Ask Dr. Schwartz: Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions
Archive · Read the Disclaimer · Biographical Statement · RSS Feed

I know I am depressed, suicidal at times, but I am afraid to seek help because I wonder if it will jeopardize my ability to work. I am currently in school (again), but have always worked with children, first in childcare and then as a teacher. I like to be in a room full of kids because then I don\'t have any time to think about myself; I find it rewarding to be able to solve their problems, even if I feel hopeless about solving my own. I am afraid that if I seek help for depression I will not be able to get work with children if I return to work, even though it has never affected my ability to teach. Can I be denied work with kids because of being treated for depression? what if I wanted to become a foster parent? Thanks.

THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.

Disclaimer

• Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
• Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
• Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
• No correspondence takes place.
• No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
• Dr. Schwartz, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
• Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.