One of the main reasons I still haven't sought help...

[sim0n3]

So I'm in my mid-20s, in a happy and healthy long-term relationship (whatever that might mean), and I'm struggling with the whole job-search/career thing. Recently, I've decided on applying for teaching jobs, including Teach For America. However, I have a strong family history of mental illness, and I am about as positive as you can be that I am not 100% mentally healthy. Depression seems like a certainty, making it nearly impossible to get anything done on account of a complete lack of energy. Anxiety is my constant companion, causing me to stress over unimportant, non-events to an unhealthy degree and making it very difficult to accomplish anything even when my depression allows me to get out of bed. I also have episodes of very mild mania, which can be disconcerting just how extreme my emotions can range within the course of the day. Anyhow, it's been a huge relief to decide on a career path, and taking the first steps towards that have been really exhilarating, but it hasn't alleviated any of the stuff I deal with emotionally and mentally on the day-to-day. My boyfriend and my mom have been very supportive about my gentle hints about wanting therapy (the both see doctors and take medication for anxiety), but I am concerned that any diagnosis, or record of therapy, or evidence of taking medication would make it impossible for me to get a job as a teacher. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice? Thank you all very much.

[fifthsonata]

No, your mental history is not disclosed in the background check unless it has impacted your criminal history (ex: you tried to assault another person & got convicted).

Even if it was, they can't use that as a basis for not hiring you. Small communities might be assholes and find other ways not to hire you (if that's the case, you don't want to work there anyway). Otherwise, over half the shrinks and teachers in the world wouldn't actually be teachers. I'm employed as a teacher NOW and have a 5150 on my record. I was in counseling before I graduated with my bachelors. I was hospitalized twice during my graduate studies. I'm getting therapy now and I'm teaching now. In fact, I was teaching when I was 5150'd. I didn't have to disclose it to my university, either.

So no, you do not need to worry. If you're going to join Teach for America, they damn sure won't care if you have a record. They'll just be happy to have a competent teacher who wants to come to their area - smaller places have a very hard time keeping teachers due to the fact they can't pay their teachers well AND, if it's urban, due to crime rates.

I promise, unless you've killed a man, you do NOT need to worry!

[sim0n3]

Thank you very much for your insight, and for taking the time to address my concern. I officially have one less excuse for seeking help, and that's a big, stinkin' deal. Thank you.

[fifthsonata]

In all honesty, it's best to be in therapy during your first year of teaching. It's hard. The pay sucks, you get exhausted emotionally, you have no way to vent or cope because you're building your curriculum and discipline strategies, leaving you no time to do anything else. You get paired with mentor teachers, yes, but it's not the same as a therapist. You have the unique ability to access your own struggles and be able to identify that in children when the average person may miss it.


Don't be afraid to do it. I promise it won't hurt your employability.

[simon6]

I see no way that anyone could legally find out about your decision to seek help unless you made it known.

And seeking out talk therapy can only be a good choice. I've been in and out of therapy for the better part of the last 17 years. It's really great to have a place where you can say anything and talk about any part of your life.