If I get on antidepressants, will my history of depression prevent me from getting into a good college?
there’s little more to add, but i need to know if i should see a doctor or just attempt to get past it the all natural, and possibly dangerous way. My biggest problem is that i do not want to make getting an education/job harder for myself in exchange for my happiness. A source would be appreciated, 10pts for best answer.
As to Colleges and University’s in the U.S. they will not be asking about your medical history in the application process. Also, privacy and HIPPA laws guarantee the privacy of this information (e.g. academic institutions are not entitled to an applicant’s medical history). So, any inquiry is not germane to the application process (**The exception to this is if you have a juvenile or criminal record. Then this would be worthy of explanation to establish that any conviction is an aberration from your good character).
There are many students and professors on medication for mental health and other conditions. But, because this is a privacy issue…the public is not privy to this information. Also, to single you out for disparate treatment solely because of a health diagnosis is discriminatory.
Please take care of your health and seek whatever treatment that will help you.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I don’t know of any school that checks into your medical history so it shouldn’t affect your application at all.
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October 3rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
No, your medical history is strictly confidential.
No source necessary…your future college or employer will NOT have access to your medical records.
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October 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I used to suffer from severe clinical depression and was on anti-depressants and saw a psychologist. I still got into a top university to do a degree and then a teacher training institute. I am now a teacher and my depression has never caused problems with getting into uni and with following my chosen career path. When applying for university and then subsequently my teaching position I had to fill out medical questionnaires and was completely honest in them. Occupational health contacted me when I started my teaching position to see if there was anything that could be done by them to ensure my depression would not return. I was not discriminated against in anyway and have had no negative repercussions for letting them know about my previous situation.
Edited to say that although colleges and employers will not have access to your medical records you will be asked to fill out medical questionnaires. These often ask about conditions such as depression and mental health issues and want you to tell them if you have ever had problems like that. It is best to be honest incase these problems return. College and workplaces have policies regarding this. If you have lied on the form you may not get the help needed from them if you need to take time off etc because of it. Additionally they can not reject an application if you are on or have been on anti-depressants.
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October 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Its not confidential like some DA suggested the military etc look at your records !
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October 3rd, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Absolutely not
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October 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 pm
No it shouldn’t. I’m pretty sure a lot of college students have depressio n or even worst. Let that be your personal info.Everybody dosen’t have to know about your depression unless you’re going to the army?!
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October 3rd, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I can tell that you got answers from people who live in different countries. In what country do you live? If you live in the U.S. your medical records are confidential, no medical questions will be asked, and this will only cause you a problem under certain circumstances: If you are going into the military, if you want a pilot’s license, and it may cause some difficulty when applying for life insurance (get a universal or whole policy first if you can). What you don’t want is a court-ordered involuntary commitment in a mental hospital past the 72 hour hold. That will cause bigger problems, but unless you’re suicidal that doesn’t apply here.
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October 3rd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
As to Colleges and University’s in the U.S. they will not be asking about your medical history in the application process. Also, privacy and HIPPA laws guarantee the privacy of this information (e.g. academic institutions are not entitled to an applicant’s medical history). So, any inquiry is not germane to the application process (**The exception to this is if you have a juvenile or criminal record. Then this would be worthy of explanation to establish that any conviction is an aberration from your good character).
There are many students and professors on medication for mental health and other conditions. But, because this is a privacy issue…the public is not privy to this information. Also, to single you out for disparate treatment solely because of a health diagnosis is discriminatory.
Please take care of your health and seek whatever treatment that will help you.
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A friend who is Director of Recruiting at a local Medical School and involved in reviewing applications and deciding who to interview.