Medical coming up, Advice on a past depression episode please.

[Fingers cross]

Hi everyone

I have long read threads on becoming a train driver and all that that entails. Never posted though.

So signed up to ask something that has been in the back of my mind.

I have been successful in my application as a trainee train driver following a clean medical.

But...

6 years ago I went through a horrendous breakdown in my relationship and ultimately my family involving the kids, very messy. That’s all done and everything has worked out for the best.

At the time I was very depressed/anxious and was prescribed with anti depressants, I took them for about three months and following advice from the gp reduced the dose to then come off them.

Have not been on them for 6 years since, never felt like I needed them again or any another mental health related issues.

What I’m asking is.....is this going to stop me from passing my medical.

Would really appreciate any comments

Thanks

 

[BrokenSam]

Hi everyone

I have long read threads on becoming a train driver and all that that entails. Never posted though.

So signed up to ask something that has been in the back of my mind.

I have been successful in my application as a trainee train driver following a clean medical.

But...

6 years ago I went through a horrendous breakdown in my relationship and ultimately my family involving the kids, very messy. That’s all done and everything has worked out for the best.

At the time I was very depressed/anxious and was prescribed with anti depressants, I took them for about three months and following advice from the gp reduced the dose to then come off them.

Have not been on them for 6 years since, never felt like I needed them again or any another mental health related issues.

What I’m asking is.....is this going to stop me from passing my medical.

Would really appreciate any comments

Thanks

You'll be fine. The stigma has passed in the workplace and rightfully so. I am on them now in fact. Due to similar reasons. It's not a sign of weakness. That long ago I am not sure you even have to declare it.

 

[Fingers cross]

You'll be fine. The stigma has passed in the workplace and rightfully so. I am on them now in fact. Due to similar reasons. It's not a sign of weakness. That long ago I am not sure you even have to declare it.

Thanks for the reply

 

[Toots]

Did you mention it on your medical?

 

[iwasyoungonce]

Not an expert but I'm sure I've seen somewhere that on your reference they ask you previous employer if you have been off work sick during the last 12 months, again not sure if your employed would disclose the reason or just give the number of weeks/months.

 

[Toots]

Not an expert but I'm sure I've seen somewhere that on your reference they ask you previous employer if you have been off work sick during the last 12 months, again not sure if your employed would disclose the reason or just give the number of weeks/months.

Even so, his problem was six years ago, given that amount of time I wouldn't have even mentioned it. It's irrelevant to who he is now.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

Suppose the answer is, if the doctor doesn't ask you directly during the medical you don't need to declare it, but if he asked you a direct question "have you ever been prescribed any antidepressant" or "have you ever suffered from any of the following" you couldn't really lie.

 

[baz962]

I don't know for all grades , but you have to fill in a questionnaire for a driver medical. It includes many questions about conditions you have or had and medication.

 

[Fingers cross]

Cheers folks

Have not had the medical yet. Will let you all know how it goes and update.

I will of course be honest so... see how it goes

 

[mresh91]

Just for your ease of mind, when filling in the medical questionnaire, if it falls within the timeframe they're asking about, declare everything truthfully. I had a similar problem during a medical for a safety critical role and the medical took longer than normal and I was really worried. So long as your GP can communicate with them and provide them with all the required information, it won't be an issue.

Was pretty straightforward in the end, the hardest thing was actually dealing with those devilish GP receptionists over the phone!

 

[Fingers cross]

Just for your ease of mind, when filling in the medical questionnaire, if it falls within the timeframe they're asking about, declare everything truthfully. I had a similar problem during a medical for a safety critical role and the medical took longer than normal and I was really worried. So long as your GP can communicate with them and provide them with all the required information, it won't be an issue.

Was pretty straightforward in the end, the hardest thing was actually dealing with those devilish GP receptionists over the phone!

Thanks
I intend to be honest

They are devilish indeed

 

[KFRM]

I have some experience with this. If it falls within the dates they request, always declare it. I cannot see it causes you many problems, if any at all.

I had the same kind of issue except I was and am still taking anti-depressants. I declared them to the medical practitioner and that was that. She wrote down what medication I was on and asked questions around it. I was passed as fit. I am now two years into my train driving career.

Happily and quite rightly, most employers ARE extremely supportive of staff with MH issues, as they should be.

 

[BrokenSam]

On the medical questionnaire I declared the days I have been off sick the year before. It was about 120 over two periods and I got the job . Illness is illness and as I said the stigma is largely gone

 

[theironroad]

Hi everyone

I have long read threads on becoming a train driver and all that that entails. Never posted though.

So signed up to ask something that has been in the back of my mind.

I have been successful in my application as a trainee train driver following a clean medical.

But...

6 years ago I went through a horrendous breakdown in my relationship and ultimately my family involving the kids, very messy. That’s all done and everything has worked out for the best.

At the time I was very depressed/anxious and was prescribed with anti depressants, I took them for about three months and following advice from the gp reduced the dose to then come off them.

Have not been on them for 6 years since, never felt like I needed them again or any another mental health related issues.

What I’m asking is.....is this going to stop me from passing my medical.

Would really appreciate any comments

Thanks

Certainly not a medical opinion here, but if you explain to the medical staff as you have here in the op , I can't see there being any problems.