Garda recruitment - mental health issues

LegacyUser

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

RWC15champions

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

I'm not familiar with their recruitment process so I can't offer any advice on that unfortunately.
However, I'm glad you have addressed your issues and are now in a position to pursue such a challenging career.
In an ideal world, I would love to think that the public sector would take a leading role in these situations and show the way for the private sector that these conditions can be treated and people can still contribute in a positive way to the workforce.
Anyway, no advice but best of luck OP and I hope you're successful if you follow through with the application.

TallGlass

It would be depending on the doctor in AGS if they deem you fit. I don't think anyone here can answer, here is a thread in the ES regards retained FF service and a guy asking a similar question

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057712701

If you wanted to touch base with him to hear about how he approached it etc..

Arcade_Tryer

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Why would you even bother telling them if you are fully recovered now? If you tell them, you are leaving yourself open to being discriminated against. If you don't tell them, you eliminate the possibility of discrimination, and you remain fully recovered from your past health problem. Win win.

MrBlack93

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

Why would you even bother telling them if you are fully recovered now? If you tell them, you are leaving yourself open to being discriminated against. If you don't tell them, you eliminate the possibility of discrimination, and you remain fully recovered from your past health problem. Win win.

WTF You're seriously encouraging someone to gain entry into a national police service by deception? Have you any common sense whatsoever?

MrBlack93

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Hi,

Yeah during the medical for joining An Garda Siochanna you have to fill out a medical self declaration form which asks about your your general health and mental health etc they will also contact your GP and you will have to provide your GPs contact details.

All is not lost though, this issue has arisen before in the recruitment board and I believe the general policy is as follows; No issues within the last 5 years and you must be signed off by your psychologist.

It would be no harm to give the Garda human resources department a call/email and they'll give you a better answer.

Hope that helps.

Arcade_Tryer

MrBlack93 wrote: »

WTF You're seriously encouraging someone to gain entry into a national police service by deception? Have you any common sense whatsoever?

WTF. You're seriously comparing the non-disclosure of medical history to deception? Have you any common sense whatsoever?

Should a person who broke their arm as a child have to reveal that?
Should a person who had the flu a few years ago have to reveal that?
Should a person who slipped on some ice and banged their head recently have to reveal that?

Why should a person who suffered some metal health problems in the past but is now fully recovered have to reveal that?

MrBlack93

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

WTF. You're seriously comparing the non-disclosure of medical history to deception? Have you any common sense whatsoever?

Should a person who broke their arm as a child have to reveal that?
Should a person who had the flu a few years ago have to reveal that?
Should a person who slipped on some ice and banged their head recently have to reveal that?

Why should a person who suffered some metal health problems in the past but is now fully recovered have to reveal that?

You're so unbelievably childishly naive!

An Garda Síochanna have an exemption to the employment equality acts, and for good reason!

Thus in this case non-disclosure is deception (duh).

Becoming a member of An Garda Siochanna isn't like getting a job working in your local supermarket. It's a national police service who's duty is to protect both the state and its citizens.

You clearly either have zero appreciation or no understanding about what serving members see and deals with on a daily basis or the stress which members are put under whilst carrying out their duties

I think that it's complete nativity that you don't realise the potential repercussions of such an omission.

Arcade_Tryer

MrBlack93 wrote: »

You're so unbelievably childishly naive!

An Garda Síochanna have an exemption to the employment equality acts, and for good reason!

Thus in this case non-disclosure is deception (duh).

Becoming a member of An Garda Siochanna isn't like getting a job working in your local supermarket. It's a national police service who's duty is to protect both the state and its citizens.

You clearly either have zero appreciation or no understanding about what serving members see and deals with on a daily basis or the stress which members are put under whilst carrying out their duties

I think that it's complete nativity that you don't realise the potential repercussions of such an omission.

Yet you can't answer the simple questions asked?

The only naivety here is that you think mental health is some kind of disease without any cure. That kind of ignorance is kind of scary, but not uncommon considering the continuing stigma of mental health in society. Mental health is a broad spectrum, which composes of varying different kinds and degrees of illness, most of which can be treated, and cured. Which is the stated situation of the OP.

