Pgce occupational health help

LucyLou221

Hi,

I am going back to uni in September to complete pgce. I have fda in early years, degree in working with children. I have 7 years experience working with children. The last year I was an unqualified teacher.

I completed my occupational health form months ago but they have emailed to make an appointment to speak to them. I suffer with migraines but it is controlled with several medications. I had mental health difficulties in the past the last time in 2020. I am on anti depressants however it was discussed at my last appointment to slowly wean off them once I have completed uni.

I did not mention my mental health on the form as 1. My previous employment (unqualified teacher) used it against me, it was an extremely toxic working environment and I was bullied, harassed, gas lit and at one point I was the only teacher and was told to write a whole curriculum! 2. Poor mental health has not affected my work and my last episode not related to stress was in 2020 the start of lockdown, (which was also stress related!)

Would they kick me off the course for not declaring? Are they wanting to talk to me due to migraines?

Mary_Scope

Hi @LucyLou221

It sounds like you've been through a lot so its understandable why you're feeling concerned. The occupational health team reaching out is most likely just a routine follow up about your migraines, especially since you mentioned them on the form so I don’t think its likely to be anything more than that!

You haven’t done anything wrong by not disclosing something that isn’t currently affecting your ability to work or study. They’re there to support you and they definitely shouldn’t kick you off the course for something like that.

I wish you all the best with your PGCE😄

LucyLou221

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056043#Comment_1056043

Thank you for the quick response. You have made me feel a bit less on edge. The appointment is Thursday. The migraines don't affect my work either, I just power through and take my medication. I don't now what they can put in place to help.

My mental health has never affected my work, and I've never taken a sick day from work, other than having covid in 2020. My last employer was disgusting with me after I declared I had had mental health difficulties in the past.

After the last year I really don't want anything to affect me joining the course.

Thanks

Mary_Scope

Its not a problem, i'm glad to hear that you're feeling a bit calmer about it!

I'm sorry to hear about what happened with your last employer, that's not fair at all.

I really hope the appointment goes well @LucyLou221 on Thursday, please feel free to update how it went if you're feeling comfortable to😊