Depression Supporters Support Group

This community is dedicated to spouses, children, relatives, co-workers and others who are actively supporting someone suffering from depression or other serious mental illness. Depression can bring about intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive, which can have a grave impact on the ability of others trying to help.

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SAMPAGUITA 10/30/2009

do you think our society should ban people with BP or any kind of mental illness to practice nursing?

please let me know about ur opinions

deleted_user 11/02/2009

i don't think it's right to ban/judge/segregate people like that. IF the person was not getting the help needed and they were a danger to others then i could understand a revokation or suspension of their medical license, but if they are getting help and following doctors orders and things are going smoothly then why ban then from helping others? just an opinion, but i can see how someone would think differently too.

deleted_user 11/15/2009

I saw that you posted back in July that you were giving up on nursing. At that point, it also sounded like your bipolar was really interfering with your concentration and coordination. Nursing is job that requires concentration, accuracy, and ability to perform well under stress (and often when tired). Part of learning to make the most of your life is to be honest with yourself about effects of your illness. I'm sure you are a good person and you would never want to hurt or even kill someone because you made a nursing mistake. If the BP were 100% under control then the fact that you might need meds to help you stay that way isn't a problem with me. But if sometimes the meds aren't enough, then you need to find work where you can be proud of doing a good job - not constantly afraid of making a fatal mistake.

deleted_user 12/13/2009

no i do not think it is right. that is the same as asking whether or not someone should be banned from nursing because they have cancer. nursing takes practice and skills. it requires following rules and protocal. i don't see how having bipolar disorder would stop someone from doing this. if the person gets sick (meaning has a major depressive or manic episode) then they should take sick days, and recuperate. the point is whether or not a person is taking care of themselves and able to carry out the duties they are paid to do.
there is this really interesting book written by a psychiatrist--researcher, writer, practitioner, who suffers from bipolar disorder. and she's at the very top of her field.

as a nurse, remember to be compassionate, empathetic and supportive of those who are ill.

deleted_user 12/13/2009

the name of the book is "an unquiet mind" it is written by kay redfield jamison. good luck!

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