Help Need Advice

[zs158]

Hi
I'm new to this, i've just been diagnosed with moderate depression.
I was just wondering, do i need to tell my college and work as i'm working with nursery children and my course is a child care course.
i don't want it to affect me working with children if i tell them will i not be able to work with children anymore or what will happen, i'm only 17 and i dunno what to do.
can someone help please

[crystalgaze]

That one is tough. I am not sure.

It will take finding out/reviewing the policies for work & college. Were you given a handbook or something like that? something that should tell you about the rules/code of conduct?

That's really the best answer I could give.

[zs158]

hi, i no i don't wanna say anything incase the just react and say it will affect my job/education. i've got a hanbook but can't find anything in it.

[Warmsoul/Jeanie13]

((((((((( zs )))))))))))

Perhaps ask the doctor, see what input they can give you?

Warmie

[WOMBLE]

Hi zs, you don't say where you live so local laws may be different but as I understand it your not under any legal obligation to tell them as it's not an infectious disease, it's your personal medical information. Your college should have a counciller, who you can go to in confidence and will know more about it and should help you with coping with your course if your having problems, they certainly shouldn't say you can't work with kids anymore. Or someone like the citizens advice bureau will be able to give you a better idea of your legal standing. Or a trade union if your a member, they will also back you up if you do encounter any discrimination because of this. There are other organizations who deal with just this sort of thing but I can't remember who at the moment, or like Warmie says ask your doctor they've probably got a list of support groups and organizations.
As for whether you should tell your work, I would advise against it until you know them better. You may find that they are very understanding and know what you're going through but you may find that they're pig ignorant about the condition and over react. But you don't have to tell them so don't lose any sleep over it.
Womble

[Jaymn]

I wouldn't tell them if you don't need to. If your depression doesn't affect your school or work then you shouldn't have to.

[Obayan]

I would ask my counselor about that because some employers will fire you if they find out a medical condition exists and you didn't put it on your application.

[Jaymn]

I would ask my counselor about that because some employers will fire you if they find out a medical condition exists and you didn't put it on your application.

Really? I did not know that. I still don't think they should be allowed to get into your medical history...

[Warmsoul/Jeanie13]

I didn't think anyone could get into your medical records without your permission or a legal reason to do so. Hmmm.

Warmie

[Liz]

You don't have to tell anyone!



It's none of their business. I work with kids and co-workers "unofficially" know but that was my choice and I have not had any backlash.

[Obayan]

Here where I live, nobody can access your medical records without your permission unless they are involved with law enforcement or Department of Human Services. However, i learned not to tell anyone about my condition voluntarily at work. Not even friends i make.

[Ahorse]

Hi all,

The only people who can access your medical history is the legal authorities, if you have committed a serious crime. Even a robbery would not allow them to access those records. They are securely held by your doctor and only a legal document will allow anyone to see what is on it.

It would need to be a crime where your mental condition was in question.

Another point is if your medical support is aware you have or are about to commit a serious crime they are required to notify the authorities.

Assuming there are no murderers here then all our records are secure. I've actually asked my shrink about that as I'm writing a book where someone like me does commit murders. It's my therapy really.

When I asked him first time about it he looked at me, got serious and asked "Are you going to do that?" I laughed and explained my book. There's a lot of humour in it and I use him as a sounding board.

Back to the poster's question.

There is no requirement for you to tell your employer. Moderate depression should be readily treated and you should pursue that first. If you don't it could develop into deep depression, a place you do not want to visit.

You will know if your condition is affecting your work so just do your job and don't worry about it. Easy to say I know. If it does become a problem someone will tell you but not before you know yourself. See a doctor so you have the support you need.