Job Discussion Forums

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

Lately, I've become quite discouraged with my chances of being accepted as an ESL teacher due to my history of depression and anxiety. I was told outright both by people here and a recruiter that Korea would not be an option because I would not be allowed to get a work visa. I'm having second thoughts about JET in Japan as well because they also request a health form if you answer "yes" to any sort of condition. I don't want to lie because I will need to remain on the medication while abroad, but I am concerned about the stigma of mental illness or a program that simply does not want to deal with anyone with any sort of health problems. Are there any countries that either do no request health forms or do not care about my history of depression?

I know there are people on these forums who are taking anti-depressants. Are there any countries where it is easier/harder to obtain them? Any that don't allow you to bring them into the country? How do you cope with depressive episodes or anxiety attacks if you've had them while living and working abroad?

tttompatz

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

I would think very long and hard about teaching abroad with depression and/or anxiety (or any other mental illness). I had postpartum depression and found it extremely difficult and isolating, despite having a spouse here too. I would recommend anyone with depression or other mental illness to at least make sure you secure a position where there is strong support (lots of expats, larger city where help is available in English, not an isolated position).

Good luck! Smile

HeatherG · Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 15

I'm wondering now whether it might be best to wait a bit to see if I can get my condition stabilized to where I'm less likely to have any problems.

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Harbin · Joined: 19 Feb 2013 Posts: 161

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I can only speak about Russia. I have been told that is illegal to employ teachers suffering from mental illness.

likwid_777 · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 411 Location: NA

Given how cheap China is to live in, especially in the "smaller" cities, why not just try and save some money and go and live for a while? I know saving money isn't easy, but considering most ESL teachers can live well on approx USD 1k per month, if you could save up a few grand, you could live there for a time. That is, live there without the stress of working and the added stress of working for a (potentially) dodgy Chinese boss. I think, in most cases, you need to rent a place for 6 months minimum. Paid in advance. You could probably get a functional place for about $200 USD per month.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Not so sure it's a good idea to leap into life in China on your own. A school would likely supply housing. A school would have some English speakers.

A vacation, staying at hotels or hostels... OK.

MotherF · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:44 pm Post subject:

I've worked with several teachers on anti-depressents in Mexico. However, I would consider your comprehensive care options. How often are you seeing a medical professional? Some medications need to be adjusted as time goes on and one or too of those teachers I worked with slowing came unhinged as time went by. I know if the trials of living in Latin America got to them, or if their medication dosis needed correction or if the mexican version of their prescription just didn't work as well. Whatever it was it turned out to be an unfortunate situation not just for that individual teacher, but it affected many people they knew as well.

As someone mentioned about, almost every teacher has been driven to the edge of a break down at least once while abroad. Banks seem to be particularly difficult...

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

The problem with some mental illnesses like depression for example is that it always gets worse when you're alone and jobless... Keeping yourself occupied will make you put your illness aside and that will probably reduce its effect on your every day life as well. If you start a job or a job interview by saying: "Hi folks, I'm _ _ _ _, I'm mentally sick and I'm on medication. I wish we'll do a great work together, though", I think it's the best way to discourage you and your future co-workers before even starting to work together! Positivity is the key...

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

The problem with some mental illnesses like depression for example is that it always gets worse when you're alone and jobless... Keeping yourself occupied will make you put your illness aside and that will probably reduce its effect on your every day life as well.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

If you start a job interview or a job by saying: "Hi folks, I'm _ _ _ _, I'm mentally sick and I'm on medication. I wish we'll do a great work together, though", I think it's the best way to discourage you and your future co-workers before even starting to work together! Positivity is the key...

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

People generally don't know that, but there is a recovery from mental illnesses, especially depression. Maybe someday you won't even need your medication at all if you find the greatest place ever to work in, who knows! So, I'd advice you to hide your depression history because you'd be automatically labeled by people who won't even try to know you (hiding is not lying...).