SPC Private RallyPoint Member 6156525 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This time last year I had my first ever mental breakdown. I was hospitalized for having suicidal ideations, I was diagnosed with depression and had to be seen at the behavior health. With only being seen TWICE my bh provider diagnosed me with personality disorder. I may not be a psychologist but I’m not stupid. It takes more than 2 meetings to really understand and diagnose someone. I then asked to seen by someone else, they gave me the chief of the clinic. She said because of my hospitalization it was unlikely for me to stay in but I made it known to her that I would do whatever it takes to stay in. She recommended that I get out but said it was possible to stay in if i went to therapy and actually talked. This was a few months after my breakdown and I was still struggling on getting back to myself but was hopeful in my army career because my 1st SGT told me he would me help me. A couple weeks later and my unit is getting ready for deployment, not sure if I was going because I was non-deployable. Out of nowhere My platoon nco gives me clearing memo for a 5-17!! I wasn’t aware of it, no one told me anything. So in confusion I go speak to my 1st SGT about it. Totally uninterested in what I had to say he tells to go speak to my bh provider because it came from her. Well I did exactly that, when I went to her and asked, she told me that my command team wanted to go forward with a 5-17 and that she supports their decision. We talked about going to therapy and moving forward but my command team and provider never told me anything about a chapter. 7 months later my unit is deployed and I’m still pending separation. I was told by my nco that my chapter packet didn’t have any evidence of “adjustment disorder” there’s no paper trail because I don’t have a bad record, but the chapter is still being pushed through. Now I have to get a lawyer to fight it. My ets date is 6 months out. I just want to ets , I don’t deserve this chapter. Am I wasting my time fighting this chapter or do I have a chance? 2020-07-30T03:35:47-04:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 6156525

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This time last year I had my first ever mental breakdown. I was hospitalized for having suicidal ideations, I was diagnosed with depression and had to be seen at the behavior health. With only being seen TWICE my bh provider diagnosed me with personality disorder. I may not be a psychologist but I’m not stupid. It takes more than 2 meetings to really understand and diagnose someone. I then asked to seen by someone else, they gave me the chief of the clinic. She said because of my hospitalization it was unlikely for me to stay in but I made it known to her that I would do whatever it takes to stay in. She recommended that I get out but said it was possible to stay in if i went to therapy and actually talked. This was a few months after my breakdown and I was still struggling on getting back to myself but was hopeful in my army career because my 1st SGT told me he would me help me. A couple weeks later and my unit is getting ready for deployment, not sure if I was going because I was non-deployable. Out of nowhere My platoon nco gives me clearing memo for a 5-17!! I wasn’t aware of it, no one told me anything. So in confusion I go speak to my 1st SGT about it. Totally uninterested in what I had to say he tells to go speak to my bh provider because it came from her. Well I did exactly that, when I went to her and asked, she told me that my command team wanted to go forward with a 5-17 and that she supports their decision. We talked about going to therapy and moving forward but my command team and provider never told me anything about a chapter. 7 months later my unit is deployed and I’m still pending separation. I was told by my nco that my chapter packet didn’t have any evidence of “adjustment disorder” there’s no paper trail because I don’t have a bad record, but the chapter is still being pushed through. Now I have to get a lawyer to fight it. My ets date is 6 months out. I just want to ets , I don’t deserve this chapter. Am I wasting my time fighting this chapter or do I have a chance?

2020-07-30T03:35:47-04:00 2020-07-30T03:35:47-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 6157093

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Write your Congress person and then they’ll write your Command and you’ll get a answer. Might not be the one you want but at least you’ll have a answer

2020-07-30T08:53:47-04:00 2020-07-30T08:53:47-04:00 CSM Darieus ZaGara 6157185

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As stated by others, a Congressional inquiry is the way to go at this point (provided your have done as stated). As for your NCO, he is wrong-I see the paper trail (in my mind) just based on what you stated in your text. A Congressional will wrap it all up in a tighter package, better for you to understand. Reach out to your Congressman.

