Is Clinical Depression Grounds for Denial?

[marryingparis 3]

I've been stressing out about this for months.

I'm going in for my medical exam at SLEC next week and I'm really anxious as to how my clinical depression will affect my visa application. It's actually not so much the depression that I'm worried about, but my scars from previous self-harm episodes. The cuts were never deep enough as to require stitches or hospitalization, and none were made as an attempt at suicide. It was more of a coping mechanism. I definitely have never had destructive or harmful thoughts or actions towards other people/living beings.

I have regular appointments with my psychiatrist, whom I've been going to for almost 3 years now, at St. Lukes Global City. I've also been on medication since 2012 (from my initial diagnosis by a different psychiatrist) and haven't gone off them since. I plan on continuing my treatment and seeing a psychiatrist if/when I get to the US. My fiancé's parents are psychologists, so they can easily recommend a doctor for me.

I've asked my doctor to write me a medical certificate that I can bring to the medical exam. On it she wrote that I am under her care for Major Depressive Disorder which is recurring, and that I'm currently on remission.

My depressive episodes typically last 2-3 days, and rarely for about 2-4 weeks. My good days definitely outweigh the bad, and I function as any normal person would.

I'm hoping that since my doctor is a pretty good one (and she's pretty darn expensive by Philippine standards), that me being treated by her will have some bearing for when SLEC asks me to do a psych eval.

It would be devastating if this mental illness, which I didn't ask for, causes my visa to be denied.

[kris&me 572]

It is going to be at the discretion of the CO at interview

U.S. immigration law specifically bars U.S. entry or a green card to immigrants who have a combination of two things:

1. a physical or mental disorder that can be clinically diagnosed and;
2. behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has posed a threat

so, if CO determines you may be a burden on our system, then yes

If you have one who understands illness and treatments and remission, then you will be ok

but no one here can really answer this as it is the feelings and understanding of the CO

I worked 20 years with handicapped adults and i find many people are toatally confused as to illesses and treatments including the family members of most / you may want to get a statement (affidavit ) from financee's parents to prove they will direct you to the correct physicans here

My neighbor cuts herself and goes into hospital about twice a year. This is one of the most misunderstood illnesses.

Good luck

[marryingparis 3]

I think a statement from his parents is a good idea. Thanks a bunch.

It is going to be at the discretion of the CO at interview

U.S. immigration law specifically bars U.S. entry or a green card to immigrants who have a combination of two things:

1. a physical or mental disorder that can be clinically diagnosed and;
2. behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has posed a threat

so, if CO determines you may be a burden on our system, then yes

If you have one who understands illness and treatments and remission, then you will be ok

but no one here can really answer this as it is the feelings and understanding of the CO

I worked 20 years with handicapped adults and i find many people are toatally confused as to illesses and treatments including the family members of most / you may want to get a statement (affidavit ) from financee's parents to prove they will direct you to the correct physicans here

My neighbor cuts herself and goes into hospital about twice a year. This is one of the most misunderstood illnesses.

Good luck

[Russ&Caro 1,548]

It's good that you're aware of this issue prior to your medical appointment. If you're prepared, then you likely won't be surprised. Take as much documentation as possible from your doctor, including diagnoses, prescriptions for medications, other treatments, etc. Be prepared for a referral appointment to a specialist (psychiatrist) after your medical appointment.

Also, to get a good idea of other VJ'ers experiences, I would do a search from a PC (mobile devices aren't so good for using the search capabilities) and use such phrases as "wrist scars" or SLEC. You'll find a wealth of information. Good luck. I think you'll probably be okay.

[Darnell 8,478]

i note the doc at the medical exam takes notice of scars and will ask about them - so including that letter from your doctor , including a write up about the scars, should at least satisfy the medical exam doc.

But it's still up to the Vice-Consul that interviews you - they'll know about your condition, they do read the medical exam prior to actual interview.

[marryingparis 3]

Thank you for the positivity, I needed that.

It's good that you're aware of this issue prior to your medical appointment. If you're prepared, then you likely won't be surprised. Take as much documentation as possible from your doctor, including diagnoses, prescriptions for medications, other treatments, etc. Be prepared for a referral appointment to a specialist (psychiatrist) after your medical appointment.

