Can you have a history of depression/anxiety and be a nurse?

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I was looking at some of the disqualifiers for sitting for the NCLEX and the mental illness section looked pretty extensive and a little vague. I had a small bout of depression/anxiety post-college a few years back, but am no longer on any medication. Just wanting to make sure nothing like that could come up once I'm through school and keep me from licensure:eek:

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There are many, many nurses who are being treated for such conditions and manage to practice safely without any problems from their respective licensing boards.

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Specializes in ..

Mental health problems past or present should not effect your capacity to nurse unless you are significantly impaired to the point of putting others at risk

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Depression and anxiety appear to have been prerequisites for my nursing program.

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^ lol

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yeah I think everyone I knew were depressed and or anxious

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Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Yes, as long as you know your 'triggers' or 'warning signs' and have a support system/plan for what to do if/when you have problems again.

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Specializes in none.

I was wondering the same. Im Bipolar. I didnt realize it would ever come up?!

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Specializes in Psych.

I have a history of mood disturbance and anxiety as well and I'm in NS right now. If you keep your symptoms under control, there's no reason you can't practice safely!

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

Yes, you can.

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