I have always found the field of psychology so fascinating, and was thinking of pursuing a career in it. I am going to college next year and am trying to get an idea of what I want to do. The only thing is that I am worried about is that I suffer from clinical depression/anxiety, but don’t know if it would be practical to be a psychologist for example. Would it be a bad idea since I could sympathize with patients and my opinion might be biased at times. I am not saying I am a biased person or anything but just curious if it would be a disadvantage or not.
Thanks!
#1 by Sylvia G on January 25th, 2012
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There are thousands of people with mental disorders in the field of psychology. Many times they are drawn to the field to find out more about themselves.
#2 by Mars Mission. on January 25th, 2012
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The best thing any psychologist can have is simply to care.
Yes because without looking at a text book for fake empathy
you have the real thing, something you can’t buy anywhere!
There’s a slight difference between sympathy and empathy
so both go hand in hand so to speak and are useful.
Best Wishes.
Mars Mission.
14th Year Psychology Student.
4th Year Hypnotism Student.
4th Year Self Taught Music Student.
32 Years Qualified Automotive Technician
#3 by JD on January 25th, 2012
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Like you I’ve had to deal with depression/anxiety but that never stopped me from pursuing my education in Psychology. If nothing else I find that I’m learning more about myself and my ‘issues’. The awesome thing about studying psychology is that you learn to control the bias. If you can do that successfullly then you’ll be able to focus on the patient
I think that as long as you are dealing with your own issues first then you can help someone else that much better. Also, there are many psychologists out there who concentrate on research rather than practice.
#4 by cavassi on January 25th, 2012
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Anything is possible, if you apply yourself. Just wanting to be a psychology is enough to question a person’s sanity in my book. I question mine every day.
#5 by nickipettis on January 25th, 2012
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so long as you are treated for depression, there is no reason you could not be a psychologist, clinical or other specialty.
But, frankly, if you AREN’T treated for it, i think it would be a mean thing to try to be a counseling/clinical psychologist when you suffered from untreated depression.
If you are treated, you cold be an excellent person for your patients. You would understand what they were going through.