Well, I had the hardest time deciding where to put this post so if I put it in the wrong place someone please feel free to move it.

I was recommended for placement in a volunteer exchange with World Canada Youth, but I'm worried that my past might disqualify me so here's the letter I'm thinking of sending them. Please give me feedback on it.

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I just received word I was recommended for a 2005/2006 exchange program and am ecstatic. I feel that it is important to disclose some information to you, as I know that it is requested on the medical evaluation and I believe that it may influence your decision. I want to make it clear to you that I did not intend to deceive you during the interview process, but I felt uncomfortable discussing some of my life problems at that time and wanted to wait for the recommendation before proceeding with this disclosure.

I have been diagnosed with depression and have in the past attempted suicide. I was hospitalized after I overdosed on Tylenol in May 2004 and was hospitalized for suicidal behaviour in June of the same year. I also was seen at the emergency room October 2001 after taking excessive amounts of Tylenol. I understand the serious nature of these actions and am not attempting to excuse them but rather to explain them.

As I mentioned above I have been diagnosed with depression, and I have also been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from child sexual abuse. My first attempt was a dramatic cry for help about the abuse since I was unable to disclose it any other way. After that I saw a psychologist who was very helpful in treating the effects of the abuse. However the recovery from abuse is not simple and in 2003, after problems with university, I felt depressed again and was prescribed anti-depressants, although I did not take them faithfully. When, in January of 2004 I withdrew from the university I spiralled further into depression leading to the suicidal behaviour above.

Since my attempts in 2004, I have been regularly seeing a psychiatrist for therapy, established adequate social supports, restarted university courses and I believe my depression to be in remission. I am looking forward in my life and trying to fulfill my dreams and reach my goals and your exchange program is part of that. I will willingly undergo another interview and also get my psychiatrist to send a letter along with my medical evaluation. I understand if this information will disqualify me from this year’s program, but if this is the case I am very interested in being involved in following years programs. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Thanks everyone,
Laura