Arcade_Tryer

MrBlack93 wrote: »

You're so unbelievably childishly naive!

An Garda Síochanna have an exemption to the employment equality acts, and for good reason!

Thus in this case non-disclosure is deception (duh).

Becoming a member of An Garda Siochanna isn't like getting a job working in your local supermarket. It's a national police service who's duty is to protect both the state and its citizens.

You clearly either have zero appreciation or no understanding about what serving members see and deals with on a daily basis or the stress which members are put under whilst carrying out their duties

I think that it's complete nativity that you don't realise the potential repercussions of such an omission.

What has any of this got to do with the OP as opposed to any other applicant? Please do explain.

MrBlack93

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

Yet you can't answer the simple questions asked?

The only naivety here is that you think mental health is some kind of disease without any cure. That kind of ignorance is kind of scary, but not uncommon considering the continuing stigma of mental health in society. Mental health is a broad spectrum, which composes of varying different kinds and degrees of illness, most of which can be treated, and cured. Which is the stated situation of the OP.

Here we go, you're trying to prop up your poor argument by virtue signalling and accusing me of possessing some sort of prejudice/ignorance against the mentally ill. Always the easy way out of a tight corner but those types of arguments rarely stand up to scrutiny.

I never once claimed that I was ignorant or that I believed that mental health issue were incurable as you've implied;

I refer you to post No.6 where I clearly outline to the OP the correct channels which are used by AGS in determining a persons eligibility to serve.

Arcade_Tryer

MrBlack93 wrote: »

Here we go, you're trying to prop up your poor argument by virtue signalling and accusing me of possessing some sort of prejudice/ignorance against the mentally ill. Always the easy way out of a tight corner but those types of arguments rarely stand up to scrutiny.

I never once claimed that I was ignorant or that I believed that mental health issue were incurable as you've implied;

I refer you to post No.6 where I clearly outline to the OP the correct channels which are used by AGS in determining a persons eligibility to serve.

You're certainly implying the Guards possess some sort of prejudice/ignorance against people with previous mental health problems. And you don't seem to have any problem with that policy.

I refer you to post 1, where the person states how they were treated and are now recovered.

MrBlack93

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

You're certainly implying the Guards possess some sort of prejudice/ignorance against people with previous mental health problems. And you don't seem to have any problem with that policy.

I refer you to post 1, where the person states how they were treated and are now recovered.

Policing a nation isn't a game and requires a certain person, personality and a strong level of mental resilience. AGS will assess each persons case on it's own merits and determine whether someone is mentally capable of doing the job and I trust in their assessment.

The OP never elaborated upon their own mental illness and thus I wont be so rude as to speculate as you have done.

The fact is that serving members of An Garda Siochanna have an incomparable level of stress placed on them on a daily basis and the responsibilities which they are given require them to act without hesitation in order to save lives.

I direct you to look at the statistics regarding the recurrence of mental illness episodes throughout ones life.

Arcade_Tryer

MrBlack93 wrote: »

The OP never elaborated upon their own mental illness and thus I wont be so rude as to speculate as you have done.

Speculate? You've essentially stated that they are engaging in deception if they do not disclose their history of mental illness, regardless of the type of illness, the seriousness of the illness, and whether or not they are now fully recovered.

I direct you to look at the statistics regarding the recurrence of mental illness episodes throughout ones life.

That is not how statistics should be used and it's worrying that you think it's a justification for discrimination.

LegacyUser

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Hi there,
I can relate to your issue and and am also curious. Have you received anymore information?
Thanks

Crouchy92

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Hi there,
I’m kinda in the same boat so considering waiting a few years before applying. Have you received anymore information since?

Thanks

TheGreenOne

Hi Maglie-ubre,

I normally tend to quietly lurk on here, but stumbled across your tread.
I am Irish and I am a police officer abroad. I was never a Garda.

Please do not lie on your application, if you are found to be lying (even if it seems minor) it will severely effect your chances of becoming a police officer.

In a lot of police forces, mental illness is treated on a case by case basis. You will need to be completely clear of any issues, medication etc for a certain number of years. Plus you will need to given the all clear by a psychologist.

I would recommend contacting recruitment directly and ask them for the details on what you need to do.

