Hello,
I'm an overseas English teacher. I was diagnosed BI-P several years back in Thailand and have since then received treatment in Thailand, USA and Korea respectively. I am currently on a fairly small dose of daily Lithium and haven't encountered any major problems for a few years.
I've recently been accepted for a fantastic position in a new country (through an American employer)
(I have worked in the new location before, have a friend already there and know what to expect)
The problem is, on the visa form it asks for any mental disorders. I am fairly certain that if I ticked "yes" and even explained all, I'd be dismissed.
In addition I must take an intensive medical exam, as well as a tox screen at which point the physician is sure to ask if I take any medications or have any persistent medical problems. Again, if I confessed I am biPolar and take lithium daily, I imagine I could be dismissed, or would that fall under doctor/patient confidentiality(?)....or in the case of examining a patient for a job, is that confidentiality waved?
I'm confused. I feel like my best chance is to lie. "No medical ailments, no medicines," and then sit back and pray that Lithium is not discovered in my blood, urine or stool by happen-stance.
The logical part of me assumes that to find the lithium, the doctor/lab/techs would have to be looking for the lithium.
I really want and financially need this position and feel fully competent, experienced and qualified to do well there, but am afraid my diagnosis and lithium content in my blood will destroy my chances.
Thanks for any advice, insight or ideas.