General Forums >> The Anonymous Zone >> Becoming a nurse if you have mental health problems?
Becoming a nurse if you have mental health problems?
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Posted over 2 years ago I really need some advice here- Im a single mum (my son is nearly 7), and Ive suffered with mental health problems for a long time-ive never been sectioned or anything like that, but ive had depression and social phobia for 11 years- the social phobia has really had a negative impact on my life, i find it very hard to socialise, my anxiety is extremely bad in all social situations, so ive avoided them for a long time now. I have recently decided that id like to become a nurse, and have applied to an Access to Health Studies course- I really want to make something of my life, have a good career and be able to support myself and my son- but Im scared that a) they wont accept me because of my mental health difficulties, and b) my anxiety will get the better of me in any interviews.......... i guess what Im asking is are my ambitions abit too high considering the problems I have? Or is it possible for me to do this? Any advice would be much appreciated.x |
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Anonymous back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago You don't mention if you are getting any kind of help from mental health services. They wont automatically exclude you because of your condition, although occupational health will want to know how you manage your condition and that you know where/how to get support I would expect. Your anxiety may well be higher during the interview, I know mine was. I have bipolar disorder and told them at the interview about it and still got an unconditional place. However, have still to go through occupational health form, but can't envisage any problems as my psychiatrist, GP and key worker will support a return to education. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago Thanks for the reply........I am seeing a psychiatrist once a month, and Im starting psychotherapy soon- i can always ring my psychiatrist and see her if I need to, so I do have support. Ive also got borderline pd, i have scars on my arm from self harming, I would be abit worried about this- im mainly worried about my levels of anxiety though. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago I also have scars on my arm from self-harming. I would talk it through with your psychiatrist about how you would cope with increased anxiety because the course itself is very stressful and demanding from what I gather. Part of my medication is for anxiety and I have counselling/group therapy for the bipolar and 'personality issues'. I have talked things through in couselling so I am prepared and can get as much help as possible. I know there are others in nursing with self-harm scars, unfortunately it is something we have to live with. I wouldn't however let that deter you. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago Yes, I mean i have a friend who is a nurse, and she is over the moon that ive applied for the access course, she thinks id make a great nurse- but it does worry me, i know the 3 year course must be so difficult, and i really want to do it, but im so scared that i'll fail- i feel like ive failed at nearly everything in my life so far, and I would love to be successful with something. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago I have agoraphobia, anxiety/panic and dyslexia & dyspraxia. Good on you for taking steps to do the course. I promise you will emerge a stronger person. One thing you will find is the course will challenge you in ways you can't anticipate. However, help is available via the uni and/or occy health. Best of luck it will be worth it |
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| Posted about 1 year ago I have a five year history of mood problems and am on four lots of medication. I have put all of this on my application and still managed to get an interview, although I had to give a second reference to the Uni. I have a recent history of suicidal thoughts (about six months ago0 , but have settled down-this was v much tied in with losing my mum and gran within the same month in April 2008. I have my interview in May, but am really anxious about the questions they will ask me about my health during the interview and after if I get through, in Occ Health. I have applied for Adult Nursing and have asked not to have a placement in Acute Mental Health as this is the field I used to work in as a Therapist-so that is another difficulty, but have said I cam work with older adults. I have been assured that many people work in the NHS and have mental health problems, so this is encouraging for all of us who want to become nurses and have such problems I have become so excited by the thought of doing the course. I'm dying for the interview to happen! My biggest worry is getting too stressed so I'm working on that.. Good luck!
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| Posted about 1 year ago Hi, Well done on applying for the Access course. I am on it now and am hoping to go to uni in sept (I've had one conditional offer) to study Mantal Health Nursing. I have/ had mental health problems too and was sectioned 5 years ago. I wrote in my personal statement that I have spent time as an inpatient and have grown up with mental problems, which in fact worked in my favour as it got me interviews for all my choices. They only think I am worried about is having to go on placement in the hospital I where I was nursed and one major stressor would be if I will be unable to wear long sleeves on placements as my arms are heavily scarred. I keep thinking 'I'll cross that bridge when I come to it' Also like yourself, I am very anxious and quiet. I thought I would leave my current course when they told us we would be giving presentations. dont know how but I managed to get through it, and the uni interviews were not as stressful as I thought, in fact after my first one I was not worried about the next. Go for it, don't let anything stop you. It will be the best thing you will ever do :) |
