Depression and Jobs/College Courses

Flashdaisy

Does anyone know whether you are allowed to be turned down for a job/college course because you take anti-depressants long-term, or would that be discrimination? I am not so worried about jobs, as I won't necessarily need to disclose it, but I am hoping to apply to do a nursing diploma next year, which I will probably need medical clearance for.

Thanks

rosie-lee

sorry, i don't know for sure, but I would be very surprised if taking any prescribed medication would hinder your chances for a place on a course.
good luck x

bestpud

I don't know about the discrimination bit as I'm not sure taking medication long term is classed as a disability.

However, I don't think your nursing application will necessarily be rejected because you have depression. It depends a lot on how you manage it, I think.

I know someone with bi-polar who had trained as a nurse and been working as one for several years now. But she controls it very well and has very good insight into her stress points and likely triggers etc.

If you are concerned, have a chat with the admissions tutor at the uni you hope to go to, or go along to an open day.

AnnieM_3

I think Clinical Depression is covered under the Disability Discrimination Act (but don't quote me on that - it's a while since I had anything to do with the Act.

I'd have thought that a job in the NHS would carry more equal-ops weight than other places. If you're not sure, speak to your doctor, or ring the college and ask them exactly where you stand - you don't have to give your name.

Good Luck!

cally1978

Hi, I am a student nurse and have been on a long term dose of anti-depressants, was on them prior to starting the course. My advice would be to make an appointment with your GP and ask if they would be happy for you to apply, if they are then if you are accepted at Uni you will have to have an appointment with occupational health (everyone has this), be open and honest and there will be no problem, they are only interested in your ability to do the job and your mental well being. As one of my lecturers quoted, 1 in 4 of us will suffer from mental health probs at some time in our life, it is how you deal with it that matters from a fitness to practice point of view........

I am in my 2nd yr now and don;t think there is one of us left on the course who isn't depressed:rotfl:

Good luck if you apply.....let me know if there is anything else you need to know or are unsure of

amandada

AnnieM wrote: »

I think Clinical Depression is covered under the Disability Discrimination Act (but don't quote me on that - it's a while since I had anything to do with the Act.

Yes it is!

itsarichmansworld

amandada wrote: »

Yes it is!

Can you confirm this 100% I've been searching the net as I was demoted due to my depression

Noctu

itsarichmansworld wrote: »

Can you confirm this 100% I've been searching the net as I was demoted due to my depression

Hi there,
Did a quick search for you which brought up a couple of interesting links:

http://www.rjw.co.uk/news-events/press/government-employer-sued-for-mental-health-disability-discrimination

For an overview of how clinical depression fits into the DDA: http://www.picassohr.com/newsletter/newsletter.php?number=12 (see bullet points)

http://www.cwu.org/uploads/documents/DSNAC%20FAQ%20DDA.doc where the same question is asked (answer is yes, but you'd need to show how it affects your daily life etc).

Hope that helps.

ginstar

Hi, I am near to the end of my nursing access course at college and have been on anti depressants for about 4 years. I disclosed this at my interview and it didnt hinder a place being offered to me. I am about to start uni in September to continue my studying and have pondered over whether be honest about the medication on my occupational health form but after speaking to a couple of universities, they have confirmed that my depression will not result in an offer being withdrawn. Talk to your tutor too just incase you get times that the course is a bit too much to handle, they have been fantastic at the college I attend. Dont worry, you would be surprised how many people are on these happy pills!!!!!!