Best of luck with your application

qwerty13

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

MrBlack93 wrote: »

The OP never elaborated upon their own mental illness and thus I wont be so rude as to speculate as you have done.

Speculate? You've essentially stated that they are engaging in deception if they do not disclose their history of mental illness, regardless of the type of illness, the seriousness of the illness, and whether or not they are now fully recovered.

I direct you to look at the statistics regarding the recurrence of mental illness episodes throughout ones life.

That is not how statistics should be used and it's worrying that you think it's a justification for discrimination.

The role of Gardaí is a serious one, with stress that automatically goes with it. They encounter and see things that would probably traumatise the rest of us for years.

I hate discrimination against people who’ve had mental health issues, but I think it’s terribly naive, and just plain wrong, to suggest hiding such history if going for a role in the Gardaí. Of all jobs.

It could lead to exacerbated issues for the person themselves, and inability to cope in a highly stressful/already traumatic situation. That’s not fair ok the person themselves - or on the public who the Gardaí are supposed to protect.

Brinimartini

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Keep your own business to yourself, trust me.

qwerty13

@Brinimartini

Do you genuinely believe that someone who may have deal with very stressful situations ie extreme confrontation / death / murder, should not disclose any mental health issues? Really?

This isn’t a call centre job we’re talking about. It’s a job that involves unknown stress, which may turn out to be violent and/or life threatening for the Garda him/her self, or the public. And you’re suggesting to hide any form of mental illness. Right so 😳

LegacyUser

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

Heya
If you have a history of mental health related issues like I do I was told that an garda siochana is not a good place to work.

Based on recent stats. 10 gardai die by suicide each year and not because the job is delightful it's because the stress is rediculous

Jim2007

jackhynes99@yahoo.ie wrote: »

Heya
If you have a history of mental health related issues like I do I was told that an garda siochana is not a good place to work.

Based on recent stats. 10 gardai die by suicide each year and not because the job is delightful it's because the stress is rediculous

Well the figures I see is 13 over the three years as of May this year, which is already bad enough.


But that said, I would not imagine that any branch of the security or emergency services would be a great place to start out in if you have a fragile disposition.

OMM 0000

Maglie-ubre wrote: »

Does anyone know if a history of mental health issues would rule you out when applying to join the Gardaí?

On paper I'm an ideal candidate in every other area, meeting/exceeding all requirements. However I went through a bad phase with my mental health a couple of years back. The issues have all been addressed and treated, and I've been completely stable since then. I know my psychiatrist would be happy to write a letter in support of my application. I have no intentions of minimising or hiding the problems (after all, I'm sure it would be found out as part of whatever background checks they do.) If I am totally open and honest about it, and can prove that I've been doing well since then and that my psychiatrist believes I'm well enough for a career in the Gardaí, would I have any chance of getting through?

I'd very much appreciate any opinions or personal experience with this. Thank you.

You are posting anonymously.

Can you state what the mental health issue was?

There's a huge difference between depression and psychosis, etc.

I think if we knew this we could give better advice.

1hnr79jr65

Its best to disclose the challenges you had in broad way, then if they ask you can go into detail. Just because you had some challenges in the past, does not mean you are totally unsuitable for every role. Assuming for example that it was depression and how severe it was, they may not want you driving or approve you to become and armed member in the future, however you could be suitable as a liaison officer for abuse victims or similar as you may have a level of understanding and empathy to support a member of the public being you faced challenges, or you could be a control room operator/dispatcher if you have good organizational and logistical skills.

It may not work out depending on what challenges you have had, but go into it honestly and show how you have overcome that challenge and how you can use what you learned to bring something to the force that others may not have. Sometimes negative experiences can lead to positive futures. Good luck with your application.

Heart Break Kid

As long as your no considered medically mentally and physically fit, it should be of no issue. Garda will do their checks. It may even stand to you in terms of how you overcame your own challenges and set yourself right.

Would give your a first hand understanding of the issues some people suffer from which may come in handy when dealing with the public

Old document but has some details that may help.

https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/garda-trainee-2019-notes-for-applicants.pdf

watch your six

I'm guessing it comes down to a case by case situ.

