Would having a history of minor depression stop you from being able to work with children?

Question

Say for example you were applying for a Post grad in primary teaching in and you have a history of minor depression. You have never been off work due to this however, it stopped you from completing your degree in the usual 3/4 years (UK). You have a degree but do you have to explain why it took you longer? I am very aware of the stigma attached to mental health issues esp. in employment and of course children’s safety is paramount. In this instance, should a minor mental health issue be disclosed? When should it be disclosed? I would be especially interested to hear from someone who works in the education field. But all answers welcome!

Answer 1

I am not a teacher but I do work with children as a children's library assistant. I also suffered from depression for quite a number of years.
I don't think that your depression will in anyway affect your career in teaching, if anything I feel that overcoming these type of difficulties can only make you a stronger person.
As for disclosing your medical history only do so when they ask for it. Most councils do ask that you complete a medical questionnaire when you either apply for a post or are accepted for a post. Don't try to hide anything, but don't make a big deal out of it either, for example don't go in to an interview shouting "I have suffered from depression!!!!"
I disclosed my history of depression on my questionnaire and they didn't even get back to me to ask any 'additional questions'.
If in an interview they do ask why it took you longer to complete your degree than usual just tell that you had health problems or personal problems and let it go at that.

Answer 2

It should be disclosed at the point of filling all the medical questionaires and all that. If you suffered from an acute depression at Uni and then had to get diagnosed and all that then it is reasonable that you took longer. Look at the other side of the coin. You did actually complete your degree !!! Now that is the reallly important thing and is much, much, much more relevant to your being appointed. Without it you would have no chance.
Myself personally i can empathise with what you are saying as i met with someone from a recruitment agency yesterday, and squirmed while i tried to explain the gaps in my employment history due to suffering hypomania bouts and being in psyciatric wards and the periods of recovery afterwards.
I think that you might be able to get away with not disclosing this, if , however , they later look at your medical history records you would be fired instantly.
Try not to make reference to the depression every two seconds ( even though you can not stop being aware of it, or have a mad urge to mention it constantly. who are you re-assuring ? the interviewer(s) or your self? )
If you have to mention/make reference/discuss it, myself i find i usually prattle on and say way too much. If you have to give an account keep it short. Keep it factual. do not find yourself elaborating ( as i have a propensity to do )ASk the interviewee what they would like to know. explain things in terms that they will understand ' layman's terms ), and trying to come across as knowing what you are talking about without sounding like a medical professor. A little is best.
Honesty is not the best policy. Honesty is 'the only' policy. What a finer place the world we live in could be if we all applied that rule.
I think that a Major factor in your favour is that you can show a clean bill of health for your peroid of employment after Graduation. The number of days off, and the potential for you to be taking days of in the future will definitely be the clincher. Remember, do not go on too long about it though .
you are a consciencious person who is motivated and qualified. Experienced? then it is all down to the rub of the green in the interviews. DO NOT ALLOW NEGATIVITY TO CREEP IN. IF YOU ARE NO SURE , HOW CAN THE INTERVIEWER BE ? good luck

p.s . eye used to be a were-wolf but i'm all right naaoooooooooooooo---wwwwwwwwwwwwww

Answer 3

No. But It may be that you have to submit your medical records for any post you apply for. In this instance its better to disclose the information.

It took me slightly longer to complete my degree course and i have been asked about it a couple of times in interviews most people dont even notice. they see you have a degree and thats all they're after. if they do ask be honest and give "Health problems" as a reason. you arent hiding anything by saying this, just as you said there is a stigma around mental health issues.

In Britain generally the only thing that would hinder your employment chances would be a criminal record and its legally required now that anybody working with children gets a full police-check before they begin work. This is paid for by the school usually unless you are working supply via an angency.

Answer 4

Don't worry what so ever!. I was the same in my teens early twenty's, it took 6 years to complete my Art Degree. In between lectures I got into trouble with the police leading to several appearances in court. I had fines, NON-payments, criminal damages even a prison sentence for not going to court.
Then I grew up.
After a long spell of voluntary work, community courses in child care, college courses in special needs, I managed to overcome my past demeniars. I eventually applied for a post at a Residential school-and I got the job!.
What my employers were looking for are people with life skills. People who have seen the error of their ways and pass these skills on before its to late.
Now I'm a Special needs Mentor, very successful and still enthusiastic with the job. It never felt like a job really because a part of me lives with the problems these children face.

Answer 5

The likeliness is no.

By rights, you do not need to explain why it took longer. A simple 'Personal reasons' will be enough.

Have you worked since?

Major concerns in the Uk at least today are your CRB check and mental health today.

Were you on medication during your depression? If not, you'll be ok.

How long ago was it?

Minor depression shouldn't be a problem. Infact, if you're fine today your only problems will be if you don't pass your CRB check or if you don't qualify.

I wouldn't panic about it.

Answer 6

yes, it should be disclosed. it will not go againt you but failling to mention it if specifically asked about illness, or using a false reason for taking longer to complete your degree will.
probably the best place to disclose would be in the section that ask about any days off sick (days off uni count as well as days off work), though if there is no specific question about general health you are not obliged to mention it.
i think attitudes towards mental health are changing and you will surprised by how supportive employers are now.

Answer 7

Under the disability at work act 2004 you cannot be discriminated from if you have had this condition for more than a year and it's likely to continue.

By disclosing the fact you have it shouldn't effect your chances of employment.

Good luck!

Answer 8

That shouldn't make any difference. My youngest son's teacher suffers from depression and I certainly wouldn't change her! The only thing that prevents you from working with children would be any criminal record. You have to go through extensive police checks, and obviously can't be on the sex offender's register either. I think it's probably up to you to disclose why it took you longer to complete your degree, but it sounds to me like you should be fine. I wish you the best of luck, go for it! :)

Answer 9

I wouldn't stress over it. You have NOTHING to disclose to ANYONE. Not because of any ramifications but just because it's nobody's business.l Trust me employers are NOT interested in modern day therapy of mental illness. If you say you have a minor mental illness they think "pyschotic serial killer". The things I could tell you.....Anyway don't sweat it. Good luck and have a nice life

Answer 10

Depression isnt something that you bring on yourself, it is a chemical reaction within our bodies.
It makes you a stronger, more knowledgebale person and someone who understands more about emotional espects of life.
Go for it!
I work with kids and familes, and have done all my adult life. I have also been taking anti-depressants most of my working life. It doesnt stop me and in fact I think it actually helps that I know what it is like and how one can deal with things.
Dont see it as a stigma, accept it and others around you will too.
Try it!