Posted on Jul 27, 2020
What are my chances of joining the US army after being diagnosed with depression as a minor?
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To give some referance, I just turned 20 years old. When i was 15 my dog died, my girlfriend broke up with me, and my father lost his job and we got the news we had to move to a new state within the same week. At the time i was fairly sad about the situation, so my mother brought me to a psychologist or therapist (not sure which) and i was diagnosed with depression and given anti-depressants. I dont believe i should have ever been put on meds or diagnosed, and believe i was misdiagnosed. I took the meds for about a year before realizing they were doing more harm than good for me so i stopped taking them. I believe i was misdiagnosed with depression, and should not have been given meds. It has been about 3 years now since i have been on meds or seen a doctor about anything sadness/depression related, and I have been doing very well. What are the chances of me being let into the US army? Would it help for me to get a letter from a doctor saying I am mentally fit for military service? I am not really sure what to do as I was a minor and my mother kinda pushed me into getting meds and being diagnosed. I really hope my chances arent shot because of this situation.
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Responses: 14
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Considering 90% of the military is clinically depressed at one point or another, I can't imagine it's too difficult...
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I would definitely get the letter and all the specifics possible about the case including the medications you were given and then talk with a recruiter.
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Based on your recounting of events I would hazard a guess that your depression was more episodic than chronic. I would encourage you to talk a to a recruiter for the most up to date information. BE HONEST every step of the way. I hate to say it but I’ve known recruiters in the past who encourage soldiers to withhold information, but it almost always comes out. Better to face the additional scrutiny now then get popped on a fraudulent enlistment later.
The thing the Army looks for us stability. If you’re not on medication, don’t have a recent history of episodes and are willing to undergo a full scope psychiatric evaluation you should be fine. The only thing that kind of sets off a buzzer to me is that you elected to stop taking medication on your own. That may take some explaining, but I’m sure that can be worked out to. Good luck, work hard, always do the right thing.
The thing the Army looks for us stability. If you’re not on medication, don’t have a recent history of episodes and are willing to undergo a full scope psychiatric evaluation you should be fine. The only thing that kind of sets off a buzzer to me is that you elected to stop taking medication on your own. That may take some explaining, but I’m sure that can be worked out to. Good luck, work hard, always do the right thing.
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