Depression and nursing?

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Specializes in Im hoping to be an ODP..

I suffer quite a lot from depression. Is it possible to be a nurse with mental health issues? Please help.

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Specializes in Medical Intensive Care Unit.

Completely possible. Just get on the right path to mental wellness. It may take sometime but it will pay off in the end. Find a good psychiatrist, pyschologist and support group. Look into different treatment plans. Good luck with your journey.:hug:

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I'm on an antidepressant (no one knows) and have been complemented on better work habits and more energy.

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Specializes in Im hoping to be an ODP..

Thanks guys, im currently on anti depressants, have been on and off for over a year but seeing a psychiatrist is something i will certainly look into.

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Specializes in Gyn/STD clinic tech.

when using medication for depression, the key is to continue taking it without the "on and off" routine.

i am bi polar 2, but i am happy, well adjusted, fully functioning, and about to graduate.

i have taken medication for years, no breaks, and i credit my success to properly adhering to my medication schedule. it does not work unless you take it properly.

you can do it :)

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I suffer quite a lot from depression. Is it possible to be a nurse with mental health issues? Please help.

yes, many nurses have mental health issues, just like the general public and other jobs.

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Definitely possible, just like anyone else. Build up the courage to get the help you need. You can get through this, it will be worth it! Good luck!! :hug:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, School Nurse.

I guess the question is...when filling out the pre-employment physical forms, do you put it on there?

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Specializes in student; help!.

Yes, if they ask. If they don't, no need to offer. But don't lie on applications or in interviews. Bad juju.

If you take meds, though, put those all down because if they do a screen and something you take comes up but you didn't list it, a lot of facilities will not hire you, even if the med is prescribed. You didn't list it, and it showed up on a screen, therefore Something Is Up. So be honest.

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^^ True but do they test for antidepressents? When I've gotten my drug screenings back it's been for illegal drugs and narcotics like ativan etc. Do they actually test for zoloft etc?

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^^ True but do they test for antidepressents? When I've gotten my drug screenings back it's been for illegal drugs and narcotics like ativan etc. Do they actually test for zoloft etc?

Not sure about different places, but you are usually given the opportunity to list meds, prior to drug screen. Years ago, I had a sleep study (at the hsp where I worked)and a urine drug screen was part of the study I had a migraine during the nite, and took fiorocet with codeine. When the result came back positive for barbiturates, I was uneasy..

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Specializes in CTICU.
I guess the question is...when filling out the pre-employment physical forms, do you put it on there?

Would you report diabetes? With depression - instead of insulin, you're lacking serotonin or dopamine or norepi in your brain.

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