Can I be a learning mentor or counsellor if I’m taking anti-depressants?
Basically, I’m finding myself in a dead-end situation. I have been battling with depression for a while now and it seems to be worsening. I kept hoping it was a matter of improving my situation but I have come to understand it is biochemically based. I am seeing a doctor soon but I expect they will prescribe me anti-depressants, and in all honesty I think they may be the only option. However, I have just finished uni with the hope of doing voluntary work with young offenders and then maybe becoming a learning mentor. I have read in a few places that people on AD’s can’t do certain work that requires counselling.
I am 20 and my mum thinks I’ll grow out of it, but I don’t want to spend the next 5 years of my life on AD’s not being able to start the career I want. I am also VERY apprehensive about taking anti-depressants. I am less apprehensive about therapy but I think the same rules might apply, in that those seeking therapy will not be allowed to work as a mentor or counsellor.
I have been to a doctor before about depressive symptoms but they were a result of the contraceptive pill, which consequently I came off a few months ago. Those depressive symptoms have been coming back and I can’t carry on this way. What choice do I have? I don’t see AD’s helping me massively if they prevent me from taking the career path that I want so badly. And I have a very low libido which AD’s are known to worsen which will be added misery. I know therapy has no side effects but I don’t know how useful it would be for biochemical depression. Any suggestions?
My sensitivity to emotion has helped me to be a more empathetic individual, while at the same time I am someone able to detach myself emotionally from the problems of others. I think I am well suited to help others, but it’s a matter of whether I am required to be free from mental health treatment in order to pursue such a career.
sldy, I have a degree in psychology
That isn’t true. A lot of people working in mental health have mental health problems themselves. That’s how they got interested in the first place. There is no rule that says someone on antidepressants can’t do that. That is private information and you are not required to share it with anyone who is not involved in your treatment.
You have nothing to be ashamed of.
6 Responses to “Can I be a learning mentor or counsellor if I’m taking anti-depressants?”
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Thank you so much for everything throughout the summer. I think that it is a wonderful thing that you are doing to put aside time from your busy schedule and running your company to be able to assist new entrepreneurs. I am glad to have made some great business connections throughout this summer and will contact you for advice in the future!
Brittany Sirtonski, Owner/Managing Director - Dare to Dream Dance and Visual Arts summer camp for girls
if you can’t resolve your own mental health problems what makes you think you can help others
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You can be whatever you want. People won’t care if your on Anti-Depressants, it’s like someone with ADHD they usually take medication to control their behavior and focus. Don’t let it stop you from doing anything that you want to do. "You can do anything as long as you set your mind to it". I’m studying to be a Shrink and I am on ADHD medication I have been for five years. Hell, when I got diagnosed my Shrink told me she had it too! Don’t let depression get in the way of life.
Cheers,
Bryce Thomas
(Happy Fathers Day to All)
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10 years as a advise giver. Studying to be a shrink.
If you have pneumonia, would you be apprehensive about taking antibiotics? I don’t think you should be so apprehensibe about taking anti-depressants. They’re medication to treat an illness; give them a chance.
As for being barred from working as a counsellour, I highly doubt that, but don’t take my word for it. In any case, I still think treating your depression is more important at the moment.
And ignore the idiot who said "if you have mental issues yourself how can you help others?" If it’s not a lifelong debilitating disorder, having experienced a mental disorder can teach you to help others with the same problems, making you a more effective counsellour. But that would be true only if you control your own depression, using medication if necessary.
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Stay away from the doctors. There is nothing broken! Your brain is not broken! Check your hormone level. I love what your mum thinks! And if you are not having sex, you don’t need a contraceptive pill! You see what those kind of pills can do. Start taking natural vitamins and minerals; stay away from pharmaceuticals!
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I think it would be good for you to sort out some of your own problems so you can help others more effectively, and I know some colleges require you to be in a positive emotional state to get a degree in counseling and psychology.
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That isn’t true. A lot of people working in mental health have mental health problems themselves. That’s how they got interested in the first place. There is no rule that says someone on antidepressants can’t do that. That is private information and you are not required to share it with anyone who is not involved in your treatment.
You have nothing to be ashamed of.
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Worked in mental health since 1987, treated for depression and anxiety since 1983