Posted on May 30, 2018
Is it possible for me to join the military after being on anti-depressants and having suicidal thoughts?
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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.
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.
Waivers
Mental Health
Recruiting
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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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.
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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
Five Meter Targets!
Chief
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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
http://cdm16635.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/pageflip/collection/p16635coll11/id/672/type/singleitem/pftype/pdf
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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.
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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
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.
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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
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 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.
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Are there any recruiters reading? Have you seen recruits make it through to be a successful service member in this situation?
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SGM (Join to see)
If you DISCLOSE this to a recruiter you WILL NOT be cleared to enlist.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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