Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cchoe27]

I really want to teach in Korea, but I take Cymbalta and Seroquel. I'll probably need to be on them for the rest of my life. Is there really a stigma attached to people with depression? Can anyone recommend any ideas, or should I just forget the idea? I appreciate any and all advice.

[swinewho]

ha ha ha

I hope you're trolling!

I'll bite anyway because i'm bored at work!

So you're a nervous, depressed schizo - moving halfway around the world to a totally new culture/ working environment seems like a really good idea!

Just be totally honnest on your application form - Korea is at the cutting edge of mental health treatment and understanding, so that should at least go in your favor

[Von Ludwig]

Hi
There are mental health counselling services and psychotherapists available in most of the main cities (with the majority practising in Seoul) that can subscribe and provide antidepressant medication. Be aware that although medication, with your insurance will be inexpensive, therapy itself comes at a rather hefty cost. You are going to be bombarded by idiots like 'swinewho' who will tell you to stay out of Korea, don't let depression hold you back from taking on a new adventure, however, make 100% sure are ready to face big challenges and that you have enough support systems and plans to make this move successful.

'swinewho', your cynical judgement and labelling of others are childish.

[Harpeau]

There is a huge stigma attached to people suffering from depression that take anti-depressants. Make sure that you have the inner fortitude and feel stable enough to handle culture-shock, etc. before crossing the puddle. Best of luck to you.

[swinewho]

[roybetis1]

OP, I'm on meds for depression and have survived here just fine for 5 years, and got an MA in TESOL. And for the record from what I've seen I'm more stable than many other foreigners I've seen in K land.

Swinewho, you're a moron.

[carpetdope]

Just curious, swinewho... What makes you think the OP has schizophrenia?

[crisdean]

[recessiontime]

This is just my opinion but I think disclosing the fact you have schizophrenia might make it practically impossible to get hired. Even depression is iffy. I have heard stories on this forum about people with depression being outed by their doctors which was pretty ridiculous. If I was recruiter or school and I was told that the teacher had schizophrenia and depression I would think twice about hiring them because if they stop taking their meds for any reason, it can get bad. There's also the problem where when the OP comes here he will be pretty much forced to drink alcohol every other day which cannot be good for a person taking SSRIs and SNRIs.

OP, how long have you been taking your anti-psychotic? Do you sleep a lot? Being a teacher in Korea is very tiresome busybody work. You'll need heaps of energy just to keep up with your work.

[cchoe27]

" I'm on meds for depression and have survived here just fine for 5 years, and got an MA in TESOL. And for the record from what I've seen I'm more stable than many other foreigners I've seen in K land"


Can I ask how you were able to get the meds? Did you tell anyone about your diagnosis? You're giving me some hope.

[cchoe27]

"So you're a nervous, depressed schizo - moving halfway around the world to a totally new culture/ working environment seems like a really good idea!"

I'm not schizophrenic. Seroquel helps me sleep at night and it relieves some of my bipolar symptoms. Of course if I was schizophrenic, teaching overseas would be out of the question. Your sincere empathy and compassion must make you a hit with the locals over there. It's all good though. I know you meant well and I appreciate everyone's advice.