Tricky topics
Mental health
“If they know about my anxiety or depression, they'll think I can't cope.”
What they really want to know
Someone who can do the job and knows how to look after themselves.
Your rights (UK)
- Mental health conditions can count as a disability in the UK, with the same rights: you don't have to share it, and you can ask for adjustments.
A starting point, not legal advice.
How to say it
- You can keep it private. If a gap or a question touches on it, “a health issue that's now well managed” is enough.
- If you share, focus on how you manage it and what you've learned.
- Move on to what you'll bring to the job.
For example
“I had some time out for a health issue, which is well managed now. It taught me a lot about pacing myself and asking for help early, which I think makes me a better team member.”
Use your own words and your own story. This is only a shape to follow.
Try to avoid
- Sharing more than you're comfortable with
- Pretending you've never struggled if it's relevant to a gap
Practise it
Sam will ask: “How do you handle pressure and stress at work?”