How can I help a buddy who is depressed and still serving? Is it possible to ETS early?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:04:47 -0400

I have a battle whom is having a lot happen both regular life and army life and it’s a lot. Said person spoke to me about depression and it is serious. Is it possible for said person to get out early to handle life situations?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2019 1:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:23:43 -0400

Talk to your chaplain or escort your friend to a provider/ chaplain.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Apr 1 at 2019 1:30 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:30:03 -0400

As the other comments stated, he should see provider / chaplain, but keep in mind that early medical discharges are complicated. Army often requires lengthy medical board to determine fitness and/or likely disability after discharge. I once knew a soldier who was stuck in service for months waiting on medical retirement discharge. He developed PTSD from repeatedly handling mutilated dead bodies for mortuary duty

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2019 1:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:52:21 -0400

I highly recommend your Battle seek assistance with either BH or the Chaplain before trying the getting out early route. Your Battle needs help first. Then, once help is received, then your Battle can plan.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2019 1:52 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:52:53 -0400

Life situations and mental health can be related but are not the same. Talking is a good start.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 1 at 2019 2:17 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:17:31 -0400

First and foremost I hope he is seeking help for his issues. There reasons for hardship discharges but it is not a simple process. Quite frankly one is better off addressing the issue with the military and seeking support through transition. We see too many Veterans in crisis because they jumped out of the military without a plan or support for PTSD, TBI and other military related issues. Seek help. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 1 at 2019 2:19 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:19:32 -0400

Self referral to behavioral health! Unit chaplain is a great source as well. The fact is that recognizing the need for help is a badge of courage! Encourage your battle buddy to seek help, walk the walk along her/him.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 1 at 2019 2:29 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:29:54 -0400

Everyone here has pretty much hit it on the head already. Let me just add this:

If it is serious, then you stop recommending a trip to BH. You start insisting. If necessary, get the CoC involved, and make it an order. Yes, it may damage the friendship if your battle really doesn't want to go. But it may save the life. Life trumps friendship. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Response by CPL Eugene Cody made Apr 2 at 2019 9:49 AM

CPL Eugene Cody — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 09:49:08 -0400

tell someone in authority that your buddy is depressed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2019 10:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 10:03:13 -0400

Can he separate early? Yes there are separations for family hardship and undue hardship. Being depressed due to having issues isn't hardship its a reaction to having issues.
So, if the underlying issue warrants separation, such as needing to take care of a sick parent, they can be separated early.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Apr 2 at 2019 10:44 AM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 10:44:46 -0400

Chaplain!

Response by SGT Jennifer Rixe made Apr 3 at 2019 1:38 AM

SGT Jennifer Rixe — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 01:38:36 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member definitely encourage your battle to seek help within behavioral health and/or chaplain. I have spent the last 3 years studying veterans and this sort of thing, the personal issues and military issues, are a major red flag for those who have committed suicide throughout the years. Depression is not something to take lightly. There is nothing wrong with seeking help - in fact it shows a great deal of strength to seek it. I wish said person all the best and hope said person is able to navigate through their challenges.