would I lose my job?

[lil' mole]

If I try to get help for depression/ self harm could i lose my job? Would I still be ble work in health care? (I'm a physiotherapist but at the moment I'm working as a trainee paramedic)
I'm really struggling, I think I might need help this time.

They always ask about self harm and depression etc on health screening questionaires, so far I've lied on all job apps. Couldn't get a job then lose it for something that just doesn't have anything to do with work!! Surely they wouldn't ask if it didn't make a difference.

I've been too scared of wrecking my life to try to get help for years

I thank you in advance for your help

(I'm sorry I've been lurking a while but never posted, I just thoughts vets might be the best place to get help with this)

[raining_inmyhead]

Hmmm not sure how qualified i am to reply - i'm sure someone will jump in - but here are some thoughts...

I'm almost certain you wouldnt loose your job, but having said that you may have to take some time off? i dont know how that would be for you?
I think that depression is understood enough that employers are ok, sh still sometimes can worry people - but if you say you are seeking help for depression you dont have to disclose the sh part... if you experience psychosis or things that may create a problem for you in your job and create a potential risk for the patients you work with that could be more tricky...

basically what i'm trying to say is i think they may be understanding about the depression and it shouldnt be a problem, you should be able to stay at work and seek support too if things arnt really serious...

in fact you may be able to seek help and keep it all confidential?

i think from what you have said that it is more important at this time to do what is BEST FOR YOU and your health...

consider if things get worse you may be forced to leave your job or have decisions made for you because you have reached the point you cannot decide for yourself,

if you feel you need some support now, please follow that instinct before things get harder,
please take care of you and keep safe sweetie...

hugs
x

[l'il esky]

hey l'il mole,

well i was in similar situation back in january, i am a podiatrist in the nhs and i went to my manager re not being happy and then she saw scars and wounds etc wasnt planning on telling her re sh.
i had put re sh on my uni form and that created havock but like you lied on all occ health forms when applying for job.
my managers have been great and im not sure all would be so lovely but i am going to see counsellor through nhs staff services (you can do this without telling anyone at your work altho obviously booking appointments is easier when they know about it) this is all completely confidential but they do advise that if sh or wishing to sh they may need to tell gp/ manager etc if feel they need to.
my counsellor has respected my wishes not to tell anyone and knows that my managers know etc. work have been very supportive and there has never been any mention about loosing my job. not sure how it works when get new job which is why ive tried to keep everything away from occy health. if you do need to be signed off work they will have to go through occ health . i think they ask on forms so that they are aware of situations and assess your ability with the work situation.

always best to ask for help though sweetie never good dealing with things yourself!! *hug* hope this long speal helps a bit and makes sense, my head is messed xx

[hoping_one day]

Occupational Health are the only people with any power to say you're not "fit to work" but there would have to be exceptional circumstances for this.
Seeking help is a really positive step and I'm sure they would see it as a pro active thing rather than punish you for wanting to get help.
Every work place is different of course, and I've also been on the end of the other side of treatment of people with self harm but it's down to lack of understanding.
I know a GP who has had to be sectioned about 6 times a year, self harms, and is regularly suicidal, but when she's not in hospital her work welcome her back because it doesn't affect her professionalism at work.
I'm sure if you were to open up about it, they would be supportive and see you're being really positive about it all.
It's only if they think you're ignoring an issue they would worry.
Being in the NHS doesn't make a difference. Look at my friend, she still practices medicine to this day and she's had many hospital stays etc.
Keep us updated and give me a yell if you need any specific advice.

[Mandimoo]

pretty sure they can't fire you (mental health act - discrimination etc) and if they require you to move to a different area (ie you still have a job but this job may be better suited) then it has to be on terms no less favourable (ie same hours, same pay) unless you request to move or you request to have less hours. see occupational health - they have the power to make your job easier to do.

mand x