is this true?

[LoveMe_HateMe]

is it true that if you've suffered/suffer from depression or anything like that, that you cant become a psychiatrist?

[Mr. Smithers]

No, absolutely false. I knew a psychologist in which she was bi-polar.

If anything, it should be an advantage. Knowing more about those types of things, because you experienced them yourself.

[Zephyr]

As August said, that is absolutely wrong.

Psychology professions actually have the highest rate of suicide compared to other professions. All who are in the profession are required to go to a counselor/psychologist themselves since they're at high risk for depression.

One of the world's best in the field of studying Bipolar Disorder is Bipolar herself.

Most people that I know that want to get into the profession want to do so because they want to provide the help and support they didn't get when they went through it themselves.

[Obscene Eyedeas]

here it does not affect your ability to become a psychiatrist in fact you are made analyse yourself in our psychiatry course and those with mental illness tend to specialize in that area for the simple reason that through self analysis they have come to understand it better then other areas.

it is a hard course to complete but mental illness does not affect your chances of getting in

[Sith Lord 13]

Speaking as someone who is studying psych, as well as someone who has several psych conditions, you can absolutely be one, assuming your psychologically well enough to complete school and to hold any job that involves one on one personal interactions. It is not uncommon for a psychiatrist to be treated by another psychiatrist for any of a number of conditions. It's not required, but is more common than not.

I don't know all the details for England, as I'm in the US. I recommend talking to a mental health professional for the details in your country. If you ever need any general advice though, either as patient or doctor, feel free to PM me.