Job Discussion Forums

[Omeo]

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with A.D.D and a dysthymic disorder, which is a mild form of depression. I know what you might be thinking, but hold on a second before you say, "Maybe you shouldn't be thinking about teaching English overseas." The thing is, as far as the depression goes, I'm over it. I've been over it for a while now. I look at that period of my life as a phase I've grown out of. I feel much better about myself today. My attitude toward myself and my life and the world around me is much more positive today. As for the A.D.D, I've learned to manage it. As proof, I submit the fact that I recently made the Deans List at my college. It's made some things more challenging, but I've learned to do good work inspite of it. I'm concerned, though, that the schools I apply to might find out about this and turn me down without asking me about it. I'm concerned that they'll ask me about it at some point during the physical I have to take before I go to Japan or that they'll find out that the depression was the reason the Reserves let me go and not give me a chance to explain that I have since recovered and am doing much better today. I don't want them to do a background check and see the word 'depression' somewhere and think "Well, we don't want this guy. He'll go crying home in no time." No, he won't. Hell, if I get hired to teach in Japan, I won't be depressed, I'll be ecstatic. My question is, will they even find out about this if I don't tell them and if they do, will I have a chance to explain myself? Am I worrying over nothing? Don't get me wrong, if they ask me about this, I'm going to be honest with them. I'm not gonna hide this from them, but I want to know that, if they do ask, I'll have a chance to explain why they don't need to worry about it. I'm very confident that I can teach English just fine and that none of this will hold be back, but I want to make sure the schools hear my side of this. What do you think? Thanks in advance.

[Like a Rolling Stone]

Probably ok but what if they find out about THIS?
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=20983&highlight=

[Omeo]

Would that be a problem for them? It doesn't have any effect on my ability to teach.

[Like a Rolling Stone]

Maybe OK. DO you take drugs? Just wonder because taking them in to customs may be difficult. Just don't mention it. I don't mention things like that. If you do maybe they won't understand and just hear "Mental problem" but won't want to know explanations. I think just say nothing.

[Omeo]

Will they even ask about this kinda stuff? If they don't, I guess I don't see any reason to tell them, but if they ask, I'm afraid that if I lied, they'd find out anyway. I don't know what these health checks look for or what they might turn up.

Bare in mind that I'm primarily interested in the eikaiwa; the Big 4.

[Like a Rolling Stone]

[Omeo]

No questions about mental health or no questions about the *ahem* other issue or no questions about either of them?

[Like a Rolling Stone]

[Omeo]

You're sure? None of the Big 4 ask about any of that? Not even during the physical? I hear there's a physical.

[24601]

[sallycat]

nova accepts schizophrenics as long as they are well medicated. frankly i don't see that they'd have a problem with something as minor league as depression.

[Omeo]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Anybody know anything about the other eikaiwa as far as what their physicals and what they ask about and what the background checks look for?

[Omeo]

[Hoser]

[jezebel]

Hate to go all Tom Cruise here, but increasing your consumption of fish (sushi, anyone?) can sometimes noticeably improve your mood. Score one for Japan.