Clinical Depression and Getting into University?

Question

I'm 17, and suffer from depression, I am recieving medication for it, and by joe it helps, but my depression made me get of to a bad start this year in my new school and the teachers are aware of my 'condition' and that it affects by academic progress - I did however get 12 As at GCSE and intend to do equally well at A-level and hopefully go on to Oxford or Cambridge to do medicine - what I am worried about now is - will knowledge of my depression affect my university application? Will my school 'label' me - and will I be given priority over people who do not have my 'issues' as some people refer to them.

No, I do not plan to use it as an excuse for my poor performance, I do not like to make excuses for myself, and am very secretive about my depression even with my closest friends, however - recently I had a prolonged episode which drew some unwanted attention and I was put on the spot by my head of year who wanted to know 'what the hell was going on, and this isn't person who left highschool a year ago, what happened between there and then' - I wish they didn't know, but they do - so hence, I worry. Thank you everyone.

Answer 1

I certainly don't know the people who make admissions decisions at Oxford and Cambridge, but I can't imagine that a history of depression would have any influence at all since you have obviously overcome the problem. Depression is extremely common, and there really isn't a stigma with having depression. It's likely that someone reviewing your application has dealt with depression at some point in their life.

What I can't figure out is: how would the universities know about your medical history? Do you plan to use it as an excuse for you bad performance? If that's what you are thinking - bad idea - not because of depression, but because it draws attention to your poor performance, and it also looks like you are trying to justify those low grades.

If asked to explain your poor grades, simply explain that you got off to a bad start, realized there was a problem, you corrected it, and from there forward everything has been fine. That's the kind of person that gets into Oxford and Cambridge.

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear that the black dog is biting at such an early age.
You first respondent has a good point, medicine is a very stressed occupation and Doctors are the No 1 group for suicide attempts.
If you do get as far as an Oxbridge interview and do not show any florid symptoms I would not even mention it, they are not concerned about it. A significant minority of lecturers and professors there are stark raving mad, completely demented, so a bit of depression is not any reason for rejection. Save getting depressed until your first year exams when you have not done any work, but by then you will be too busy to be depressed.

Answer 3

I have clinical depression, and sad to say it does affect you throughout your career, on how others perceive you. Your "issue" should not be an issue, although some will try to make it one. As for the medicine, I took antidepressants for a few years, but decided to remove myself from them. The reason was the doseage kept getting higher about every 4-6 months, supposedly to maintain a certain level of performance. After having an alergic reaction to paxil, and not liking meds to begin with, I stopped cold turkey. The doctor said that was a bad idea, but for me, the withdrawel was just a little worse than quitting tobacco.
I take ginseng as an anti depressant whenever the need arises, which is not very often. I usually know when the depression is about to hit because I start having trouble recalling things, such as names or have to search my memory for a word in a conversation. Ginseng is a memory enhanser, as well as the herb rosemary, ginkobiloba, and a few others. You may want to try a different approach with your meds if you are worried about how you will be perceived by your peers. For some reason herbs are considered about the same as food, even if you are taking them for medication. Herbs are gentler on your system too, because they are natural, not chemical based.
...jj

Answer 4

I'm not sure what you mean by "prestigious". That is a matter of degree. I also spent time (in patient) in treatment for depression and mood disorders. I was a little older than you when I decided to go to college. I also had a lousy high school record and no recent SAT or other scores, so I went to a community college. After completing much of my core courses (composition, history, government, calc I, and others), I transfered to one of the University of Texas schools. I had no trouble getting in. At that point, I had impeccable grades on my community college transcript. I ended up getting both a BS and an MS at UTD. I was then accepted into the PhD program in Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University. I received my PhD from NU in 2003. Another of my fellow students at Northwestern U. had also gone to a community college early on.

Answer 5

Hi, I have bipolar disorder (manic depression), I am currently studying for a BSc (hons) in Human Biology part time as I was quite poorly for several years. I got similar grades to you at GCSE and wanted to study medicine but due to the nature of my illness my Consultant thought that whilst med school would be fine the lack of sleep would make me ill as a junior Dr. This is only because a feature of bipolar is mania and this is what would affect the desire for a career in medicine. However, depression should not stop you, the uni may well give you extra support if you so require or desire but it shouldn't affect your ability to get in or be a good Dr - you'd probably be an even better one for your experiences! Good luck x

Answer 6

It shouldn't unless you use it to explain why you got off to a bad start. If you go to a college interview and they ask you what happened at the beginning of this school year and you tell them...only then will it come to light. Your school will not label you nor will you get special treatment. Millions of people suffer from depression and are on medication to help them. It's not a disability. I also hope that you are getting therapy/counseling. Medication will only help you so much. It's only meant to help you get through therapy to learn why you are depressed so that you can get through it and fix it, then you won't need the medication anymore.

Answer 7

Depression is an illness and the uni should make it possible for you to study despite that illness. I agree with a previous answerer that maybe medicine is really not a great career choice. Doctors have a high incidence of depression anyway and you really dont want to be just another statistic;

Answer 8

dont panic! they wont do that and i am sure you can show them that having medication is not anything that will halt your learning abilities! i am not sure as to why you are feeling low though! you sound like you have achieved alot so young and i dont think you realise how many people would love to be in your shoes! if i were you dont worry about what you feel others may think, it will only prevent you getting where you want to if you let it, trust me i have been in your shoes!! x

Answer 9

it shouldn't do,everyone has it these days. Why do you need to tell them? don't tell them when you apply ,when you get there, & you get depressed you can speak to the right deartments about it if u need help.
But Uni is so much fun that you won't get depressed. make the most of it!

Answer 10

Are you sure you want to do medicine?

It's a very high stress course and a very high stress occupation.

If you are prone to depression you might want to opt for a different career.

But good luck anyway with whatever you do.