[SpicyNoodle]

To start off, I'm in Education. Should I change my job then knowing full well that I have depression and whatnot? I don't exactly trust myself with molding any kid's mind right now. It's not that I might hurt them or whatever. Far from it actually. I am not violent. I just wonder if its ok for a person with a damged mind should be entrusted with the molding of anyone's mind.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Get treatment and carry on - likely a few of your colleagues are depressed as well (it is very common) and in any case your own suffering will give you insight into your charges.

[hvert]

It sounds like you care about the kids and want to see them succeed - that's what makes a great educator!

I have taught for 30 years now right through the mental health issues. It really has never affected my ability to teach and be an effective teacher. If I thought it did, I would found a way to do something else I suppose, but this is my career, my vocation, and one of the major aspects of my life that has kept me going despite it all.

By the way, I don't at all think of my mind as "damaged." Perhaps that is something you might want to rethink about yourself. I have had some challenges, but honestly, I know very few teachers that don't have something challenging them outside their classroom. Teachers stressed dealing with illness, aging parents, their own children, etc.