Working in mental health when you have had difficulties

[Chia.]

Don't know if this is in the right place, wasn't sure which forum to put it in.

I was wondering what everyone knows of the current position of this issue is in gaining employment?
I'm thinking of all areas, from clinical psychology to support workers.

Does it create much of a problem? What can you tell me?

I've had anxiety and depression. I don't self-harm anymore, but I used to (many years ago now). What problems would this cause for me in different areas…..e.g. Would I be pretty much denied becoming a psychologist? I'm imagining being a psychologist would be stricter than a support worker?

[Rilic]

I don't know the answer completely. But I know people who have self harmed who have become nurses.
I also know some of the most supportive workers I've met have been involved in a survivor lead crisis support service. They've each had their own experiences, a lot of them have self harmed, and some work in other areas of support for physical and mental health, some work in hospitals, although I don't know their specific job there.
I don't know how difficult it may be, ignorant people to get pass, but it is certainly possible. People who have experiences are better equipped, I think.

[Margo]

Pretty much everyone I've had care for me or who I've worked along side or with in mental health has had their own personal experience of it. Most I know have had breakdowns or been sectioned themselves and others have dealt with other ****.

It's not about what you suffer with, it's about whether you are fit to work with what you have.

You wouldn't tell an oncologist he couldn't practice because he had cancer once.

Personal lived experience is a huge bonus in his field.

[Eir]

Thinking about mental health nursing myself. Been told my hx is no barrier by multiple ppl in the industry. But still worry.
Glad I'm not the only nutter who wants to spend time with other nutters for work...

[Panic Trials]

Sorry if this is adding to a zombie thread, I'm working as a MH nurse in the community at the minute. I haven't disclosed my history since qualifying but I did with the university. This is purely because I was worried it would affect the work I was given and that colleagues would be cautious around me and I felt that I was well enough and in the best place I had been to not need special measures, I don't have a diagnosis of anything though and I've never sought professional help. I don't regret not telling them but sometimes things can be difficult. The job can be very stressful which increases my anxiety a lot and very recently I've found things hit a bit too close to home. The most frustrating thing I have found is when patients who are going through the same things as I did tell me that I will never understand how they feel and assume that I have a wonderful life that has been rosy and perfect. It would be unnecessary for me to correct them though, I just deal with it by screaming "you have no idea!" inside my head!

I don't feel my history in any way impacts on my ability to be a nurse, in fact I think it helps.

[D-liscious]

like panic trials above i would seriously consider your strength in recovery
i am an adult nurse but i work in an receiving unit we regularly have patients in who have taken overdoses and self harmed in other ways, although this is my issue i find the work very draining.
I recently disclosed my past mental heath issues to my senior as i am currently off sick, with severe depression and we were looking at ways to work through this and get me back to work.
she was extremely supportive and felt that what i bring to the job is something very unique, she said my medical history and my current mental health are not a barrier.
however whiter its due to my current relapse or not im considering whither this line of work is the best place for me, im not sure im strong enough to face this day after day and repeatedly have the feelings stirred up in the empathy i have for my pations
so thats what i suggest to to is to think are you strong enough to help

my job is seriously rewarding and i can reach my patients in a human way that my colleagues cant, but i need to be well for my family and myself.