Also, to get a good idea of other VJ'ers experiences, I would do a search from a PC (mobile devices aren't so good for using the search capabilities) and use such phrases as "wrist scars" or SLEC. You'll find a wealth of information. Good luck. I think you'll probably be okay.

[Hank_ 9,173]

I've been stressing out about this for months.

I'm going in for my medical exam at SLEC next week and I'm really anxious as to how my clinical depression will affect my visa application. It's actually not so much the depression that I'm worried about, but my scars from previous self-harm episodes. The cuts were never deep enough as to require stitches or hospitalization, and none were made as an attempt at suicide. It was more of a coping mechanism. I definitely have never had destructive or harmful thoughts or actions towards other people/living beings.

I have regular appointments with my psychiatrist, whom I've been going to for almost 3 years now, at St. Lukes Global City. I've also been on medication since 2012 (from my initial diagnosis by a different psychiatrist) and haven't gone off them since. I plan on continuing my treatment and seeing a psychiatrist if/when I get to the US. My fiancé's parents are psychologists, so they can easily recommend a doctor for me.

I've asked my doctor to write me a medical certificate that I can bring to the medical exam. On it she wrote that I am under her care for Major Depressive Disorder which is recurring, and that I'm currently on remission.

My depressive episodes typically last 2-3 days, and rarely for about 2-4 weeks. My good days definitely outweigh the bad, and I function as any normal person would.

I'm hoping that since my doctor is a pretty good one (and she's pretty darn expensive by Philippine standards), that me being treated by her will have some bearing for when SLEC asks me to do a psych eval.

It would be devastating if this mental illness, which I didn't ask for, causes my visa to be denied.

No it is not ground for a denial.

SLEC will require you to be examined by "their" psychiatrist, but who knows the one you are seeing may be one and the same for SLEC requirements.

You should pop over to the Philippines forum... lots of good help there: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

[Ontarkie 13,914]

~~Moved to the Philippines forum from K1 P&P as the medical can vary from country to country~~

[marryingparis 3]

No it is not ground for a denial.

SLEC will require you to be examined by "their" psychiatrist, but who knows the one you are seeing may be one and the same for SLEC requirements.

You should pop over to the Philippines forum... lots of good help there: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

Thanks! I've requested a more specific medical certificate from my doctor and trying to acquire evaluation letters from two other therapists that I've gone to before. Hopefully these things help.

[meemee1 34]

I think you will be fine, major depressive disorder is a condition that affects a large population of the world and is a treatable condition.I think they would be more concerned with someone who has umcontrolled schizophrenia. Best wishes

[marryingparis 3]

Thanks a bunch!

I think you will be fine, major depressive disorder is a condition that affects a large population of the world and is a treatable condition.I think they would be more concerned with someone who has umcontrolled schizophrenia. Best wishes

[Tahoma 2,291]

I don't think you will have any problem with St. Lukes. They will require you to complete a psych evaluation. Just go there prepared and tell them your story just like you did here.

Ii's a good sign when the psych evaluation doctor does not refer you for a psych test.

[marryingparis 3]

I don't think you will have any problem with St. Lukes. They will require you to complete a psych evaluation. Just go there prepared and tell them your story just like you did here.

Ii's a good sign when the psych evaluation doctor does not refer you for a psych test.

Thanks! Keeping fingers crossed.

[SennaBrigante 92]

I have clinical depression and during the medical I just told the doc about the medication I was taking. My then psychiatrist is also kinda well-known in the field and affiliated with St. Luke's (it was through St. Luke's that I met her) and the doc just noted everything on my file. Never came up during the interview and I wasn't asked to do an eval. I guess as long as they know that you're getting treatment for it they don't too much of a fuss.

[marryingparis 3]

I have clinical depression and during the medical I just told the doc about the medication I was taking. My then psychiatrist is also kinda well-known in the field and affiliated with St. Luke's (it was through St. Luke's that I met her) and the doc just noted everything on my file. Never came up during the interview and I wasn't asked to do an eval. I guess as long as they know that you're getting treatment for it they don't too much of a fuss.

Thanks for the feedback! I have calmed down a lot from all the stress and panic that was pretty much caused by nobody other than myself.

I am still pretty anxious about the history of self-harm, though, worried that they will take it as "being a danger to oneself".