Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bricolage]

After reading the other thread concerning drug-testing, I got to thinking...do drug tests screen for legally-prescribed drugs as well? I started taking Paxil (an antidepressant) a couple of weeks ago for depression, so I'd like to know whether this will hurt my chances of employment. That is, I'm not worried that antidepressants may be illegal in Korea; my concern is rather that knowledge of my consuming them may either impede my prospects for a job, or jeopardize my standing in the eyes of my boss.

My depression is something I have a decent grip on, and I have never had an issue with it in the workplace. I just don't mention it. I once asked a Korean friend if Korea is, by large, intolerant/ignorant of psychiatric treatment (something I had heard), and she just got very quiet and shrugged (she's a social worker--supportive of those with psychiatric conditions). Perhaps I offended her by directly asking whether her homeland was well...backwards, in a sense. Or perhaps it is just a taboo subject.

If someone here could enlighten me on both the drug test criteria and the stigma associated with depression in Korea, I'd be much obliged. Thanks!

[vermaak.maryke]

Sorry, the Koreans believe that people that suffer from depression are 'mad'. It is therefore best that you don't tell this, not even your best friend in Korea. Don't even mention that in your medical form (EPIK or GEPIK). If you have complete control over your depression, then it shouldn't be a problem in Korea. Life here does get a bit depressing, so if you suffered from depression in the past, it will be best that you keep some of your anti-depressants with you. I've never suffered from depression where I had to take prescription anti-depressants but I do have a supply of those herbal kind of tranquilants and calming pills and I use it when I feel 'down'.
About the drug testing, the co-teacher will usually take you the first day. If not, they usually tell you when you will go (they usually say because you should not eat or drink anything for a few hours before the drug test). They do a blood test (AIDS) and a urine test (drugs). I took sleeping pills the night before my drug test because after arrival I had jet lag and could not sleep. If you want to be careful, stop using anti-depressants a few days before arrival.
Here, there is a stigma attached to being depressed and it is considered 'wrong'. Koreans will also avoid communicating or associating themselves with people that are 'not mentally normal' (Korean view). As a teacher you will see that with the learners. Handicapped learners are placed here in the mainstream, and they usually do not have any friends. Normal learners will tease them on a regular basis and no empathy are shown to these learners.
I am South African and the stigma also exists that all people from Africa have AIDS. The day I had to collect my test results, the co-teacher, vice-principal and recruiter accompanied me to the hospital - to double check that I do not have AIDS (and possibly put me on the first flight back home should I have AIDS). They were quite surprised when it was written on the test form that I was HIV negative. They even took me for lunch to celebrate this.
Should you feel the need to get psychological help or anti-depressant prescription medicine here, you can get, however, you will possibly have to travel to Seoul (Itaewon) to get this. I doubt that you will find this in smaller villages. My friend whose husband died while in Korea, was also placed on anti-depressants, and she had to get that in Seoul. Best is you bring a supply.
I hope this helped.

[storysinger81]

In my experience, Koreans do not distinguish between the medical condition of being "depressed" and feeling "a little blue." Since they don't see a difference, they are usually confused about people who take medicine for a condition they see as a temporary bad mood. (I had a LONG argument with a teacher over the translation of such words into Korean and insisted that she explain how they mean DIFFERENT things in English).

I've been shocked when students have told me that the appropriate response to a suicidal person is to tell them to "cheer up" and then ignore them until they are over it (or dead, as seems more likely the case).

Mental illness is seen as a personal weakness by most Koreans and if you openly admit to it, you will bring deep shame to your family and yourself. Very few people are willing to see a therapist to get help, and those that do won't tell anyone about it. Your friend's response sounds stereotypically Korean because they just will not talk about it most of the time.

That said, no it won't show up on your drug test. They test for narcotics. Don't eat poppy seeds... hehehe.

[bliss]

Hello.

I've been taking Paxil continuously for nearly 10 years and have taught in Korea for the last 2 years. Evidently, it doesn't appear in the blood/urine tests they do for medical clearance here, otherwise I'd have been sent home LOL!

As others say, DON'T mention it to others in Korea. You don't need to.
You can live your life happily and peacefully and productively in Korea (as I do) and you don't need to jeopardize your job stability by mentioning your depression/paxil.

I realize that I will have to take paxil for the rest of my life (it's not worth the stress and pain coming off). I am not ashamed to say that I am dependent on this medication, but I am really proud of the quality of life I've managed to achieve thanks to paxil. Depression is a past thing from 10 years ago for me. I will never let myself go through that again.

Others who take paxil may wish to wean themselves off it - it's up to the individual and their doctor to decide.

If anyone wants to PM me privately, you're welcome to.

[travelingfool]

[Harpeau]

[Harpeau]

[Goon-Yang]

[ChilgokBlackHole]

[DosEquisXX]

They'll find out one way or another. This is Korea and nobody has any feeling of privacy. That said, being upfront with your depression would jeopardize your career teaching in this country.

I told EPIK about my seizure condition before I came to the country. They accepted me and put me into the system no problem as I was controlled by medication.

[ChilgokBlackHole]

[DosEquisXX]

[Dazed and Confused]

I've suffered from minor episodes of depression and anxiety over the years. I take medication which takes care of the problem rather quickly, so I guess I'm lucky that I don't require daily meds. I've found that telling Koreans I've got a "medical problem with my brain" is far better handled than "I"m depressed", "I"m having an anxiety attack", etc.. They seem to understand a physical condition far better than a mental one.

[bricolage]

Thanks, everybody, for your thoughtful responses. I definitely feel like I know what to expect now, which is great.

I am planning on living in Seoul, as a large city provides more anonymity, more resources, and a higher likelihood of my meeting people with whom I'd get along. In the unlikely event that I have any noticeable problems, they can be chalked up to PMS and minor sleeping problems. The antidepressants shouldn't be an issue, but I will probably try to covertly look for a decent doctor who specializes in this kind of situation (there has to be one out there). Otherwise I will adhere strictly to the first rule of depression (don't talk about it). Anyhow, I am planning on having an amazing time over there, but it's nice to know my options and limits.

[beercanman]