medical ?

[Bill and Hayley 0]

Is it good enough to write about any depression on a sheet of paper with the questionaire or are they going to want a letter from my doctors.Ive had mild depression about 4 times, none lasting more than 6 months. thanx in advance.

[Mags 112]

I think you will need a letter from your doc explaining that it cleared up and wasn't serious. There have been quite a few people who have had to do this. One person didn't take a letter and it held up her visa being sent out.

I'd, personally, play it safe and get a letter from the docs. To be even more sure, give the Knightsbridge Doctors a ring and ask them if it is required or not.

Edited February 25, 2007 by mags

[Teddy406 0]

I think you will need a letter from your doc explaining that it cleared up and wasn't serious. There have been quite a few people who have had to do this. One person didn't take a letter and it held up her visa being sent out.

I'd, personally, play it safe and get a letter from the docs. To be even more sure, give the Knightsbridge Doctors a ring and ask them if it is required or not.

I did. The Doctor at my medical actually remarked it was appreciated that someone thought to get a GP's letter to explain a previous condition.

As a teenager I had one bout of depression with vague thoughts along the lines of "I dont want to live anymore", I didnt take any action, plan anything, no 'cries for help' , or give it (suicide) any serious thought. I just felt really bad and "I dont want to live" / "the world would be better off without me / I dont

know how I can go on /It's the end of the world / who would miss me anyway" seemed to sum it up.

I got a letter from my doc mentioning that I had a one time bout with depression, it was brought on by a reaction to a bad event, NOT psychological issues. The letter detailed my initial visit to the GP, the fact it was triggered by an event, that it was treated (including the perscription and treatment), that I showed a excellent response and was never treated before or after, also there were no psychotic incidents, I just felt low.

I was worried about the "suicide / intent to harm" part of the medical because I wanted to be 100% honest in my medical, but yet at the same time not go into things and exaggerate things that werent there.

So I showed my family GP (the one that actual treated me) the actual questionnaire in package 3 and said

"Is this applicable to me and my specific case in question? If so, please be honest and if you think it is applicable, add it to the letter and explain it in detail for the examining physician"

However, my GP said that IN MY CASE, I wasnt considered "suicidal" nor were my "vague ideas" "thoughts of suicide", i was never a risk to myself or others and I should answer "no" to "suicidal thoughts / intent to self harm" as there is a difference between occasional / one off "vague ideas" along the lines of "I've got nothing to live for" when you are emotional and down and "genuine suicidal thoughts"

(which included thinking of elaborate plans, repeated specific ideas, writing practise notes, obtaining medicine / equipment to aid you / actual self harm with intent etc).

It was a relief for me to hear my GP explain things to me, because I was worried. It gave me the ability to answer the question with confidence.

I cant say for specific cases, but I found handing my doctor the literature and asking her to make a professional judgement on my SPECIFIC experience was reassuring.

Edited March 19, 2007 by Teddy406