Can you go into a mental health career if you've been admitted to a psych hospital previously?

Hi there, Thanks for taking time to read this.

I would like to know if you can go into any mental health careers if you have been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, previously or if you've had poor mental health (such as self harm)?

I would like to know this, just out of curiosity as I have heard many rumors which have said such things like "One cannot go into mental health with previous severe experiences as they are considered unstable for life". Is this true?

Regards,
Sashra.

[Bubulous]

I just got out of an actue psychiatrc hospital and they told me when I asked that you had to wait at least a year before coming back and working there.  It could differ between facilities but as it takes a long time to get your masters in social work anyway it may be enough time for some of them to catagorize you as "stable".

Again I am going by what I was told at this one facility but in my opinion, who better to care for those with mental illness than those who have treated and recovered from it.

[freddie8605]

I have been encouraged to join the mental health profession from my mental health support people as i am very empathic even though i have had some major issues with bipolar. I think that if you have been mental ill then you have something in common with the poeple you are dealing with so you will be able to understand them better. I personally don't want to work in mental health as i don't want to get court up in it and i am trying to get away from mental illness as much as possible because i think that is the only way i can live a better life but if you are stable and strong and wont be massively impacted in by the situations in mental health then i don't see why you cant do it but i don't actually know what rules there are about it.

[lilymoon]

Opinions vary on this,I personally have bpd and work in the mental health field have been promoted even few years ago....

[spikerusty]

Yes have seen it through my own work experience.

[Terry5557]

In many ways, that is the best thing that could of happened to you. Not you can truly empathize with an individual. I have been there done that, and honestly, wouldn't want to go back in, but havinf experienced years of depression and a hospital stay are now my greatest assets.

[MissCelticFC]

i am intending on a career in Occupational Therapy focusing on Mental Health and I spent six months in a Adolescent Psychiatric Unit when I was 15.  I think it will help as I will know exactly what they are going through