[Merlin]

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.

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>

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.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Thanks everyone,
Laura

[kimmydawn]

laura, the letter is put together very well and sounds wonderful. having said that, i need to ask if it's really necessary? are these things that they need to really know about you?

i don't know that i would "offer" the information unless required. if this is specific information that's required then yes, send the letter. however, if it's not mandated, i wouldn't send it. i'm just speaking personally as to what i would do.

i mean, is it mandated that they know such personal and indepth information from you? i'm sorry. i'm not familiar with the organization and it's requirements.

gl,

[silver_queen]

That's what I was thinking too, Kimmy. Is it really necessary to detail what happened? In fact, it may even work against you if such justification isn't necessary.

I agree with Kimmy, it's very well written.

[Merlin]

I have to send in a detailed medical history and psychiatric illnesses and past suicide attempts are asked for, so I thought that a detailed explaination would be useful, and decrease the chance that they feel that I've intentially deceived them just to get into the program.

Laura

[Merlin]

Well, I just talked to my psychiatrist and he is gonna send them a letter, after we go over it in our next session. I still am gonna send them an email, and give them a little infomation, but I'm probably gonna cut out a lot of the personal information, and let my doctors evaluations prove my suitability. They liked me well enough before so this should be enough to soothe any doubts that this brings up.

Laura

[kimmydawn]

merlin, i'm glad it's all working out and that yout dr is coming to bat for you. i think it should work out fine. i would hope so, anyhow.

i wish you well. let us know please?

gl hon.

kd