OCD Action

playthoseblues
Member

Hi Guys,

For work experience in July 2012, I wanted to do something with Psychology. So I rang up my local CAMHS which I go to, and asked if I could speak to someone on work experience. I got through and said I was interested in a career in this sector, and asked if there was anything availble. She said there may be.

I got a reply a few days later confiriming I could go there, and I accepted, but I didn't tell her that I had OCD in case she thought that I'm not capable of going there. I went an saw my consultant today, and he said it was very good that they had given me a place, and although he knows I have OCD, the lady who I dealt with didn't.

Would this affect me getting a placement? Because I know I need to provide a health approval form to the school, so if I told the lady she might reject the placement. I really don't want to miss this opportunity because of an illness.

Is there some sort of anti-discrimnation act?

Jon

Tue Jan 3 2012 16:00:41 #
Unregistered

Hi Blues,

from what you've said, there shouldn't be any problems, whether they know you have OCD or not.

If you're concerned about it, contact your consultant, and talk it through with him. (Presumably you can either phone or email the consultant, or leave a message for him with the reception desk.)

Here's the link for the OCD and Work information pack on the OCD Action website:

http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/files/2011/01/OCD-and-Work-web-FINAL.pdf

And here a link for the Advocacy page on the OCD Action website:

http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/getting-support/advocacy/

(The OCD Action Advocacy Service is a service that helps people with problems with work, housing, treatment, benefits, etc., if they're facing problems or discrimination.)

Also, here's a link for the webpage about The Equality Act 2010, which is the Act you're thinking of.

http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/articles/equality-act-2010-changes-that-can-affect-you/

All the best.

Tue Jan 3 2012 16:31:24 #
Nimrod
Key Master

Hi Blues,

Click on "Advocacy" at the top of the page where you will find contact details for our Advocacy Manager, Jude who will be able to advise you.

Tue Jan 3 2012 17:13:22 #
Tess
Member

Hi Jon
Londoner has already given you all the relevant info and I don't think you have any need for concern. The work placement lady has not asked for your medical history and your consultant is pleased you have been offered a place and accepted. If the fact that you have OCD causes any complications with the school health report which I think extremely unlikely, all you would need is a supporting letter from your consultant saying that the work placement would be beneficial. You may find there is no need for the OCD to be disclosed if you don't want it to be.

Tue Jan 3 2012 17:24:11 #
slogsweep
Member

It shouldn't be a problem, some of the best OCD specialists have OCD themselves.

Good luck on your work experience

Tue Jan 3 2012 19:34:24 #
playthoseblues
Member

Thanks for your support everyone, and thank you for the links Londoner.

I'm in a bit of a dilhemma as to whether or not to disclose it as I have a health form to fill out..

So is it my right to not disclose the condition then? I thought I'd have to.

Thanks Jon

Tue Jan 3 2012 19:53:39 #
Nimrod
Key Master

Hi Blues,

Check with Jude our professional Advocacy Adviser - send her an email jude@ocdaction.org.uk - she will be able to give you a definitive answer. As far as I am aware you don't have to disclose any medical condition at interview and but it may affect things, such as the obligation for your employer to make suitable arrangements for you, BUT CHECK WITH JUDE, it's free and sound professional advice and can be backed up by support from Jude and OCD Action.

Nimrod

Tue Jan 3 2012 20:32:29 #
wannabefree
Member

Hi everyone, Hi Jon, you may find that your OCD will give you an incredible insight, into having empathy with the patients you come into contact with... You have some incredible experience to take into the job... You've seen a mental illness from the side of the patient... An amazing experience that cannot be taught in the classroom... Talk about making a lemonade from your lemon!
Wannabe

Tue Jan 3 2012 21:54:57 #
playthoseblues
Member

Hello

Thanks Nimrod for the address, I will check with Jude by sending her a note in a minute. I don't want to have to disclose it, but then I'll worry if I don't because I'll feel guilty.

I was looking into doing a career into Psychology, maybe something to do with Music Therapy. Im fairly musical and I quite like Psychology so it could work..

Thanks again and I'll keep you updated

Jon

Wed Jan 4 2012 20:59:34 #
wannabefree
Member

Hi Jon, that is a really good idea... I met a chap who did music therapy, and it was really interesting. He did fantastic stuff with the clients, getting them to play music as a group. The effect was amazing, peoples faces lit up with joy when he came! And having been a patient yourself, you'll have an incredible insight to what it is like being a patient, which will help you empathise and 'connect' with the clients and patients...
Wannabe

Wed Jan 4 2012 21:57:40 #