Antidepressant

[usna1985]

Originally Posted by Positivity

I am supper bummed about the situation. If I would have known it would be grounds for DQ I would never have mentioned it. I find it extremely unfair. All I can do is pray at this point.

You did the right thing in disclosing for two reasons. First, it is the honorable thing to do. Second, if the issue subsequently came to light and the military learned you had not disclosed, you could be kicked out not only for the medical issue but for lying about it. Not good.

I would discuss this with my ALO/BGO/MALO to see if they have experience in this situation too.

I disagree. BGOs at least are specifically told NOT to get involved in a candidate's specific medical issues (for privacy reasons) and I assume the other services take the same approach. This would especially be true for a potential mental health issue which, arguably, is more nuanced than a broken leg.

As people keep repeating here (b/c it's true) -- the fact that others have or have not been DQ'ed or received waivers is not material/relevant to your situation because your situation is different. For example, even with a fractured arm, the fact that MOST people recover in 4 months (this is a made-up number; I have no idea how long recovery takes) doesn't mean you will -- bones heal at different rates in different people, infections can set in, etc.

Thus, you should do exactly what you are doing. Be honest. Provide the information they request. Hope for the best. Not easy but many, many people go through this process and come through it successfully.

[Positivity]

I feel that it is unfair because some individuals today and even in the military turn to things like alcohol to cope with situational depression (in no way am i trying to run down indviduals in the miltary; I have great respect for all who serve). I sought professional help and now my dreams could possibly be crushed because of it.

[usna1985]

I'm not a mental health professional and certainly can't comment on your situation vis-a-vis some other hypothetical person in the military or elsewhere.

I can say this in general about military personnel. Some do turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with stress or for other reasons. Drug use (other than those drugs prescribed by a military MD) is not tolerated. There is frequent testing and, if caught, an officer is almost certain to be separated. Alcoholism is treated as a disease. However, if you have problems with alcohol while in the military, it can affect your job. For example, you could lose your security clearance until you have addressed/resolved the issue and it's hard for most officers to function in his/her job without that clearance.

Depression (a mental illness) is something else entirely. Those who develop it during their military careers are treated by mental health professionals. Whether they can stay in or are discharged for medical reasons is a decision made by healthcare professionals.

As you have pointed out, many in the military develop issues during the course of their careers. However, the military is reticent about taking in new members who already have these pre-existing conditions. That said, if a condition existed and is now resolved, it may not hurt one's chances of entering a SA, ROTC or other accession program. That decision is one that only medical experts can make.

[Positivity]

Originally Posted by usna1985

That said, if a condition existed and is now resolved, it may not hurt one's chances of entering a SA, ROTC or other accession program. That decision is one that only medical experts can make.

That gives me hope because it has been resolved. It was highly situational and I am mentaly healthy in all aspects.

[NJDAD]

Originally Posted by Positivity

That gives me hope because it has been resolved. It was highly situational and I am mentaly healthy in all aspects.

There is hope and you have done the right thing, so good luck!