Question about Depression

[kDenton]

Hi,
I am a newly grad from college and have a concern about being a teacher (especially for Pre-Elementary). I suffer from "Minor Depression" and although I am seeing psychiatrist, I am afraid it will prevent me from being a teacher. I tried to search this online and could not relly find anything..., can anyone please provide some information about this topic to me?

Thanks in advance,
Karen

[Addict]

Do your applications for employment ask for this type of information?

[kDenton]

not particularly. But I thought this is mandatory, does it not?

[Addict]

Actually, now that I think about it, I don't think I would disclose this to an employer - or any psychiatric ailment for that matter. I think most applications ask if you have been committed of a felony, or criminal offense, and they may go more in depth for child-centric job.

[Boxcar]

I wouldn't disclose this. You are taking care of it by seeing a therapist. This is personal information.

Some jobs require a physical clearance after the postition is secured. This would be the time to mention it, if you felt obligated to. The professional doctor will then make the call about disclourse to the employer.

There is a member on this forum who may be able to assist you better. This individual has discloused to us that s/he has had some experience. Not to be telling tales out of school, I won't give the name but suggest you search within the forums. Maybe you can PM this person or maybe this indivudal will be by a little later...

[Bananas]

I have suffered from depression from as early as 4th grade. I was diagnosed in my 30's when it became much better known amongst doctors and the general public. I had had counseling before, but it was not until I was on medication that I was able to put the counseling to use.

Through experience, I have learned that my body will not produce the serotonin at the level needed. Life is all out of whack, and I am stuck and paralyzed without medication. What a huge difference in life! The medication does not make the problems go away, but I can solve them with their being in the proper perspective.

I felt comfortable at my school in being open about depression and medication after being there a few years. I figure that I am in a good position to be an advocate about depression. It doesn't impede what I need to do. I can share with select parents when they are reluctant to consider meds for their child that it can have its place. Of course, I always stress that they need to take their questions and concerns to their doctor as he/she is the medical professional.

Also, their have been times when a student will bring up the topic of someone on medication. I have been upfront on my taking medication and seeking counseling so that I am happier. Sometimes we need the objectivity from someone outside the situation. I am a reasonably normal person, so if they know that I have a need for the meds, the stigma is more unfounded than in the past.

You will be surprised how many teachers within a school take some medication for depression or anxiety at one time or another! It is not that unusual. I also use the example that if we break a leg, we have a cast and use crutches until the bone is healed. We would not think about walking around on it untreated. If we come down with a bad infection, we take the needed course of antibiotics to get rid of the infection. We do not risk it getting much worse by not taking meds. Likewise, why try to live with the depression when the medication will help the body better increase that chemical level so the body works better? Mine is physically based, even if it manifests itself mentally.

You have no need to share this with others. There are some topics that are legally off limits for discrimination. You are responsible for doing your job. Whether you have depression has nothing to do with it. By getting the help, you do not have it impede the work you are expected to do.

[jdavis5]

This is kind of like the "Do I tell them I'm epileptic" battle I fought before my surgery (which removed my epilepsy). If you want to utilize the ADA, then bring up something like this -- You'll be considered "disabled" by definition, but employers are still leary of workers who have issues of any sort. If there's someone else applying who is free of depression, epilepsy, or whatever, they're more likely to get the position because it relieves the employer of legal obligations. Not exactly what the government had in mind when they formulated the ADA, but that's the way it happens. If you want to be hired on your own merits rather than your minor detriments, don't mention it. In the end, it's up to you.