Applying for nursing school on antidepressants

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As of today, I have started a low dosage antidepressant. I am worried about this decision because I am beginning my application process into BSN programs soon and I am nervous that I may be disqualified for my "mental health." I do not know if they can really do that or if they factor that in when choosing applicants. Does anyone know if you are required to state that you are diagnosed with stress-induced depression? I do not want to lie but I feel like my mental health is not of risk to anyone or significant enough to take into account for applying to programs. Also, if it is any difference, I am applying to schools in California. Any advice?

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No, they will not/can not access your medical information! HIPAA in place for a reason!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If your depression is 'stress induced', nursing school will not be therapeutic for you.

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I appreciate your input and I am fully aware of how stressful and difficult nursing school is. I am not seeking therapy in nursing school nor am I willing to abandon my dreams because of the current stressors affecting my life. I am seeking treatment and that is the best thing I can do. Also, I'd like to add that my stress is not school-related. I am doing very well in school and enjoy every second of it.

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Great to hear thank you for letting me know!!! I understand the purpose of HIPAA I just wondered if they may ask you to disclose that information upon applying to school. I feel very relieved now to know that I can keep it to myself! Thank you!!

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You will not be asked to disclose that info. You should not feel bad about being on something for stress by the way. It'll help you get through school. I think we could all use it during that time í ½í¸Š

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It means a lot to hear that from an experienced RN. I take my future very seriously and I had to be honest with myself and face the fact that I needed help. I know that if I can not take care of myself in all ways necessary, then I have no right to believe that I can care for others. Thank you again for your support

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I can safely say that 50% of my

class who started out unmedicated are now medicated for depression/anxiety.

I personally started out on an antidepressant and ADHD meds. While I did have to disclose my prescriptions for drug testing purposes I have not experienced any repercussions from it.

One professor tried to make an issue out of it but I politely declined her advice. She's not my PCP, it's not her place to weigh in on my treatment.

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Depression and anxiety are becoming more and more common in our society. Anyone who says this would disqualify you from school or make you a bad nurse is full of it! Once you get in, be sure to access your student health services to get the support you need during school. I even went to intensive outpatient treatment (for MI other than depression) during my Master's program and it was completely worth it and didn't prevent me from getting a job at all.

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That makes me feel better. I know other nurses who are on meds for psychological disorders but they are also already in the field so I wasn't sure if I could look to that as a good sign. I strongly feel that it shouldn't be anyone's business unless you disclose that information by choice and/or your patients are at risk. I commend you for pursuing your career without allowing your depression and ADHD hinder your strength and confidence. :)

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

You just have to be honest. I had a physical questionnaire that I had to fill out as part of the lengthy orientation process for my school and mental health was a part of it. I was a little wary about that, too. I had indicated that, yes, I have a history of depression and had been on antidepressants for it. I was thanked for my honesty. The reason they ask is, if things go sideways for you and it starts impacting your mental health (or even physical health), they can say you indicated a potential need for help and they can work with you (i.e. if you need to miss out on a quarter or need time for counseling). If you're dishonest and do not disclose, they can say, "Well, she never told us anything so how could we have known why she was failing out." If you need help, it might end up being a much more difficult path to dealing with whatever obstacles could potentially come up while you're in school. I hope that makes sense.

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First off, no, mental health isn't considered in the application process. I'd think that if schools did exclude you due to your mental health that you could sue them.

Secondly, don't let anyone tell you that nursing isn't for you because you have stress-induced depression. I'm in your same situation. Yes, the first couple of months is going to be difficult for you. The adjustment period was hard for me. But I've found coping mechanisms that have really helped me. For example, I decided not to be so type-A. I say that it's ok if I get Bs in my classes. This took a lot of pressure off of me (plus I ended up getting all A's my first semester). Before you start, make sure that you have good time management strategies and know how to "triage" your studies. Maybe start doing yoga once a week or see a therapist. Anything that'll help you with the stress of nursing school. Also, be aware of the fact that some antidepressants can make you very tired (which probably isn't the best if you're going into nursing school). Good luck!

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