Job Discussion Forums

[AnnaBee]

I have a question for all the vetern teachers out there.

I have a couple of diagosed mental health conditions that are managed with non controled prescriptions (celexa, lamictal (also prescribed for seizures), and proproanonal (a statin also prescribed for high blood pressure)) and coping skills learned through intensive therapy over the years. In the past I've read that its best not to disclose these during the health check, but doing so places someone at a risk of medication being conficated. Does anyone on here know of medications being conficated due to conditions not being disclosed on a health check. Ideally I'd like to manage these conditions via eastern vs western medicine. The stigma of these disorders is what kept me from completing the proces of going to Korea in 2008 and I do not want it to place me at a disadvantage in China.

Any insight is helpful

[happeningthang]

I have had direct experience with a number of teachers dealing with mental issues in both South Korea and China - and frankly my advice would be DON'T COME TO CHINA.

There are a lot of stresses inherent with coming to another country already - and if you're reliant on a special kind of support system it's going to be difficult. It's not impossible of course - but generally - in the everyday - it'll be much harder than what you're used to.

There is little to no mental health support and only a few services who speak English. If you're not living in central Shanghai or Beijing or some other major city - then it's nonexistent.

That's just on your side of the equation - going into a job that makes you responsible for children and NOT disclosing your true medical condition strikes me as a bad move... I mentioned stresses as part of living in another country - add to that 30 something children who barely speak your language that you need to deal with...

The odds are just against you - culture shock, job stress, language difference - no support and virtually no medical services...

All of this just screams 'bad idea' to me and I've seen what happens to those with mental health issues when it doesn't work. It's not pretty.

[AnnaBee]

First off, Thank you for replying. I appreciate your advice and insight, but I've made the decision to come. I've been in situations far worse than what I would likely encounter in China and I'm traveling to a city where I have friends who are Chinese nationals who can assist with the transition. In addition I'm only looking at schools that have Chinese speaking assistants in the classrooms and with an age I have past experience working with. Yes it will be stressful, but I'm equipped with the skills (sans meds) to deal with this and trying to create an environment that mitigates some of the stresses (but not all) I feel like I might face. I'm in a completely different frame of mind then when I tried to go to Korea 8 years ago so as I see it, why disclose to an employer past challenges when they are not currently impacting my life and work?

However, as I stated in the post my symptoms are well managed and my question was more so concerning the availability of psychotropic drugs in country and if these drugs could be confiscated if not indicated on a visa form.

[happeningthang]

Fair enough - you seem to have considered everything and taken steps, so that's already better than those that I had encountered.

As far as your specific questions;


1) As far as I know your psychotropic drugs will need a prescription. One teacher I knew was trying to get some herself, but it was difficult becuase they could only be prescribed, by a mental heatlh professional. She had to travel to Shanghai and pay for a session to get them.

2) I don't think there's any definitive answer about meds being confiscated - with or without a prescription or doctor's note. Maybe they will, maybe they won't - although the only place I can see that happening would be at the airport baggage check.

If it helps some other teachers I know have been concerned about what medicines they could access and so brought in a LOT of pharmeceuticals and drugs. One was a mother with three daughters all here for a year, so she prepared for every possibility.

As far as I know it was mostly just over the counter stuff, with some other specific stuff for pre-existing problems - but in any case - none of it was checked and they had no problems with it.

Hope that helps - best of luck.

[Non Sequitur]

Isn't the key to this getting your doc to sign the Z visa health cert?
I used to have a copy but no longer.
From memory one of the provisions relates to mental health.
Best

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

OP:

If you have problems at home, you'll have problems in Chinax5.

Coming to China is a very bad idea, especially since you say that you will need drugs to live a normal life. You don't say what those drugs are, but consider the possibility that they won't even be available anywhere in China.

And let's say that you need to enlist the help of a psychiatrist in Shanghai and you're out in the boonies and don't even know how to get to Shanghai. You'll need the help of a Chinese-speaking friend to help you get to the doctor. Once your Chinese friend finds out that you are seeing a psychiatrist, your life at school will be changed.

Why? Because gossiping is a national sport in China.

I think that you need to examine your reasons for wanting to come to China. You are experiencing challenges at home. The challenges that you will experience in China will be unique. You won't have the experience to cope with them. You will have a very slim chance of finding a support group when the going gets tough.

[Foo_Fighters_Dave]

To the OP,

I hope you are considering your students and colleagues who will have to deal with you daily. I would highly recommend not coming to China. How will you get your meds? Can you even get them? What happens if you have an episode? I think the health care is not as good as it is in North America.

If you do go, you should at least let your potential employer know so he or she can make an informed decision on if it is worth the risk hiring you. It would be pretty selfish of you to not disclose this.

[rogerwilco]

My observation about drinking in China is that a lot of people are self-medicating.

For people suffering from depression I have to agree with the others.
China is not a safe place to be if you suffer from anxiety or depression.

Whatever your demons are at home will just be magnified if you are living in China.

Chinese people just don't have the knowledge or understanding to be able to help you if you have a crisis moment or week.

I have never heard about any prescription drugs being confiscated in China.

[astrotrain]

China is not a great place for sane people let alone having any physical or mental issues or substance abuse. You are just compounding your problems . .

I had an American colleague working with me with a bad leg, all in did for 4 years was stay at home most of the time. I literally begged him to come and meet up for lunches and get togethers, this place without friends and a gal is an anti social alien nation prison for many. Public transport, social spaces, facilities do NOT have the support structure for handicap people as in the West. Handicap people are unfortunately at the bottom of the society here.

[Marinx]

@OP - Just like in North America I would imagine its not a good idea to disclose your mental health issues if at all possible.

I have a mental health issue also, and I am really curious about any other replies that might shed some light on others experience (outside of opinions whether you should go or not).

Get a year prescription written by a doctor before you go. I'm sure you can bring a three month supply of medication with you, but check with Chinese customs anyway.

Order the rest of your prescription through a reputable online pharmacy. Make sure this company: requires a prescription, only dispenses medication with the country of origin Canada, UK, New Zealand and Australia. If you TELL customs this is coming to you, they will require a "sanitary permit" which will be such a pain you might as well forget it. Say nothing and use a regular shipping method and it has a 95% chance of reaching you.

Source: I work for an online pharmacy.

[rogerwilco]

[Marinx]

[Alien abductee]

[Non Sequitur]

I've had prescription meds sent through the mail. No issues. Pharmacy receipt inside and packaging showed prescribing doctor.
Can't recall any evidence that they were opened.

[Alien abductee]