2007-02-19 22:04:13 · 10 answers · asked by mizphilosophical 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes you can - there is nothing un-ethical about taking a medicine that helps your neurotransmitters work properly. A lot of therapists and psychologists have taken anti-depressants and need to in order to function properly. There is nothing wrong with this.
Doing the personal therapy it takes to get your degree and a license can be very helpful though - you can take the anti-depressants to change your life view while you are doing the deep emotional stuff with a therapist.
Studying to be a psychologist can be a very rewarding experience - though it is painful at times, one can discover new ways of thinking and analyzing life that are wonderful.
Some people take them for a time to get through the ugly stuff in therapy and then they don't have to take them anymore. Other people are more susceptible to mental stress and need to take them ongoingly.
Taking anti-depressants doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you or that you are crazy. It just means that your nerves are not working fast enough in your brain. If you were diabetic you would take your insulin. Same difference.
2007-02-19 22:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by beach 4 · 26⤊ 0⤋
I certainly hope so! Because you have depression, you have strengths others may not. Increased creativity and direct experience. I used to think psychologists and people in the social work field didn't have problems. I am wrong. If that's what you were thinking, you are wrong too. :)
As long as your depression is controlled with your meds, then study this field whole heartedly. You'll do great!
I know a psychologist who has an anger problem, and he still has his practice.
Also, taking your meds, may be a short term solution. If it is, then 6 months or a year from now, you might not be needing them, and you've wasted that time waiting.
Who needs to know your taking anti-depressants anyway? That's a personal issue, and not of interest to any college I know of for studying.
Got get em!!
2007-02-19 22:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by daughter_helping 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sure...just make sure you are honest about it during your interviews and counseling at school.
Your chosen field is known for a higher percentage of mental health issues among practitioners than most other fields, so those who interview you will almost expect you to have some imbalance.
The key is in how you present your own ability to deal with your depression: Do you engage in regular therapy? Are you compliant with your Rx's? Do you present as a personality disorder or a neurotic?
Neurotics stand a much better chance of success in managing their illness, for they are already focused on the only person they can change...themselves.
If you always blame your depression on others, this will not sit well with those who decide your future in psychology.
If you haven't, read "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck. It will give you a fresh way of looking at psychotherapy, and hopefully build up your confidence as you set forth to be a facilitator in the well-being of your patients.
Blessings,
G.E.T. RN, LCMT, CNMT
Registered Nurse (Psychiatric) retired.
2007-02-19 22:14:16 · answer #3 · answered by gordios_thomas_icxc 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, why not...I believe it is better to experience first-hand in order to truly understand what a person is going trough. This would make you a better Psychologist IF, and i mean IF you overcome your depression and can inspire your client to do the same. If you are still on anti-depressants after getting a psychology degree...you need to treat yourself before treating others.
2007-02-19 22:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by gnomus12 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely. In fact, many psychiatrists and psychologists pursued their fields to understand their own neuroses. My dad is a psychiatrist, so I know! One famous bipolar psychologist is Kay Redfield Jamison. She has written many books from her unique perspective as a psychologist who suffers from manic depression.
Nothing quite like empathy from those we seek help from.
2007-02-19 22:11:03 · answer #5 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course. You would actually be able to help people more since you know what it is like to be on them.
2007-02-19 22:06:26 · answer #6 · answered by Lynnemarie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.gotlinks.com/earticles/articles/82241-risks-vs-benefits-of-taking-anti-depressants.html
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1180/1180-02.pdf
the link gives the rules for psychologists
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1180/1180-02.pdf
2007-02-19 22:08:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont see why not, You have a history with it, so you can relate with what they are talking about, and have a good conversation about it.
2007-02-19 22:16:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you can because then you would have more knowledge of giving meds
2007-02-20 01:36:34 · answer #9 · answered by mkandfa4rever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not advisable for fulltime job as a physcologist if you are taking anti-depressants.
but a part-time job as a physcologist is possible.
ps: i have mental illness but i am doing part-time kind of work.
mercury of love
2007-02-19 22:14:46 · answer #10 · answered by mercury of love 4 · 0⤊ 7⤋