Do you think depression due military service is fake or can be faked?

2021-03-28T19:52:05-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2021 8:06 PM

2021-03-28T20:06:21-04:00

Some of it is. It can be faked. It’s almost I know a couple VA psychologists who say it’s almost impossible to prove someone is faking it.

Response by Ernest Stephen made Mar 28 at 2021 8:30 PM

2021-03-28T20:30:20-04:00

Some of it is. It very well may be faked. It's nearly I know a couple VA analysts who say it's practically difficult to demonstrate somebody is faking it. https://www.google.com/

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Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 28 at 2021 11:05 PM

2021-03-28T23:05:56-04:00

Some may fake it but that seems difficult. And, yes depression can be caused by military experience

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Mar 28 at 2021 11:20 PM

2021-03-28T23:20:32-04:00

Every soldier deals with depression in some manner. Some may act like their depression is worse than it actually is, But who is going to question their lvl of depression with the suicide rate of soldiers and veterans. I wouldn’t.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 29 at 2021 12:05 AM

2021-03-29T00:05:22-04:00

A lot of illnesses can be faked. Especially when it comes with disability compensation. It happens.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 29 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-03-29T11:52:06-04:00

Can it be faked? Sure. Just about any mental health diagnosis can be faked with enough knowledge and dedication.

Is it faked? Probably. But probably not often, and faked SUCCESSFULLY even less often.

Is it fake? Absolutely not. Let's look at some of the leading external "causes" of Depression (there are genetic and physiological issues that can be relevant, as well).

See how many are applicable to military life:

Sense of helplessness
Sense of hopelessness
Loss - this can be loss of a loved one (or battle buddy), but it can also be a loss of a lifestyle, a home (PCS), a friendship (PCS), etc.
Isolation
Abuse
Trauma
Change
Stress

Gosh, looking at my career, I can check EVERY SINGLE one of those boxes.

I can't see why ANYONE could possibly think that a military life could POSSIBLY cause depression. It's just a mystery.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 29 at 2021 2:33 PM

2021-03-29T14:33:14-04:00

Yes, depression can be faked. Chronic depression is a psychological problem and should be taken seriously. To fake any health related malady you have to be consistent and persistent. Not easy. Trained psychologists know to look for possible fake mental illness being used for other purposes.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 29 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-03-29T18:24:05-04:00

There have been cases where veterans became despondent and killed themselves. Then they found out the veteran was never in combat and had hardly served

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Mar 29 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-03-29T19:40:53-04:00

Anything can be faked when it comes to mental illness. But it isn't an overnight thing. I would think you would have to show a consistent pattern over a period of months, maybe years before you could get away with it. I don't think you are going to just walk into the V.A. and apply for disability for PTSD and get it without a period of counseling.

I am sure it happens but as a true proud American Veteran I would not try to pull such a stunt. It disgraces all of us. If it is legit, get the help. That is what it is there for. If it prevents you from being a productive member of society, then maybe you need the disability compensation. If you can function, seek mental health treatment.

Sorry for the rant folks but it irritates me when people pull crap like this when there are those who truly need help and have to wait months to get in because of the bozo's clogging up the system.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-03-29T22:58:14-04:00

Yes but there is help. I have had my share of hardships but it doesn't mean we should focus on the negative. It is sad to see a person ruin their whole life because because of a few years.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 30 at 2021 10:10 AM

2021-03-30T10:10:54-04:00

Anything can be faked, but if you aren't a practitioner, I caution you to try and call someone out on it.

Response by PO2 Joseph Chantiny made Mar 30 at 2021 10:13 AM

2021-03-30T10:13:18-04:00

It is a mental health issue, however one could argue that it isn't a broken arm, so how do I know you're really clinically depressed.

Response by Cpl John Payne made Mar 30 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-03-30T16:46:07-04:00

I THINK DEPRESSION CAN BE FAKED TO GET DISABILITY IF SO THE PERSON
IS A SORRY PIECE OF SHIT AND HURTS THE PERSON THAT HAS PTSD I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING
TO NOT HAVE SEEN THE THINGS THAT GAVE PTSD

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 5 at 2021 1:37 AM

2021-04-05T01:37:58-04:00

Military depression starts in "basic" and continues until discharge. I have worked with many "civilians" who have been depressed for years [with it beginning in high school]. Lose of friends, family separation, less than desirable living conditions all contribute to "military depression" and in some cases lead to continue depression after service life. Dissatisfaction with your job is a major contributor.