To ask to be excused from jury service for Depression?

[Crazycatladyx5]

I've had a summons for Jury Service.
It's in August for 2 weeks. The second week I'm on holiday. Do they allow you to defer for that?
Also, my doctor has recently put me on antidepressants & I'm waiting for CBT. Life is incredibly stressful at mo...getting divorced, am single parent, son just been diagnosed with autism, have huge money problems, plus big changes coming at work.
The thought of having to cope with jury service on top of all that has me in despair.
Can I be excused on grounds I have Depression?
Does anyone have any experience of this?

I have no advice but just want to send a hug ❤❤❤Hope things get better soon xxx

That sounds like a good reason to me.

Yes I did. I came back from a holiday to find I had two weeks jury service. Immediately became very panicky and and depressed even thinking about it (was already diagnosed with and medicated for serious anxiety and major depression). I emailed the officer with my concerns and they let me out of it, no questions asked. At worst you may be asked to provide medical evidence but I had no problem at all. Good luck!

There are reasons for being excused, illness is one, having disabled dependents may be another. They won't want you if you can't concentrate, think straight, are over emotional etc. Isn't there a form to fill in?

You can defer for holiday.

Not convinced you'll get off for having depression on it's own, they're much stricter than they used to be. You've obviously got more besides though. But it would be worth asking the GP for a letter.

Yes you can be used excused if you show your holiday was booked prior to the jury summons.

There should be an email address for the court clerk on your letter.

Send them your booking confirmation and that should sort it

I would. Jury service would be an awful thing to do with depression.

Not sure about E&W/NI, but in Scotland, you can apply for exemption on the grounds of illness or disability, but it must be accompanied by a medical certificate.

This is a good guide to what you can and can't do, and how to do it.

Thanks for replies.
I've returned the form & written about the holiday & depression. Sent holiday evidence & told them will see doc asap for letter. Just got to wait & see what they say now. At least I've stopped crying today!

I think childcare also. They are strict because it is a duty, but they also need defendant to have a fair trial, so you need to be able to do the job properly, it is or can be reasonably strenuous