How do I get the chapter process moving for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations? What does the process look like?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:57:57 -0500

I'm suffering from a lot of depression, anxiety and Suicidal Ideations. I am needing to get out quickly to get back to my family so I can feel safe, loved and supported. I'm still in training. I'm just wondering how do I get the process moving and what does it look like?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 24 at 2022 11:05 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:05:56 -0500

Seems a little calculating, but contact your Chain of Command
under the unit open door policy and talk to the commander..
They can get you immediate help - but only if you tell them.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 24 at 2022 11:31 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:31:02 -0500

So let's break this down. This is not something you need to rush into out of a emotional response and isn't something you can self diagnose or initiate.

If you are having some issues with anxiety, mental health, suicide or all of the above you need to go to the chaplain, mental health clinic, ER or somewhere you feel safe and get some assistance.

Once you are out of immediate trouble and the dust starts to settle you can work with your command leadership, chaplain and health providers to find a way forward.

The first thing is to identify the issue. Did something happen to you while in training, something at home or is military life just not for you? Those are important questions you need to answer truthfully and not just what you think people need to hear to get you processed through the pipeline.

I wish you luck but I highly suggest seeking help and not just picking what you think is the fastest doorway home.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2022 11:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:42:31 -0500

You can request an administrative separation via memorandum thru your chain of command. You should talk with your Chaplain, your NCO chain, your CO, and request a meeting with a JA at your local OSJA or Legal Assistance office to understand the separation process.

PV2 Helm, what you're going through will pass, seeking help is not weakness. Communicate what you're dealing with, seek support, and keep moving.

You're a Soldier, and you're seeking to be a Combat Medic. I can tell you 'Doc' is a revered title for a good reason and you will be needed.

The Army isn't easy, and you would not be the first Soldier to experience mental anguish and reservations. Take care of yourself and keep communicating, this will pass and you can be stronger for it and help others because of it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2022 12:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:40:39 -0500

Seperations take time, there is no quick way out of the military.
If you truly have mental health issues, you need to be seeing a doctor. Get an appointment or do a walk in at behavior health. Your commander will need supporting documentation for a chapter/seperation. You can't just break your contract and walk out and your commander cannot just let you leave.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jan 24 at 2022 1:22 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:22:41 -0500

Have you talked to your first line supervisor or immediate chain of command about this? Are they aware of this? If not, you need to go talk to them. Immediately.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2022 2:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:24:22 -0500

This is very particular in regards to the situation, the need for it and the specificity. That being said, here are your avenues of approach:

1) Go to sick call to speak with BH and express these things
2) Speak with your CoC and express these things

Those are your avenues. Now, bear in mind that BH chapters can take a while. There is going to be all kinds of evals you will go thru to see if you are medically (mentally) unfit to continue service. Be sure that this is what you want...as I have seen way too many times folks come on RP to ask how to get back in after getting a chapter discharge for BH.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2022 2:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:41:36 -0500

Ok, first off, the Army isn’t going to separate you until they believe you are no threat to yourself or others. You don’t get to initiate the process just because you say you have these issues, you have to have a medical diagnosis for them. You need to make appointments with BH before anything can be started.

This post is awfully specific as if you know what you need to do or have to get separated. Kinda sounds like you just don’t want to be in the Army any more and that having these conditions will guarantee you benefits, which it will not. You will be categorized as an Entry level separation with no benefits.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2022 3:23 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:23:27 -0500

My advice:
Go to your nearest hospital emergency room immediately and tell them all about your suicidal thoughts/ideations.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jan 24 at 2022 4:05 PM

CPT David Gowel — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:05:23 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member I am sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. Please consider the resources on this page to get connected to someone who may be able to help you stay safe while thinking through your options.
https://www.rallypoint.com/emergency-support

RallyPoint - The Military Network

Find service members and veterans like you, discuss military life, and share professional opportunities on the largest military network.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jan 31 at 2022 3:47 PM

CSM William Everroad — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:47:45 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Go to the ER. Go to the Staff Duty. Go to the Chaplin. Go to anyone wearing stripes. Tell them you are having suicidal ideations. Go now. If you can't call me: [login to see] .