if you are offered the job, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees with severe health conditions. You can reveal it if it is detrimental to the particular job you are performing; in fact, I would. However, be forewarned that you may lose your job anyway because employers can circumvent the federal law by saying that you were not hired for some other reason, which is perfectly legal, as long as it has nothing to do with race, religion, gender, and several other factors as mentioned in the US Law Code called Title VII, which was enacted long before the federal law known as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This is absolutely NOT something to tell your potential employer. Better to see a doctor, or mental health professional, and get the medication you need to function without the attacks. It’s out there.
Seek help first, then go to the interview, or at least don’t bring it up in the interview, and get to see someone as soon as you can.
I didn’t mention it and I made it through a couple of jobs but at times my co-worker friends had to cover for me while I was in the bathroom trying to cope with my problem. It is according to what type of job you are applying for.
Dear Paco…panic attacks CAN be controlled! Just know that you will NOT die! When you feel one coming on just cup your hands over your nose & mouth & slowing exhale & then inhale your carbon dioxide. Control your breathing & everything else will fall into place. Don’t say anything at your interview. I suffered for 22 yrs. & people thought I was nuts. I finally found a counselor in Corpus Christi Texas who saved my life! She simply told me why I had these attacks & how to control them. Good luck & have a wonderful life ahead of you! I hope you get the job!