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Posted

I have a question. I have applied for a K1 visa and I have been to my medical and I have the interview at the consulate in a few days.
During the medical exam I was asked if I have had any mental disorders. I answered no.
I have experience a brief period where I felt more down (but hasn't anyone had ups and downs in their life?) and I had seen a psychologist a few times.
I have not been officially diagnosed with anything (my doctor even said I don't fulfill all requirements for depression since I slept fine and had no change in appetite) and this whole period lasted less than 6 months.
It was 2 years ago. I haven't had any problems before or after.
In that moment I choose to say no because I do not believe I have or had a mental illness/disorder and it was something quite insignificant. 

I did not expect the second question the physician asked me which was if I have ever attempted suicide. Because I had already said no to the previous question I panicked and answered no again. Truth is, on paper it will say I have had a suicide attempt and was brought to the hospital. It's difficult to explain but I personally do not consider it a real suicide attempt. It was never my intention to die and in fact my "attempt" was more a cry for help than anything else and actually even if I wasn't brought to the hospital there was no way I would have ever been able to die from that. The psychiatrist at the hospital let me go home and also did not believe I was a risk. I received the counselling after that. I have no other history of depression/self harm or anything like this. So in this way I do not consider myself to have a disorder or even to have attempted a "real" suicide. It was a time in my life where I was stressed by outside forces and a little bit more down and I made a silly stupid decision. I have been happy and well after that.

Now, after the medical I had a bad feeling about this. I want to stress that it was NOT my intention to lie. I merely felt like I was telling the truth because of my interpretation of the questions. I have since come to the conclusions that it could be seen as lying or withholding information.And have also read how serious that is. And that it would have been much much smarter to have shared what had happened and have them make the conclusion that it was nothing significant. But I can't go back in time now.

My question is, what do I do now? Would the same mental health questions be asked again during the interview? And what would happen if I answer with more details at this time? And if those questions are not asked, what will happen if I bring this up myself? Will I have an opportunity to explain myself or will this be an instant denial?

It has never been my intention to lie and I am worried sick. I love my fiance and I can't wait to start my life with him.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: England
Timeline
Posted (edited)

That's a tough question to answer.

 

I had a depressive episode when my mother was terminally ill and I put that on the form and we discussed it at my medical. Like you said, bad things happen in life and we react to them. 

 

I doubt they bring up those kind of things in the embassy interview. 

 

You said it wasn't recorded in your medical notes, is that right? The summary that you took to the medical had no record of it?

 

It sounds like you're feeling very guilty right now and your interview is soon so that is adding to your stress. If there is no paper trail about this then I can't see there will be any repercussions. Maybe you "should" have been truthful but what's done is done. Don't let the guilt eat you up. You need to stay focused on getting through the interview. 

 

 

Edited by fip & jim
Posted
  On 6/13/2018 at 12:59 PM, fip & jim said:

That's a tough question to answer.

 

I had a depressive episode when my mother was terminally ill and I put that on the form and we discussed it at my medical. Like you said, bad things happen in life and we react to them. 

 

I doubt they bring up those kind of things in the embassy interview. 

 

You said it wasn't recorded in your medical notes, is that right? The summary that you took to the medical had no record of it?

 

It sounds like you're feeling very guilty right now and your interview is soon so that is adding to your stress. If there is no paper trail about this then I can't see there will be any repercussions. Maybe you "should" have been truthful but what's done is done. Don't let the guilt eat you up. You need to stay focused on getting through the interview. 

 

 

Expand  

It is recorded in my medical records. I just didn't have to show those during my medical exam.
I have the possibility of erasing my medical records so there would be no paper trail later but I am not sure if they have a way of finding out before the interview.
As I understand it they don't have permission to look into somebody's medical files nor do I think they would if there is no reason for this.

My medical went fine otherwise and the physician cleared me.

Thank you for your kind reply. I am indeed very stressed now that I am so close.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: England
Timeline
Posted

They have no way of finding out then. It will be fine.

 

They only ask because they want to know if you are a) in danger of harming yourself or others & b) are likely to become a public charge. 

 

Say, hypothetically, that they did find out then you can prove that it is not current and not ongoing because you have the paperwork. Personally, I think isn't wise to lie because it only adds to the stress but I understand why you did it. There is too much stigma, still, about mental health and we need to make it so that it is easier to talk about. There shouldn't be shame about suffering.

 

I'm glad it's in the past and you are making healthier choices for yourself. Life is far too precious so go to that interview and nail it and go live with the one you love. 

Posted (edited)

Medical records are confidential. Also, most places (if any at all) do not have a patient ID through which they could track every medical appointment you've had in your life. You also mentioned you were never diagnosed with anything and even if you had some type of episode, they allowed you to go home and they would not have done that if they were seriously concerned.

 

So I'd agree with above that you should not worry. I think they are looking for people with a diagnosis and that take medication. Otherwise, everyone would have to answer "yes" to the question!

Edited by Coco8
 
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