I'm coming from a nervous breakdown and 15yrs of unemployment due to mental health an just sheer laziness of not being able go out an get any old job. I live with mental health everyday I try manage it best I can but I dont like eatin in public feel un welcome by staff and get nasty looks feel disconnect with reality at times due to feelin like an outcast an tweaked my life with certain things in certain situations. Yet with all of this I feel I would thrive as guard and have very good street swag an can read people quite well imo the more cayoss things are around me the more comfortable I am its wen things get quite an intimate where people want to get close to u an know u is where I have issues but as for the job it be peice a piss. I'm 32 now I'm an educated lad with a leaving cert and honors degree I also compete in CW championship in which I'm 3 times mixed martial arts world champion. I'm a reserve member an I also work in community organisations an charity's and have life experiences. Now ymtell me I'm not a suitable candidate bcos I know I'm suitable.

Just believe in yourself an lie lie lie and more lies beg borrow an steal your way into your career an again believe in yourself an u will already have this job. We I this together now go get.

JKerova1

I heard when I was in Templemore a certain drill sergeant shouting at student Gardai 'if you have depression or 'anxiety' you should not be in this job. Guards are too busy dealing with the problems of the public, they don't have time to be dealing with the problems of windbag colleagues'.

Also overheard an instructor in Templemore saying that anxiety was not a real condition and was something that was 'made up by civil servants to get time off work'.

Do not go into the Guards if you have mental health issues. Just don't.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119681703#Comment_119681703

No one is going to base a decision about their future on some second hand BS that some random individual on the internet might or might not have heard from some twat down the pub.

Don't post such BS, it says more about your maturity than anything else.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119685091#Comment_119685091

It's not BS. I was there. I was in the Gardai and left. I experienced it at first hand.

I'm trying to help someone avoid making the same mistakes I did.

You're the one with the attitude problem. You obviously don't have much of a life either if you have over 7,800 posts on boards.ie

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119685262#Comment_119685262

No you were not there according to your last post: "I heard when I was in Templemore". Just hearsay and very likely from a disgruntled employee for all we know. Giving advice based on rumours is not very helpful.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119686962#Comment_119686962

Yeah I heard it because I was there. It was screamed in my face by a drill sergeant in Templemore. What makes you think I'd make it up, to make new friends in internet land? I have hardly spoken of it, only reason I mention it is to prevent people from making the same mistakes I did and join the gardai with mental health issues.

Mrs OBumble

The delivery may have been shít, but the point is valid: high stress jobs like being a garda are no place for anyone who is fragile.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119691116#Comment_119691116

Unfortunately I would have to agree with you there.

Wanderer2010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119691116#Comment_119691116

They are not really for anybody with common sense. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would choose to be a Garda. Are there any positives at all?? Crap money, very stressful situations and the things you see on a day to day basis would scar you forever.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119693050#Comment_119693050

Yeah you sum up the job pretty well. I suppose some would consider it a vocation, there are some people out there who just want to be gardai from a very young age. There are some benefits. You can be earning very decent money after a while, especially if you move up the ranks. But you have to put up with earning very little initially. The garda health care is regarded as one of the best there is, along with the prison officers. But aside from that there probably isn't much to recommend it.

sudocremegg

I work in the emergency services and quite frankly I believe if you have your act together, and have a strong head you will be fine. Depression, anxiety and previous mental health problems that are now under control are no big deal. The very large proportion of people in the emergency services have some form of PTSD, stress, depression or will develop them and they still do a brilliant job. A lot of people are on anti-depressants or seeking therapy in the ES. I know people in the ES who were previous drug addicts or alcohols. I know people in the ES who were still working while alcoholics.

Ignore all the civilian fools here who have painted whatever picture of how the ES candidate should be in their head. As long as you aren't going to break down in a heap during training, or when dealing with a very high adrenaline incident then you will be okay OP.

My honest to gods advice? Don't tell them anything about your previous mental health issues. This advice has been trotted out by so many of my colleagues to people wanting to join with the same concerns, and the same for the defense forces.

Even if you told them you have anxiety/depression you should be fine as long as you aren't on medication like valium or opiates, or have serious mental health issues like BPD, bipolar or whatever.

Depression and anxiety is common as dirt. Go for it if it's what you desire.