Im in the army national gaurd.Iam very depressed (6 months)?

Question

My concern is that I may be manic depressive.It's not that I can't admitt it nor seek help it's that if it's true and I'm damn sure it is, that it may get me booted from the army.Suggestions and getting out is not an option I want to stay in the army above all else

Answer 1

D you have a unit chaplain...speak with him in confidence....he will probably be able to assist you medically...without loss of your career...good luck

Answer 2

First, thanks for serving your country!

I spent 14 years active with the Army and got out during the 1993 Congressional draw-down. So, I realize I don't know what may have changed, but let me tell you from first hand experience that the Army (active or NG) will not discharge you for taking medication for a legitimate illness.

During my 14 years I took anti-depressants for many, many years. I was 19 when I was diagnosed bi-polar (new term for manic depressive). Took medication off and on for the next 13 years. I was highly decorated and even served two years as a basic training drill sergeant. I can also tell you that I was the best soldier that I could be during those periods in which I took my medicine. My performance was significantly impacted when I did not take my medication.

So here is what I suggest you do:

a) See a doctor and get diagnosed. You can not effectively diagnose yourself. You need a trained professional to do that.

b) Follow the doctors' advice, to the letter. If that means taking medication, then take it. AND don't stop taking it unless a doctor agrees. Most people who should take medicine eventually stop because they feel better. Well, guess what, that is what the medicine is supposed to do. What they don't realize is that in order to continue to feel better, you've got to CONTINUE to take the medicine. It took me a lot years to understand that concept.

c) Realize that you stand a better chance of being discharged for poor performance as a result of any depression you have then from taking medicine to overcome it. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish and what you can do when you are not depressed.

And lastly, let me say that if the Army discharged every person who required psychological help, then we would have about a 75% turn over rate after each conflict/war. And that's not the case so, go take care of yourself!

Answer 3

Get effective treatment, it make take a few different therapists until you find the right one for you.
If they prescribe meds, take them as scheduled and pay attention to side effects. Work with your therapist to adjust them properly.
Request a private conversation with your 1st Sgt. Explain that you really want to stay in but that you are undergoing treatment for depression.
You will not get discharged just for getting a little treatment for a common problem.
It also is a good idea to let someone in your chain of command know what you are fighting. That way, if the depression interferes with your attendance or performance, they will offer assistance. If you try to keep it a secret, they may use disciplinary measures when counseling is more appropriate.
Honesty is the best policy here. You don't have to give them every detail but trust them enough to ask for assistance.

Answer 4

If you are very depressed, that is chronic depression not Manic!

See a psychiatrist and see if he will give you an anti depressant!

Being depressed for long stretches leads to a chemical change in the brain which cannot be undone if you don't treat it earl and get some help! Meds aren't the long-term answer!

And be ware of antidepressants!! About the only one which has a limited impact on your libido is Wellbutrin. Get the XL tabs as you only have to take one once a day and it slow release so you get a better effect!

Your medical treatment is between you and your MD!

Answer 5

I hope you understand that there is a valid reason why the military doesn't want people suffering from illness to remain on active duty. In addition to the danger to yourself, you are also potentially endangering any number of other members of the military should you have a breakdown during a live operation.

I can understand wanting to stay in and meet your commitment or, if was your goal, continue your career. You will have to make the call if you can live with the risks involved. So assuming you still want to stay, what about seeing a private physician about your problem?

Answer 6

They army has many programs in mental health which include counseling or even drug therapy. Just because you are prescribed a drug does not necessarily mean you will get discharged from the army. You need to focus on your career and seek help through your chain of command and a mental health specialist, good luck

Answer 7

Make Good Of the Time you have left,and you will Feel much Better.Set some Goals and keep in Touch with yourself,even if you Fail don't be hard on Yourself but keep,your head to the Sky and You will Make it,Remember the World was not made in a Day.

Answer 8

wow umm my brother was in the army too hes weird and didnt get depressed or at least show it. but i really doubt theyd boot you theyve let ppl with serios problems in. But i hope you do come home soon well if thats what you want and that your not as depressed...just think about your family and friends and write them to help you get through it

Answer 9

Depending on your MOS it shouldn't matter. Go seek help and get on medication and counseling. If you want to stay in you should be able to unless you case is so severe it can't be helped by medication and counseling.

Answer 10

when my son was in the army he asked for something for his depression...it didn't seem to be a big issue....and i don't think you are the only one with that problem....call a recruiting office..i bet they can tell you...good luck from a bi-polar..