Nervous breakdown & trainee train driver role?

[Ms9689935]

Hi I was a train operator for London underground but had a nervous breakdown 5yrs ago & was in hospital then, have fully recovered. But was medically retired at the time.
Does anyone know if that would be a No now? for a trainee Train Driver position.
It is something I miss after driving for 14yrs

 

[Smallskis]

I'm sorry that I don't have the answer for that but can I ask you a question, I have applied for the role of night tube driver the thing Is I have depression which I take medication for and I'm worried I would fail the medical do you have any insight into that, thanks.

 

[Ms9689935]

Hi with regards to depression its not a problem as long as you are not on medication.
That used to be the policy when I was there that was approximately 4-5yrs ago things could have changed but normally if there is a risk of the medication making you drowsy then they won't allow you to drive trains & normally put you on light duties until medication has finished. They do write to your gp normally to confirm.
Hope that helps but obviously a lot could have changed. But that is initially what happened to myself.. But worth trying

 

[Smallskis]

Thanks for your help I do take medication but it does not make me drowsy so maybe it will be alright, good luck with what you do.

 

[Sotac464]

Hi with regards to depression its not a problem as long as you are not on medication.
That used to be the policy when I was there that was approximately 4-5yrs ago things could have changed but normally if there is a risk of the medication making you drowsy then they won't allow you to drive trains & normally put you on light duties until medication has finished. They do write to your gp normally to confirm.
Hope that helps but obviously a lot could have changed. But that is initially what happened to myself.. But worth trying

I find that astounding to be honest and I'm not doubting you by the way. How can anybody be fit to drive a train? if you are suffering from depression, but as long as you are not on medication you are safe to drive a train.

How can that be safe? What happens if a driver wakes up and he's having a bad day and depressive thoughts are going through his head? Is that ok as long as he's not on medication?

 

[otomous]

I find that astounding to be honest and I'm not doubting you by the way. How can anybody be fit to drive a train? if you are suffering from depression, but as long as you are not on medication you are safe to drive a train.

How can that be safe? What happens if a driver wakes up and he's having a bad day and depressive thoughts are going through his head? Is that ok as long as he's not on medication?

All sorts of things can cause a bad day, whether you are suffering from depression or not. Depression is predictable for some, they learn techniques for managing it. Focusing on the job is one way. And there are permitted medications anyway.