Entering nursing school with an existing mental illness.

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Hi everyone. I've just been accepted to nursing school, which I'm extremely happy about. I received a health care form to be completed by my doctor and myself. My concern is the area regarding mental health issues. I have been being treated for depression for some time, and my doctor thinks I may have bipolar disorder. I'm afraid that when she discloses this information, that it may affect my acceptance into school. Again, I have already been accepted, but I'm worried about them changing their minds. Do I have anything to worry about?

Specializes in ARMY MEDIC.

I dont think it should be a huge problem, I know alot of people who entered nursing school with anxiety disorders, deppressive disorder etc. As long as you are compliant with your meds (if you are taking any) and able to cope with the stress of nursing school (it is very stressful), then you shouldnt have anything worry about. I dont know of very many nursing students who dont suffer some form of anxiety, and maybe even a bout of deppression at least once while in class:D. Good luck to you

P.S.

I am in no means trying to downplay your illness, and I do realize that mild anxiety and temporary depression are less severe than clinical depression and possible bipolar disorder. I am just trying to offer some words of encouragement ;-)

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Specializes in Onc/Med-Surg, ER, Nursing Supervisor.
Please don't take offense but I don't think a drug abuser up before the nursing board has anything to do with this issue -- even if they were bipolar.

I guess I didn't get my point across. The OP was worried that IF her doctor divulged that she may be bipolar, that it would affect her getting into nursing school. I was trying to help reassure her that if a state board of nursing doesn't have a problem with maintaining licensure for people with mental illnesses, then I would hope that her school would not hold it against her. The drug use really had nothing to do with it, but I was trying to show that I didn't just pull it out of thin air and that that particular nurse wasn't in front of the board for her mental illness but for something separate. Maybe I didn't explain myself well. *shrug*

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Specializes in IMCU.

psilant -- it is entirely possible I didn't read what you wrote properly. No worries

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