Is it possible for me to join the military after being on anti-depressants and having suicidal thoughts?

2018-05-30T18:52:56-04:00

Would it be possible for me to join the military?
I was on anti depressants 6 months ago during my divorce from an an active duty member. I reported suicidal thoughts due to the situation if him getting someone else pregnant. I'm 29 and single with no kids and want to better myself. I liked military culture and I'm in shape. I'm not weak. And never had those types of issues until the traumatic situation happened.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 7:45 PM

2018-05-30T19:45:31-04:00

Be honest with all concerned and give it a shot. A professional Recruiter with interest will get answers for you. It all depends on your medical history, how it is documented and presented, and the MEPS Dr(s). Good luck.

Response by Marie Anderson made May 30 at 2018 9:53 PM

2018-05-30T21:53:18-04:00

Are there any recruiters reading? Have you seen recruits make it through to be a successful service member in this situation?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 10:08 PM

2018-05-30T22:08:04-04:00

Marie Anderson Be completely honest about your past history when talking to a recruiter. I wish you the best. Please keep us posted.

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html

Medical Conditions That May Prevent You From Joining the Military

These standards generally apply to all branches of the military. None of them are automatic disqualifiers, just red flags.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 8:29 AM

2018-05-31T08:29:05-04:00

Divorce can be tough on anyone. Did you see a mental health professional to talk those thoughts and feelings out? If not, I’d recommend it so these thoughts didn’t resurface while serving. You want to be sure before entering the military. You will be tested both physically AND mentally in the military so you better have a plan in place to reduce stress and anxiety. I went to grad school and doubled my daily workouts during my divorce just to keep my mind and body occupied with other things. (I had trouble sleeping so I made sure I went to bed completely exhausted. That way my mind wouldn’t race interrupting my sleep cycle.) Nevertheless, when talking to your recruiter you’ll probably want to sound completely sure those tough times have passed or it will be a tough sell.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made May 31 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-05-31T09:24:15-04:00

AR 40-501 is the regulation used to determine medical qualifications for enlistment. Refer to Chapter 2-27 j. (Page 15)
http://cdm16635.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/pageflip/collection/p16635coll11/id/672/type/singleitem/pftype/pdf

Military Publications - Army Regulations - USAHEC

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 31 at 2018 9:29 AM

2018-05-31T09:29:02-04:00

Stay civilian and go to school.

Response by CW3 Steve Kuryla made Jun 1 at 2018 1:13 AM

2018-06-01T01:13:26-04:00

GO FOR IT... If everyone STOPPED trying to better themselves because of ONE HICCUP during their life that looked "kinda bad", we wouldn't have LEADERS with EMPATHY and common sense within our ranks. Keep going forward until someone throws a toad in the road... and if you're serious, go around the TOAD and keep on keeping on.

Five Meter Targets!
Chief

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Feb 10 at 2020 1:39 PM

2020-02-10T13:39:59-05:00

It would draw a mental health consult, and likely need to be waived.
Sometimes there are waiting periods (such as being off anti-depressants for X amount of time.)
MEPS typically works off of AR 40-501 for medical fitness, at least they did when I left in 2011.
You can look up the regulation at this link - https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx

Army Publishing Directorate

Army DA administrative publications and forms by the Army Publishing Directorate APD. The latest technologies high quality electronic pubs and forms view U.S. Army Regulations and DA Forms.