Can depression/anxiety get you discharged?

2019-01-01T07:11:07-05:00

Can depression/anxiety get you discharged? My friend has been struggling with it for quite some time and is scared to bring it up. He has 2 years left he doesnt want to be booted out for dealing with it. What are his options ?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 9:33 AM

2019-01-01T09:33:01-05:00

Zero sense in not seeking treatment.
You don't get separated for depression. You may get separated for behavior associated with depression, so if he doesn't get treatment it won't be able to be considered as a mitigating factor.
Further, if he has no record of it, he won't be compensated for it, or receive treatment for it from the VA.
He needs to seek treatment, zero upside of not seeking treatment.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Jan 1 at 2019 9:34 AM

2019-01-01T09:34:36-05:00

If it affects your performance, yes. See the Chaplain. He/she will have advice and the conversation will remain confidential.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 1 at 2019 10:41 AM

2019-01-01T10:41:36-05:00

Doing nothing about it will get you separated.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 10:49 AM

2019-01-01T10:49:27-05:00

Thank you all for the advice, hes seeking the proper treatment, now once again thank you

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 11:01 AM

2019-01-01T11:01:57-05:00

Your friend could possibly get MEB/PEB if he falls in the guidelines of AR 40-501 standard of medical fitness..I can't remember if depression is on the list, but I know anxiety is for sure... the regulation will state what requires a MEB for all conditions from head to toe.... he have to look at the particular chapter he fall under which is 3. Chapter 3 deals with retention, separation, retirement. Don't be like most soldiers and go out on an easy wrong chapter 5-17, instead of the hard right MEB process if you are found unfit for duty........

3–33. Anxiety, somatoform, or dissociative disorders
The causes for referral to an MEB are as follows:
a. Persistence or recurrence of symptoms sufficient to require extended or recurrent hospitalization; or
b. Persistence or recurrence of symptoms necessitating limitations of duty or duty in protected environment; or
c. Persistence or recurrence of symptoms resulting in interference with effective military performance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 1:29 PM

2019-01-01T13:29:03-05:00

It can definitely get him discharged for personality disorder if he doesn't deal with it.

The military has taken great steps over the last decade to ensure that Soldiers have enough mental health care and will not be ostracized or marginalized for seeking it out. If your friend doesn't seek out the treatment they need, it's the same as if they injured themselves and refused to get treated. It is his responsibility to get help.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 1:55 PM

2019-01-01T13:55:18-05:00

MEB possibly. He should seek treatment, but if they put him on meds, those meds could make him non-deployable.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jan 1 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-01-01T23:44:29-05:00

If he has been dealing with any type of mental health issues, he needs to go see the guys in mental health. There is an unwarranted stigma that seeking treatment for issues is a sign of weakness, or that it can damage a career. To be honest, it is quite the opposite. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can have a lingering effect on the person, and can lead to difficulties in daily living, potentially leading them down the road to suicide. The only time I have ever seen anything come of a mental health visit is that a member is taken off PRP or placed on a do not arm list temporarily, often times for their own protection.

If your friend hasn't already gotten help, encourage him to. He isn't going to be booted out, and they are going to give him tools to deal with the problem.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 2 at 2019 3:59 PM

2019-01-02T15:59:51-05:00

It depends on if he can improve on his own, remain static, or he needs intervention.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 5:09 PM

2019-01-03T17:09:16-05:00

His commander can request a Fit For Duty Evaluation, the results of which can result in an MEB.

Response by PO2 Andrew Wilson made Aug 22 at 2024 2:21 PM

2024-08-22T14:21:43-04:00

No shame in dealing with it. He may find that the military is the best thing for him after getting the help he needs. Not dealing with it is far worse and much more destructive.