What is the right path to deal with depression?

2017-10-01T10:42:17-04:00

I have been suffering from depression for a little over a year now. My life has turned pretty south and it's just been a roller coaster for me. I want help, I've been to counseling but it's just to far and few in between to be worth much.. (I am stationed at FT Hood). My buddy told me to go see the doctor about possibly getting looked at for my depression.. But I dont want to hurt my career.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Oct 1 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-10-01T11:31:10-04:00

The best way to deal with any medical problem(and depression does fall into this category) is to seek professional help. The Army's officer in charge of the effort to deal with this sort of problem is a general officer who freely admits that he struggles with post traumatic stress and depression and is currently in treatment for this problem. The point is that the Army appears to be getting to the point where it realizes that mental health is a subset of overall health and treating it as such is beneficial to the service and service members. So follow your buddy's advice. Get professional help now.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 1 at 2017 12:04 PM

2017-10-01T12:04:07-04:00

In general (each commander being a human and thus having different opinions) . in general seeking help for depression is not an issue..If the medical determination is that the depression cannot be addressed with moderate time and therapy it MIGHT lead to an administrative discharge, but in no way required.
If it is found to be clinical depression where you are likely to hurt yourself or others, it could effect clearances now, or in the future.
But end of the day, its not going to go away on its own, so deal with it, deal with 2nd and 3rd order effects later IF they even come up.

Response by CW4 Glen Nardin made Oct 1 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-10-01T20:48:54-04:00

Sean,
Call Military One Source about getting a counselor. You will be able to get 8-12 (not sure of the exact number) sessions with a confidential mental health provider that the command would not have access to without your permission. You will be able to have more regular appointments instead of too far and few between to be worth it. One point of advice: if the first counselor doesn't seem to be getting you anywhere, just politely tell them and go back to Military One Source. They will assign a different one. Not all counselors are alike, but don't give up. There is one there in the area that can help.

Spent 5 years in the 1st Cav and 2 years in Baghdad. Know all about the hardships down there.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2017 9:25 PM

2017-10-01T21:25:49-04:00

The right and only path is to seek help. Tomorrow after your work formation, you need to pull your team or SL aside with your PSG and talk to them. Request to seek help that day. Go and see the chaplain or health clinic. If you feel the need to talk as bad enough, you might even consider morning sick call. Don't delay and let these feelings fester.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2017 10:31 AM

2017-10-02T10:31:06-04:00

Depression is a condition that often needs professional medical attention. Treat it the same way you would treat a broken leg. I have loved ones who battle depression and it doesn't get better with time. If it's situational, it may be treated with counselling only, but if there's more going on, more will need to be done. The brain is a complex organ and can mess up just like our hearts and kidneys can. There's no shame in seeking help. This needs to be your first priority.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-10-02T16:33:42-04:00

The right path? To go forth and seek professional help, whether that be with your base Mental Health Provider or contacting MilitaryOneSource. Either way, get help.