Nursing and Depression

Not sure where you live, but in TX you can get a license. The application states that you have to disclose any mental illness except major depression. I think this means that you can still get your license even with some other mental illnesses. I have a friend diagnosed as bipolar that got her license. She had to show that she was getting treatment and taking her meds, etc.

arent you covered by the ADA if you are treated?

There would truly be a nursing shortage if they implemented that restriction! :)

I was going to say exactly that!!

I've got depression bad. See a psychiatrist and everything and I'm an RN.

There would truly be a nursing shortage if they implemented that restriction! :)

Oh, my goodness! You aren't kidding! If the BONs eliminated every nurse that dealt with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADD, bipolar, etc., they'd have a very very very extreme shortage.

Thanks for your input! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have had depression issues off and on throughout adulthood, espsecially after my hysterectomy. But, my mother (who I was very close to) died 11/8/06 and I'm still struggling with it alot. I've been to grief therapy, was put on meds, etc., but sometimes I feel like I need to "check in" because I'm losing my mind.:trout: I have been hesitant to seek further help/treatment d/t being in nursing school.

Again, thanks for your posts!

Not that this is any consolation but I've only been a nurse for a short time and I can't even count how many nurses are on medications for depression. If I didn't know any better I'd think it was just part of the nursing/caretaker field. I just speculate that most but not all come from some type of dysfunction and that they are more prone to have depression/anxiety issues. I'm not saying all but alot. I know will take offense but that is not my intention. If you are "normal" bless your heart but for the rest of us, it's comforting to know we're not alone.

Can a diagnosis of depression and treatment (in or out patient) for it destroy one's chances of getting RN licensure?

Thanks for any information you may contribute. :kiss

Kim O'Therapy - Thank you for this post. I had been wondering the same thing - but, didn't take the time to ask.

I don't know about others, but 9 out of 10 of my coworkers are seeing a therapist and/or taking antidepressants and anti anxiety drugs. If you couldn't get a license because you were depressed or seeing a therapist then there would be no nurses. Alot of nurses see therapists to vent their feelings about work. And who isn't depressed from time to time with the things we see?

not only would there be no nurses if you eliminated people, there would be no MD's. I think it is responsible to take care of yourself. It is just like taking insulin for diabetes.