What are the regulations, guidelines, etc., covering a mental health discharge in TRADOC?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:09:11 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 12:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:19:13 -0500

You'll have better luck stating your situation and circumstances than asking a broad question like that. There are literally hundreds of pages of regulations that cross reference TRADOC, IET, Mental/behavioral health, discharge, and whatever other things your case touches upon. You can find all of them with Google.
So, please explain your predicament and we may be able to help you.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 12:39 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:39:20 -0500

I've been depressed for 4 months, following the death of my grandmother, I have reported suicidal thoughts on 3 occasions, one of which was at the ER after my mattle buddy discovered a suicide note I had written. I'm curious as to the likelihood of a discharge

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 14 at 2019 8:49 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:49:26 -0500

why would you need to know that, are you planning on emulating a DSM type disorder?

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jan 14 at 2019 10:23 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:23:50 -0500

Reference AR 40-501
Seek assistance from Google too!!
Hooah

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 1:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 01:20:26 -0500

I had lots of trainees have a significant loss to them and it get to them. It can be very hard. But remember eventually it gets better. It takes longer for some to get past it. Just some food for thought though, think about some of the things I say. Why did you join the Army? Try to remember that. Also, was your grandma proud of you joining? Remembering her being proud might help if she was. I know for some people family didn't support them. Also, think of it like this...death is a natural part of life. Are you going to quite every time someone you care about passes? An adult would not. They will deal with how they need to and drive on. I will say that being in the Army you have resources for help without ever seeing a medical bill. You have job stability. Most jobs do not allow emergency leave, or even 30 days paid leave like you get. Remember all you have to do is your initial contract. After that you're done and you have college paid for. You also will grow from the experiences you have gone through. Not to sound mean but you younger kids give into your emotions and if you don't like it you give up. I always told my trainees now that your adults, you have to deal with being uncomfortable. Life will through you things and they are not easy, so it makes you uncomfortable because you don't want to put in the time of effort to push past it. My advice is hang in there, keep going to behavioral health, reach out to people. You're not alone in the feeling of having a hard time with a loss. I know you have seen many of your battle buddies give up in basic and go home. I have had several who gave up and reached out telling me that they should have listened to me. I have actually helped a lot with ones who lost someone close to them while they were in training. I stayed 2 hours late one day to talk things over with a female that wanted to give up. Just also remember this will have consequences. It is not a oh I will be out and be all better. What will you do for work, education, what about your health insurance? What if later on you need help but have no resources? I really suggest you write out a long list of pros and cons. There are many people in the military that go to behavioral health. It can take a while for change, its not going to be instant.

Response by SPC Kenny Bethuy made Jan 24 at 2019 11:46 PM

SPC Kenny Bethuy — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 23:46:31 -0500

I can tell you from experience, I lost my grandpa just after arriving in Kuwait on my way into Iraq. It's tough. It really is. But, if you sit back and see the world for what it is and not what you want it to be, things like death get easier to deal with. Did for me anyways.