Finally, after carefully finishing my application, my interview  is tomorrow! I wish I’d found this website earlier…

I have a problem. I had a history of depression not long ago. I was diagnosed with Major Depression on Feb. 2009. Back then, I came back from a volunteering cycling ride from Texas to Alaska for 70 days for cancer research. When I came back, it was very hard for me to adjust to the city life and more importantly, I just had experienced heaven, it was hard for me to live my old life. I wanted to quickly finish school (I’m a premed) and go out to the world and help people. It all kind of added up and I was having a devastating semester. So I decided something was wrong with me and I checked myself into a psychiatrist office for help. I took that semester off so that I could concentrate on the therapy. I did my best to get out of the situation.

In the meanwhile, man, I learned A LOT about myself. I was actually grateful that I went through it because it became one of my lifechanging moments. Since then, my attitude towards me completely changed, and I’ve never been depressed for the last 6 months or so.

In the application I remember checking the box for the visit to a therapist. But I left the box for “other mental health issues” blank. I was confused about the question + Afraid of the rejection.

I decided to call the headquarters to tell them that I had been diagnosed with depression two days later I submitted everything. But my friend told me a story of an applicant who was rejected because she had a history of depression.

I have been waiting for my whole 5 years of college life to become a Peace Corps Volunteer before I go to the med school. I ardently desire to become one.

Some people say, lie about it. Some people say tell the truth (I’m pretty sure I will be rejected for my medical issue). I know I won’t be able to lie about it. I will tell the truth. But I can’t get rid of the feeling that I will be rejected when I subjectively look at my not long ago experience with depression.

What do I do? I am going to tell the truth, but I feel like I need to get ready for the rejection and appeals…

p.s. When I’m abroad or volunteering, I DIDN’T BECOME DEPRESSED AT ALL! I always used to be the happiest kid in those abroad volunteering experiences.