2020-07-30T09:34:33-04:00 2020-07-30T09:34:33-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 6157797

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You will not be able to stop a Ch 5-17 and you shouldn&#39;t try. The CH 5-17 is addressing the causes that lead to your break down. It takes about a month for the decision to be made to the approval of a 5-17. The decisions is not with that provider. The findings go to another senior provider and they make the assessment. I would not feel comfortable myself with you deploying. The Army is not a place for that. I would have much rather seen my friends get separated from the Army then go on and commit suicide. In reality that is what happens. If you think you are going to deploy and get the care you need then you might end up as a statistic. I would urge you to get the care you need and more on to a place that is better for you. These providers are there to maintain the force and take care of Soldiers. If a Soldier requires care that is beyond the scope needed that makes them deployable then you are not fit for the Army. It is a tough situation but the Army has readiness standards. <br /><br />Also, I can tell you how the process works. I have separated several Soldiers for a 5-17.<br /><br />You have an incident that requires BH care. After your care you will be recommended to be evaluated for your continued service. The BH provider will make an assessment and it will be reviewed by another provider to validate the findings. You would be assessed as not fit for service. You CoC will initiate a separation packet and you will receive a &quot;Letter of Intent.&quot; This is what you just received. You will have a chance to go to legal and they will review the findings. They can not stop it but they will just make sure they abidded the proper legal process and then you will be given a separation date. The signing authority for this would be a COL. I have learned to trust a COL. I think he knows the needs of the Army and the unit. I have seen many try to fight it but the issue is that there was an BH episode. You already said that you trying to get back to yourself. The Army isn&#39;t a great place to deal with this. When you can&#39;t deploy it forces another Soldier to work more and it will strain the unit. This is why we separate Soldiers. I would look toward another option in your life beside the Army. Trust me, I have seen some people get out of the Army and flourish. Turn your story into a victory lap of your personal success and not the end of your dream.

2020-07-30T12:15:55-04:00 2020-07-30T12:15:55-04:00 CSM Mark Gerecht 6158482

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Please read AR 635-200 page 59. There are other requirements of the regulation that must also be met. You have several courses of action. If you want to discuss email me at [login to see] . Provide your phone number and a good time to call.

2020-07-30T15:41:14-04:00 2020-07-30T15:41:14-04:00 SFC Michael D. 6158712

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I worked at a State Hospital for 7 years. Psychiatric facility. I&#39;ve been hit, kicked, spit on, and anything you can imagine happening. One second, they are ok holding a conversation with you and the next going off on everybody and attacking people. Now you are an unstable person (you say so yourself) who is supposed to carry a weapon into battle. Do you think that&#39;s a good idea? Hell, we can&#39;t even get people to wear a mask to protect their fellow citizens from a fatal disease. I don&#39;t think you understand the severity of a public breakdown. Take the counseling and hope for the best.

2020-07-30T16:41:12-04:00 2020-07-30T16:41:12-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 6160167

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Once the mention of &quot;suicide&quot; comes into play, there is no way your chain of command can deploy you and keep you in the Army. How will an ETS and a 5-17 differ? Won&#39;t both be considered honorable discharges?<br /><br />Listen Soldier, in my 20 years in the gun club I&#39;ve never seen a soldier come back from this and amaze everyone around him/her. Those Soldiers just became constant liabilities until the COC stopped giving them more chances and just kept them on rear D. Which the rear D commanders were never happy with. <br /><br />edit: Oh you are at Fort Stewart? I&#39;ve seen more careers end abruptly in Fort Stewart than all my other duty stations combined. Heck... mine almost ended in Fort Stewart until I hunkered down for 2 year&#39;s straight and did everything in my power to get promoted.

2020-07-31T02:14:15-04:00 2020-07-31T02:14:15-04:00 2020-07-30T03:35:47-04:00