This time last year I was in a psychaitric ward. Now I want to become a nurse but scared I'll be turned down.

[accidentalchickenkeeper]

I had a psychotic episode and was admitted voluntarily.

I also had a really nasty bout of depression after being discharged.

I'm still under the care of the early intervention team.

I REALLY want to apply to uni to do nursing (Mental Health ...predictably) but I'm worried that my past problems will mean I wont even be considered.

I feel better than I've ever felt, ADs have changed my life (a bit dramatic but true!) I feel ready for a new challenge, ready to help others. I'm going to apply for the course and hope for the best.

Any MH professionals on here that can give me any advice? Anyone with a history of MH probs that has gone on to have a sucessful career in MH?

You definitely will be considered but they may defer you for a year or two depending on how well you are.

A lot of Mental Health nurses have personal experience of mental health issues.

In my local hospital there was an advert recently for a mental health nurse and it actively encouraged nurses with personal experience to apply.

If you visit the forum on www.studentnurse.org.uk/ and post you will get some positive answers.

Thanks for replying.

I've been well since the start of this year and the course doesn't start till May 2012. Hopefully long enough to not need deferring. This is the last year of the diploma, the thought of having to pay tuition fees to do the degree brings me out in a cold sweat!