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.

[cchoe27]

BTW, does anyone know how to get a public school job? I see all these job posting but they're for hagwons.

[roybetis1]

"Can I ask how you were able to get the meds?"

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=1467
Strongly suggest going outside your home province to get the meds, pay cash. Client/patient confidentiality will be an issue, and when it comes to mental health issues Korea really is 3rd world. If at all possible go to a Western trained doctor. Zoloft, what I'm on, has never shown up on the drug test. Do NOT tell your employer or immigration about your issue.

"BTW, does anyone know how to get a public school job? I see all these job posting but they're for hagwons."
www.korvia.com

[2i2dk1ny2i3]

i'm currently on Anti-Depressants and never had to take any medicine for a good part of my life

its put life in a different perspective and i would say it does change a lot of things

i think it can affect you how you look at it because depression isn't something physically visible i.e. a handicap person in a wheelchair and to me, the former is easier to deal with on a daily basis than the latter


i commend you on trying to put your life in a positive path as i'm trying to do the same and possible teach in Korea as well

[swinewho]

Well best of luck to you OP, although my response was blunt, and yes maybe childish I'm sticking to my guns on this one!

Only you and your doctor know the full extent of your 'problems', but like I said I have seen first hand the fall out of someone coming to Korea, with serious mental health problems, who may well have asked people on this forum - 'can I come to korea' ect ect......

There is such a huge variety of mental illnesses out there and YES, some of them would would mean that coming to Korea to TEACH would be a very foolish idea!

I quickly looked at the med's you were on, and the fact that you said you would prob have to be on them for the rest of your life 1+1 = 3 in this case I think!

One side note - Would you have to stop taking your med's to pass the drug test? Would that be a viable/good idea? How long would your med's stay in your system?

I'm guessing that is what the person i'm talking about did and it was quite scary when they 'lost it'

Something for you to think about.......x