Mental health medical history

[smilingcrow]

Last year I was assigned a job with some people who I have never met but who already knew each other. Anyway the short story is all of them and the manager singled me out and constantly made jokes at my expense. My manager told me off for no reason in front of everyone too.
At the time I had put on a bit of weight because of an injury so I think that made me feel a little insecure so combined with this situation was pretty bad. I ended up in a stage where I was driving home and thinking about hanging myself. I didnt really have anywhere to turn as my wife said if I dont like my job just quit which is easier said than done as she was out of work and we have a child.
It got to the stage where I got home with thoughts of suicide all the way home and stayed awake all night and I went to work in the morning and after the first comment made about me I just walked out and went home and had a few bottles of wine that day.
I genuinly thought that this was my problem so I went to the doctors and told them that I am depressed and think about taking my own life. I was immediately prescribed anti depressants which I tried 4 times and they made me feel really strange. I went back to the doctors and told them they were not working and they doubled the doseage. I took the tablets but never consumed them. They are still in the cupboard at home.
HR from work started to contact me after a week asking what is wrong and I told them. They immediately started an investigation into bullying in the work place. To be honest I constantly denied I was bullied and that I could not just take bieng the butt of everyones jokes all the time.
Mean while I went to the doctors again and they signed me off sick for another 2 weeks.
After the investigation into bullying was finished at work (nobody was punished for this but warned) then I started to feel ready to go back. I had been off sick for approximately 3 weeks. I did start feeling better to be honest and I was ready to go back to work.
It was really difficult going back to the same work place where my manager and other work mates had been accused of bullying. It was a hard few weeks thinking that everyone had known I had accused people of bullying me. I felt everyone was talking behind my back etc and was really uncomfortable. But I did get through it and eventually got moved on to a new site and I have never felt better.
When I saw the doctor and complained about depression I did emphasise that I hate my job on a few occassions but he dismissed it.

Since then I have tried to join the TA but because of my mental health issues I was advised I can not join. I now was hoping to get a job in australia but the first question on the application form is... do you have any long term mental health issues.

Do I have long term mental health issues? Or was I bullied in the work place. I feel like this situation is ruining my future. I cant change my medical history and I never took the anti depressants. I dont think I was depressed I was worn down by idiots at work and now again I am paying the price. Is there anything I can do about this?

[sandyRoe]

"... I never took the anti depressants."
Your doctor saw you and decided that you needed them. I think he's in a better position to be a judge of your condition than you are yourself.

[naomi24]

I wouldn't say that amounts to 'long term' mental issues at all. You were off work for a few weeks due to the situation you were in there - and it was one that would have worried a lot of people. Perhaps you should speak to your doctor about what is actually on your medical records.

[ojread2]

I'd take an educated guess the form means over a number of years with lasting effects such as bi-polar
But you can answer quite truthfully, no

[grasscarp]

What you put on forms and how much you tell people is up to you. Do you have long term mental health issues - no. Your problems were caused by bullying at work. You were worried and couldn't sleep. Sleep is very important for your health and that in itself affects the mind. The doctor did not really get to the bottom of the problem and prescribed anti depressants. Only you know the full story and there is no need to let this ruin your future life. I am talking from experience which I will not go into here. I will say again you do not have long term mental health issues. You were bullied, could not sleep, and were given anti depressants and situation now resolved. Put it behind you. Best of luck for a happier future in whatever you decide to do.

[smilingcrow]

Sandy. A doctor can not get in your head. They can however prescribe you copious amounts of drugs so to eliminate any repercussions upon themselves incase I chose to harm myself. I did not at the time realise that it was because how I was treated at work. I thought it was only my own head that had the problem but after the investigation of bullying and help from a few friends I realised that it was not a chemical inbalance in my head and that it was due to how I was treated.

[smilingcrow]

grasscarp thanks for that. But I will need a medical examination and this will involve looking into my medical records. As I was prescribed anti depressants for longer thasn 3 months (even though I never took them) I think it counts as long term. Can I go to the doctors and ask them to make notes on my medical history with an explanation of some of this?

[ludwig]

It doesn't sound to me like you have long term mental health issues. Most people go through periods like this from time to time.

[Sqad]

I agree with ludwig........for long term tick NO.

Antidepressants are used for many conditions other than depression.

[grasscarp]

You can discuss with your doctor what happened and see if a note can be added. He can also advise on what counts as long term. Many people have spells of anxiety depression etc, but when this has a cause which is now removed it can hardly be described as long term.

[Mosaic]

Smiling Crow, let's get one thing absolutely clear and out in the open right now. You are a fine fit person eligible on health grounds to apply for emigration.

You were treated incredibly badly by workplace bullies. Because you are blessed, you have come through whole and well. You do not have 'Mental health Issues' - you have had some time off because of work-related stress. You have not been sectioned for your behaviour, spent time hospitalised or in an institution. You do not display erratic mood swings for which police and/or medical help has been needed, your behaviour has never caused you to be arrested, to build up vast debts, or to become socially isolated. You have never been 'certified' ie you haven't had clinical psychological treatment to correct any of the aforesaid behaviours. Hopefully you do not have a passionate secret interest in guns, knives, killing, torture or revenge.

You are a fine person and will be an asset when you emigrate. And I am incredibly proud of you for surviving those holy horrors you worked with - many people do not and are scarred for life, mentally.

Go Go Smiling Crow!

[RATTER15]

From what you have told us, that does not constitute a long term mental illness in any way!

[smilingcrow]

Ok thats very encouraging. Thanks very much.

[Old_Geezer]

I believe you have pinpointed why folk who think they may have a non-physical problem are loathe to do anything about it, and, as you did yourself, actually contemplate drastic action just to get out of the situation. When not involved one can see how much worse the contemplated action would have been then ay of the other outcomes, but it's difficult to get this balance view when in the middle of it all. Glad you moved on to a new site, it is about as near to a new job, as your wife was suggesting, as you can get without actually chucking the old one in and having to look for another fast. Hopfully the others are correct and this isn't going to have any affect on applications you make for jobs and suchlike.

[Greedyfly]

Sandyroe - A lot of docs hand out anti-depressants like candy. They are not always the answer.

[parkie]

Smiling Crow. You said you weren't bullied but bullying comes in all kinds of ways and from what you were saying that was precisely what you had gone through.
I think you were justified in making the complaint and it's good the company stamped on it there and then.
You may have to get a reference from them for any future employer as well so it's as well they are fully aware of the situation as to why you were signed off sick.
I would suggest you now look on the positive side of life and go for it.
Good luck.

[Canary42]

Long term mental issues ?

You're having a laugh - no way is this unhappy episode long-term.

Go for it.