Brief Medical Experience with History of Depression / Self-harm

[Ringo 21]

Hello,

I have recently been approved for my IR-1 / CR-1 visa (WAHOO!). I wanted to share my experience of the medical at Knightsbridge in specific relation to having a history of depression / self-harm. There is nothing unique about my medical but I believe it may be useful to those with a similar history. I was quite anxious about attending the medical but now I feel this anxiety was unfounded. The Visa Journey community did provide me with some useful information about what to expect, this was helpful. I feel it is only fair to add to this information. I am going to keep this experience brief. Please ask any questions if I have not answered something that you'd like to know. I am also happy to answer personal message.

Mental Health Treatment Summary:

• 12 months of anti-depressants. Treatment stopped approximately 1 year ago.
• 3 months of anti-depressants. Approximately 6 years ago following a self-harm attempt.

Self-Harm Summary:

• Overdose (pills) approximately 6 years ago.

Supporting Letters:

After reading other accounts from Visa Journey I felt taking letter of support would be a good idea. I took the following:

• Letter from my GP explaining that I had suffered some depression but I have recovered now, and am doing well (£25).
• Letter from my old counsellor detailing the treatment (£0).
• Letter from a senior colleague acting as a reference (£0).

The individuals who wrote these letters all stated that they do not believe I am "a risk to myself of others". This is apparently what the Drs. want to see. I am not sure if that is true but it appeared to work for me.

Medical:

The medical was like most people have described. You can find these by searching the forums. In summary, upon arrival at 4 Bentinck Mansions I filled out another medical questionnaire (more detailed than the first) and checked the boxes that I had previously had thoughts of self-harm and acted on these thoughts. I had my x-ray done by a friendly nurse. We talked about the weather (very British) and how she performs many x-rays over the course of each day. I was then returned to the waiting room. I was not asked about any vaccinations. I provided reception with my vaccination card and I assume that the doctor was satisfied. After about 20 minutes I was collected by the doctor and taken to a different room. She sat down opposite me and began flicking through my file. I would describe her as "business like" and "thorough" and uninterested in small talk! This was fine by me, I dislike it too.

After a couple of moments, she asked my about my depression- seeking to clarify how long I had taken any medication and what the self-harm attempt was. I explained this briefly whilst she scripted notes. At this point I asked whether she would like to see any letters I had brought explaining my medical history (detailed above). The doctor briefly scanned them and then took photocopies. After a moment, the doctor said she doesn't think the history of depression / self-harm will be a problem. The medical concluded with a physical examination and I was told I could go. As I was putting my shirt back on, the doctor said that if there are any problems I will be contacted over the next 4 days. Otherwise my medical will be completed and sent to the embassy. There was little more to it than that. I didn't get a call and they did not mention anything to me at the embassy.

Overall, I wouldn't describe the whole experience as enjoyable, in the slightest, but it was not as bad as I thought it might be. I was expecting an interrogation into my previous depression, etc. This did not happen, thankfully. I would suggest that it is not worth getting anxious about any previous mental health problems. They are very common. I think the letters are a good idea, probably essential from the GP.

Good luck to anyone going through the medical.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.