Depression and teaching

Fruitloops

Does anyone know if a history of depression would have an affect on someone wanting to pursue a teaching career?

Thank you.

Oldernotwiser

I certainly don't think it would rule it out - in fact you'll fit right in! (Sorry, black humour from an ex teacher.)

Seriously, I think it'll be a question of degree, treatment and length of time. I'd run it past some of your likely training providers to get their opinions. However, don't forget that teaching is pretty stressful and many people who've never suffered from depression before end up by doing so.

Good luck.

Petlamb

There is no reason why it would in terms of not being allowed to or not being able to get the job. Strictly speaking, it's up to you what you disclose of your own medical history, but even then the vast majority of places are far more clued up on depression and similar conditions, and wouldn't discriminate.

However, you would need to think about whether it'd be right for you at the time - i.e. have you been coping well for a good length of time; as ONW says, it is a stressful role so you do need to factor that in - though I'm sure you've considered that!

I had a similar question that I posed to my psych lecturer a while ago; would my history of depression and anxiety be a hindrance in trying to get work within the psychological field or teaching/lecturing within psych? He said it's pretty much standard! Heh...

Anyway I'm rambling, so I'll shush! Best of luck with whatever you choose, fruity!

Fruitloops

Thank you both for the replies and for both giving me a little chuckle too! Definitely given me some food for thought and some reassurances that I won't be shunned straight out... not for that reason anyway

Thanks again!! :beer:

Oldernotwiser

Vampiric_Addiction wrote: »

There is no reason why it would in terms of not being allowed to or not being able to get the job. Strictly speaking, it's up to you what you disclose of your own medical history, but even then the vast majority of places are far more clued up on depression and similar conditions, and wouldn't discriminate.

From the Prospects website,


"All candidates in England and Wales must, by law, satisfy fitness to teach requirements before acceptance on to an ITT course.
The ultimate decision about a person's fitness rests with admissions tutors, but they will be influenced by recommendations from the college medical adviser (often a local GP). Medical fitness is assessed initially via a lengthy questionnaire completed by all students but, in exceptional cases, students may subsequently be required to have a formal medical examination if doubts are raised about their ability to teach."

I would be very wary about not disclosing any medical history; the medical problem might not rule you out but dishonesty certainly will!

MrsManda

As already said, depression won't necessarily prevent you from being a teacher. I've found a pdf which explains the guidance surrounding 'fitness to practise' as related to teaching. You can find it HERE

As ONW states, it is much better for you to declare your illness as you legally can not be discriminated about it providing you attain the standard required and if at some point your illness recurs you will get occupational support. However if you don't tell them and it recurs you may find yourself neither with a job nor medical retirement/redundancy payments.

HTH

Rowena_Lee

The first thing you need to do is see your doctor to rule out clinical depression and ask for an advise. Perhaps it has nothing to do with teaching. If teaching is your passion then don't let your history of depression a barrier.

Just remember that teaching can be a roller-coaster ride sometimes. You have really great days and really bad days.

Pursue your career!

Fire_Fox

Fruitloops wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of depression would have an affect on someone wanting to pursue a teaching career?

Thank you.

Depression affects an estimated one in four of us in any given year. The key to whether you are employable in any role depends upon whether you can function on a day-to-day basis (is the depression severe and unresponsive to treatment?), recognise and manage your condition (do you know the signs, are you willing to seek and accept help?).

I had two and a half years off work with stress, insomnia and depression. When I joined the NHS I had to declare all health problems since school!! I also met with Occupational Health, and had the opportunity to explain what I understand about my own mental health issues and how I manage ups and downs - basically I still take medication and find a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping me well.

The Occupational Health appointment was terrifying, and I just rabbited on and on until I suddenly realised what I was doing and stopped abruptly. The doctor then asked "would you say you are a bit manic?" I agreed, but said I'd been like this since childhood. So he wrote down "a bit manic". :eek:

I got the job no problem the doctor was completely happy with my understanding of what is and what is not normal for me and how I manage my mental health.

Agent_C

Vampiric_Addiction wrote: »

I had a similar question that I posed to my psych lecturer a while ago; would my history of depression and anxiety be a hindrance in trying to get work within the psychological field or teaching/lecturing within psych? He said it's pretty much standard! Heh...

I know very few psychologists who do NOT have a history of mental illness of some form or another. I include myself in that, of course. I believe it should be a prerequisite for the job!

SunriseSunset_2

I think a woman got fired because she didn't tell her employers that she has a history of depression. I think she took time off when her depressive periods affected her, but obviously her employers weren't notified beforehand so they fired her.

You may feel fine now, but, just in case, tell them. If they judge you over it then they're not worth your time.