Korean Job Discussion Forums

Andromeda · Joined: 09 Feb 2012 Location: Woodstock, GA

I nearly have everything together (paperwork etc.) and plan on securing a teaching job. I've really been contemplating this situation and discussed this issue in the forums before. As the time draws near, I must now make a decision about my use of antidepressants. My question to all of you (especially those with a similar issue ) is, what would you do in my situation?

JustinC · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Location: We Are The World!

I would concentrate on getting the paperwork sorted and a good job.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I don't understand your question. Are you asking if you should come to Korea while being treated for depression? That's up to you, but you wouldn't be the first person to do so.

Can you get your meds here? Probably. If you post the name of your medication, someone can probably tell you.

Are you asking if you'll be able to find a good English-speaking therapist? That might be tricky, especially if you're not in the greater Seoul area.

Are you asking if you should inform Immigration about your condition on the health declaration form? Not if you actually want to get approved for your E-2. You need to keep that private from Immi, your recruiter, and your employer/co-workers.

recessiontime · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 7:38 pm Post subject:

This is what I would do in your situation:

1. Tell your current Dr that you are leaving the country and need a years supply of SSRI's to be dispensed by the pharmacy. Get a letter from your doctor so that you can carry this medication abroad.

2. DO NOT tell anyone at your school/Korean government/recruiter that you have any medical conditions. Depression is something that can get you fired from from some places. If you get SSRI's from a Korean Dr do not give them the contact of your school as I have heard stories about doctors actually calling up schools and letting them know about your medical circumstances (yes I know, but it has happened!).

3. Once you are established overseas you need to find an English speaking doctor that can write you scripts. Careful not to tell them which school you work for and remember if they ask you about your medical history you make no mention of depression.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Also be aware that you WILL be drug tested as part of your Alien Registration Card application process and if you get a positive result at that time you could very well have your application denied OR get fired before it even gets to the desk at immigration.

This ISN'T home.

.

minos · Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Location: kOREA

Doctors here all speak english much better than the local populace.

You won't be having deep discussions in English usually but some hospitals have foreign patient departments. Itaewon clinic doctors speak english I assume.

They have limited access to most drugs and insurance doesn't cover everything. The hospitals won't inform your employers unless the school finds out and asks them(very unlikely). Mental health doctors here are aware of the stigma and understand that it's a job death sentence in korea.

Getting a perscription outside of seoul will be harder. Many pharmacies simply do not have the drugs(extremely low demand).

12ax7 · Joined: 07 Nov 2009

timephone · Joined: 16 Jun 2012

Keep in mind that SSRIs are prescribed for a variety of things (over-prescribed in my opinion), including help quitting smoking. I would follow others' advice in not revealing it, but if for some reason you get found out just say it's for something innocuous.

12ax7 · Joined: 07 Nov 2009

sendittheemail · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

My wife is a nurse. SSRIs are readily available in Korea, and English speaking doctors not only write prescriptions for them, but they actually STOCK them in their clinics because believe it or not, LOTS of foreigners take them, though whether they needed them before arriving is up for debate...

If you are worried, don't bring medicine, you can very, very easily get a prescription here and there is no waiting time as you don't even have to go to a pharmacy to pick up the prescription. National healthcare might cover a portion of the cost, but not the entire cost. You don't need to worry about the doctor/healthcare system contacting your employer, it will never happen. just as they wouldn't do the same to a Korean person.

The best advice here is NOT to tell anyone you take that medicine, EVER. Not a single person in your workplace should know. SSRIs will not cause a false positive on a drug test. Drug tests do not test for serotonin uptake/re-uptake, they test for opiates, canabinoids, amphetamines etc. SSRIs will not interfere with your drug test, nor will they cause you any problems with authorities etc. provided you aren't crushing them into a powder and railing them up your nose in front of a classroom full of children.

Andromeda · Joined: 09 Feb 2012 Location: Woodstock, GA

Andromeda · Joined: 09 Feb 2012 Location: Woodstock, GA

Andromeda · Joined: 09 Feb 2012 Location: Woodstock, GA

sendittheemail · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

To the OP, I know that SSRIs and anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are available here.

I would definitely heed the advice stated earlier and be extra careful about it.

I also wouldnt use my national health insurance for medication or do anything that could link the school to your treatment.

Definitely ask your doctor if its a good thing for you to be abroad. Before I came to Korea I was taking anti-depressants and had similar concerns to yours.

My doctor actually told me that Korea would be good for me, and now I don't even use anti-depressants anymore.