REfused anti depressants because an interviewer might find out??

[KitKat84]

I went to my see my GP today. I have been taking beta blockers for anxiety which is all well and good but it's not helping my depression. I'd rather not taking the beta blockers because at least if I feel anxious I feel something.
My GP said he wouldn't prescribe my anti depressants because an interviewer might hold it against me?? (I am finishing uni at the moment and looking for work with children and families - although I am so sick of feeling shit that I don't even have the motivation to finish this stupid degree).
Is this true? I didn't even say anything to my GP because after being kept waiting 50 minutes I was gonna be late for the school run and to be honest I felt like crying. I just feel continually let down by everyone at the moment. So sick of feeling so shit

[abzfrom5ive]

do you have to declare anti-depressants?
Surely it would be discrimination to hold it against you anyway.
Sounds like he just doesn't want to prescribe.

[KitKat84]

I didn't think you had to declare them, it's none of their business surely??
I'm angry that he'd rather let me carry on feeling like this. Still at least I am capable of feeling anger as well as anxiety. urgh

[SofiaAmes]

How ridiculous. Mental illness (even in its mildest form where you just need some anti-depressants to help even things out) is a disease like any other. Would they withhold chemotherapy in case a potential employer might find out that you have cancer and might have to take time off work. Would they withhold insulin, or drugs for high cholesterol or antibiotics....it's irresponsible and unethical.

[abzfrom5ive]

Can you change GP?

[KitKat84]

I guess I could change. It took me months to work up to telling my gp though. I don't think I can go through all that again. Maybe its just a waste of time. I've coped without them for so long I don't even remember how normal people feel. All this just made me feel more shit and worthless.

[PinkCanary]

I understand exactly where you are coming from (though I'm not saying its right).

When I had DD I blatantly lied about how I was feeling mentally as I knew I'd soon be subject to a Drs medical form as part of the application process to work with children. My mum has schizophrenia so I'm very conscientious of my behaviour.

As it happens, I was okay, but even now I'd be reluctant to tell anyone how I feel because of the chances that future opportunities might be lost.

As I said, I know this is wrong. But we live in a society that is so discriminatory of mental illness. And the thought that the degree I've worked so hard for might be useless if I was deemed unfit....

[SheepNoisesOff]

Sorry but the doctor is being absolutely bloody ridiculous!

I have been taking antidepressants for years and it is not necessary to declare it to anyone at all ... any more than you need to tell a potential employer that you take the contraceptive pill or that you're an insulin-dependent diabetic.

PinkCanary is absolutely right that there is still a stigma surrounding mental illness. That is completely true. But taking antidepressants is neither here nor there as far as an employer is concerned. And if you have to declare any potential mental health issues, the fact that you have consulted a doctor about it is enough anyway - you would have to mention it. But I can't imagine a situation where that would come into it because you only have to declare RELEVANT mental health issues. Depression would not be relevant.

Depression is a potentially fatal illness so it's just not on to leave it untreated.

Please see if you can see another doctor (or someone UK-based might know a shortcut you can take to get help?) and I would also report this doctor's behaviour because honestly, that line of reasoning is nonsense. People die from depression. Now that really WOULD stop someone getting a job, wouldn't it?

Sorry but I'm just so angry on your behalf

[KitKat84]

So your employer or potential employer can ask you about your health through a medical form? That doesn't seem right to me. So my gp was right?

[KitKat84]

Cross posted with sheep.

I don't even know what to think. I'm worried about filling in forms saying I have a mh issue when applying for jobs but if its not relevant why would my gp say it? He could see how shit I was today. Here was I thinking that I was glad it was a shit day today as ny gp might take me seriously . :(

[hilbobaggins]

Your GP is a patronising idiot. It is YOUR decision to go on anti-depressants, not his. He is treating you like a child. Dont let this put you off getting treatment. Change GPs immediately and find someone who's more up-to-date on this stuff. There are lots of clued-up doctors out there who can help you find the right treatment.

I work in the field of employment and recruitment. You absolutely do NOT have to disclose mental Heath problems, to a future or current employer. The law says that in the vast majority of cases employers are not allowed to ask.

You can CHOOSE to disclose if you wish. This is a very personal issue. The law says that employers have to make "reasonable adjustments" in the workplace for employees with disabilities. So an example might be adjusting hours for someone whose medication made them drowsy in the morning. Adjustments can also be made at interview if necessary, which is why some people disclose early on (this is common with learning disabilities , eg dyslexia) But if you don't think that your mental health issues will prevent you from doing the job, I'd keep it to myself. It's really nobody else's business.

[KitKat84]

Thank you. I don't feel like I could go back right now. This took me so long to feel ready to talk about with my GP and I have been let down too many times recently. I don't think I could take it. How would I know if the next doctor was the same? I feel like going back to my GP, throwing his stupid prescription for the beta blockers at him and telling him how much he's made me feel like shit.

[Mandytm]

Hi Kitkat - I was in a similar situation while I was at uni. I know it's difficult but you really should tell someone at your uni. I found the email address for the health and disability person at mine and briefly told her what was going on. She arranged for me to have extra time in exams and for handing in coursework.

Although its a very private matter that I know is hard to talk about to someone new, I can't stress enough what a life saver doing this was for me.

Try and get past the embarrassment and do this, they keep it completely confidential and will also give you advice on how to cope with your illness and your studies.

As for your doctor, he is talking nonsense. I have had many jobs since uni and my mental health issues have never been known by my employers. When you apply for a job there is often a question in the paperwork asking if you have any serious health issues you would like to disclose, but I never have. If it becomes a problem that effects my work then I may do in the future but I am in no way legally obliged to do so.

Like previous posters, I also strongly recommend you change doctors - they have all met people with much bigger and more frightening problems than you so don't be scared to tell a new doctor. Doing it will give you confidence. You will be taking control of your problems and not letting them beat you. Good luck and let us know how you get on. x