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?

There is no way in hell anyone I know at work is going to know I'm on antidepressants. Let's be real. I mean REAL. Never for one minute think everyone at your work will keep your little secret. Nobody at your work chose to be your buddy or friend. You have no idea who talks to who. And yes,they talk. If you honestly think the nurse next to you is going to not tell Nurse#2 your are taking antidepressants, you are living a fantasy.So the best advice is this:

SHUT UP.

If you are depressed, take care of it. If you need to spout off your feelings, find a therapist or a friend who doesn't work with you. It's your business and keep it that way. Sorry, honey there is not one business in the world who likes a depressed person.

I hate to tell you, but as a 37 year veteran, keep it to yourself.

You don't need to tell everyone your business but stigma and reactions like this only hurt people, they don't help. Would you have this same reaction or advice for a diabetic on insulin or someone with hypertension? Let's try and move away from this attitude and recognize that mental illness is an illness much like any other.

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Specializes in Medical Telemetry.

They can ask, you don't have to share. There are so, so many health professionals with depression, anxiety, and the like. As long as you have healthy coping mechanisms and patient care isn't affected, it shouldn't be a problem. If you were on a controlled substance, like benzos, you would probably have to disclose that, however.

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We were asked to list any and all medications that we take and bring the "pill bottle" with us to our physical...you know, just in case it showed up in our urine screen...HIPAA was out the window I guess...

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We were asked to list any and all medications that we take and bring the "pill bottle" with us to our physical...you know, just in case it showed up in our urine screen...HIPAA was out the window I guess...

I don't think you understand HIPAA then.

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My medical disclosure form has a place for me to disclose depress. Not quite sure what to do.

You don't have to disclose anything you want to on your forms, they are not your PCP! And because of HIPAA there is no way they will find out unless you tell them. This is your private life.

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Specializes in Crit Care; EOL; Pain/Symptom; Gero.

What's your source for that statistic, please?

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Specializes in ED, psych.
You don't need to tell everyone your business but stigma and reactions like this only hurt people, they don't help. Would you have this same reaction or advice for a diabetic on insulin or someone with hypertension? Let's try and move away from this attitude and recognize that mental illness is an illness much like any other.

Well, the poster you quoted was pretty darn blunt but sadly, I would take their advice. I didn't read it as a stigmatized reaction, but rather as someone who can understand being on the receiving end of a stigmatized reaction.

You're quite right; mental illness is an illness much like any other. We *should* treat someone with depression with the same regard that we would treat someone who is diabetic. Sadly, the world doesn't work that way. As someone who is bipolar, and who was pushed out of a job once her diagnosis was known (despite excellent evaluations, being 'teacher of the year' the year prior, etc), I agree with that poster: keep your diagnosis to yourself. You don't know who harbors that stigma. Your boss can act like the nicest gal in the world ... until she finds out you have a mental illness. Now she's "acting" like the nicest gal and now has an agenda.

It's not worth it. Change comes slowly. Don't start being an advocate using your career.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Well, the poster you quoted was pretty darn blunt but sadly, I would take their advice. I didn't read it as a stigmatized reaction, but rather as someone who can understand being on the receiving end of a stigmatized reaction.

You're quite right; mental illness is an illness much like any other. We *should* treat someone with depression with the same regard that we would treat someone who is diabetic. Sadly, the world doesn't work that way. As someone who is bipolar, and who was pushed out of a job once her diagnosis was known (despite excellent evaluations, being 'teacher of the year' the year prior, etc), I agree with that poster: keep your diagnosis to yourself. You don't know who harbors that stigma. Your boss can act like the nicest gal in the world ... until she finds out you have a mental illness. Now she's "acting" like the nicest gal and now has an agenda.

It's not worth it. Change comes slowly. Don't start being an advocate using your career.

Agree...

Once I disclosed I had PTSD (with depression and anxiety-in addition I have mood disorder trait which mimics bipolar) at my first position-in a Critical Care, there was a HUGE target on my back...which made it a huge battle to even be there successfully, as well as my anxiety through the roof.

I will NEVER disclose again. :no:

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Specializes in ER, Telemetry, cardiac, trauma.

I don't think you should concern yourself with it unless it is so debilitating you feel it will affect your ability to perform, as a student and a nurse. I've been on an antidepressant for most of my adult life, and am now getting my Master's in nursing. Just like any other disease managed by meds, if it works, use it. I have no problem letting people know about my own struggles, even in school, because I'm damn tired of the stigma. Diabetic people don't hide the fact that they need insulin, and there's not a diabetes question on an application. People with asthma aren't asked to list what inhalers they use. Yeah, I have a serotonin problem. Medicine lets me excel at life and perform at my optimal level. It's not a character flaw, it just is what it is. If your school has a problem with that, find another school. Or sue them. That's some ******** right there.

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You don't have to disclose anything you want to on your forms, they are not your PCP! And because of HIPAA there is no way they will find out unless you tell them. This is your private life.

Thanks.

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In response to the first person to reply:

What was the point in stating this?! As a 2nd year BSN student who has battled with sever anxiety and depression his whole life and is currently on medication to help with these issues I feel like your comment is representative of the kind of attitude that makes nursing school more crappy and unnecessarily difficult than it needs to be. I think it's common knowledge that nursing school is hard as hell yet a person like me and the OP need to actively avoid people who make comments like the one you posted. This was the opposite of therapeutic communication. Thanks but no thanks. And you're a NURSE? Yikes! Wouldn't want you to take care of me.

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Agree...

Once I disclosed I had PTSD (with depression and anxiety-in addition I have mood disorder trait which mimics bipolar) at my first position-in a Critical Care, there was a HUGE target on my back...which made it a huge battle to even be there successfully, as well as my anxiety through the roof.

I will NEVER disclose again. :no:

I must admit that as an "older student" with plenty of life experience working in different industries, and a person with anxiety and depression I am saddened by the callous/jaded attitude many of you have developed in response to your experiences. As much as I want to protect the original OP from sentiments like yours I suppose it's beneficial for them to see that attitudes like yours are pervasive in the nursing field. Yay reality check. See, it's happening to me too!

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