Worried worried worried

Lynxette

Have applied for Kingston Uni and been accepted on an unconditional for teaching Training. However, got a letter today requesting to see the occupational health office regarding my health forms - I filled these in honestly, announcing that I suffered both from panic attacks and mild depression. However, I am currently not on any medication for either. Should I be worried about this appointment? I feel like they're going to suddenly take my place away!!

dmg24

Hi Lynxette,

Don't worry, it is just a formality. They have to ensure that you are fit to do the course (what you have descrived should not be a problem), and that you are fully supported whilst on the course.

Good luck x

MoneySavingStudent_2

Hello,
Dont worry, its proberbly just to meet you and see what your like. You can tell alot about a person by how they are with a stranger. But it also might be just a routine thing that they do to everyone. I wouldnt worry too much about it, it'll be nothing. Just go with a big smile on ya face and youll be fine!

Plus you've definatly got nothing to worry about if you filled them in truthfully!
Good Luck!

dancingqueen_tr

It probably is just a formality, and those problems are nothing that should defer you from teaching! x

Northern_girl_2

The University cannot discriminate against you for these health issues. Technically they are classed as a disability (whether you regard them as such or not) and it would break the Disability Discrimination Act to refuse you a place on these grounds. Similarly, future employers can't either. In fact they are obliged to make 'reasonable adjusmtents' to help you throught the course.

Please try not to worry about it too much. They have probably called you in for a chat to see how they can support you rather than anything sinister. My OH is applying to Uni at the moment and they have been very supportive of my partner's health problems, which are similar to your own.

Universities usually employ specialist teams to support people with health issues. The range of support will vary. For example I had friends who were dyslexic and got extra time in exams, grants for IT/dictaphones to help in lectures. Another friend who was blind had a reduced course with less 'reading' involved. Or, if your depression reoccurred and you weren't able to complete the course they would look very sympathetically at deferring modules etc.

Also, there is more financial support for students with health problems. For example, if panic attacks are more likely on public transport the additional financial support might contribute towards taxis or running a car.

There's lots of support out there, so go along for a chat and see what they can offer.

Oldernotwiser

Although a university cannot discriminate against you, I do wonder if teaching is a suitable profession for someone suffering from depression and panic attacks before even starting training. It's a very stressful, responsible job and might well make your condition worst. Does the fact that you're on no medication indicate that your condition is improving or that it's really mild?

Lynxette

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Although a university cannot discriminate against you, I do wonder if teaching is a suitable profession for someone suffering from depression and panic attacks before even starting training. It's a very stressful, responsible job and might well make your condition worst. Does the fact that you're on no medication indicate that your condition is improving or that it's really mild?

I was on medication for a while, and am now on a 6-month respite from it to see how I feel after that, reassessing just before uni.

I have worked in a variety of childcare settings for three and a half years, working in private tuition, nursery education and teaching assistant. Never once have I felt that my panic attacks, or my depression has impaired my ability to do any of these roles, and neither have the managers I have worked with.

dmg24

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Although a university cannot discriminate against you, I do wonder if teaching is a suitable profession for someone suffering from depression and panic attacks before even starting training. It's a very stressful, responsible job and might well make your condition worst. Does the fact that you're on no medication indicate that your condition is improving or that it's really mild?

Depression is not the same as stress, and for many people with depression, stress plays no part in their condition. Indeed, some people thrive on stress. The assumption that stress and depression are always related is a common misconception.

Oldernotwiser

dmg24 wrote: »

Depression is not the same as stress, and for many people with depression, stress plays no part in their condition. Indeed, some people thrive on stress. The assumption that stress and depression are always related is a common misconception.

You're right on this but stress and panic attacks can be connected. It's also true to say that teaching can be a very depressing job as well as stressful. I was trying to make the point that it's not just being accepted somewhere that matters, it's also necessary to make good choices to aid your own wellbeing and mental health.