With the meds, I don't think it's fair to reject someone from serving our country.
What do you think?
2007-02-12 12:28:06 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Everyones answers are so good..I think my mind is changed. Its true.
2007-02-12 12:42:46 · update #1
No, I think it's a decision for the better.
2007-02-12 12:35:39 · answer #1 · answered by Nette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've given this some thought, having an almost 16-year old bipolar child. When you see what a drastic difference the right medication combination can make and what an amazing individual this turns out to be, it does of course seem wrong to deny them from serving if that is what they want to do. They are usually highly intelligent, creative individuals.
But, as others have pointed out and as you have acknowledged, the disorder is forever and when the meds aren't right or situations arise that are difficult for the average Joe to handle much less the average Joe with bipolar disorder things can get dangerous. I think of how many days in a month my child might miss his meds when I'm not there to remind him ... He's almost an adult and generally responsible, but stuff happens and if he's excited about a project he'll still stay up all night and sleep all day. If he misses twice I know without asking, you know what that's about too I bet. Can you imagine staying on track with those meds in a war zone?
Kudos to you for wanting to serve. There are other ways to serve our country outside the military. Anything from local community volunteerism to teaching our children to --- well. The sky's the limit, isn't it?
2007-02-12 21:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by laurie888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to the answers above, people who are bi-polar are extremely liable to stop taking their medication, whether they have access to it or not.
Most people who have psychiatric disorders may, at some point, decide they no longer need their medication because they feel better or are sick of taking their meds, little realizing that they feel better all the time because they are continually on the medication. Further, just as it takes time for the medication to start working, it takes time for the medication to completely pass out of the body, prolonging its effect for a couple weeks after cessation.
It is doubly dangerous for someone who is bi-polar to stop taking their medication because they have extreme ups as well as downs, and they may not recognize the "ups" as a problem since they feel great at the time, further delaying getting their condition under control.
I also realize that a lot of people take their medication exactly as prescribed, and enjoy a wonderful quality of life. That they would want to serve their country is admirable, as it is for everyone, but the possible ramifications of medication non-compliance, even in peace-time, can be dire.
2007-02-12 21:18:47 · answer #3 · answered by ruadhdarragh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be that if someone with bipolar disorder was deployed, there would be limited access to the medication. Then the results could be unpredictable, especially in a manic phase with easy access to deadly weapons. A person could also go into severe depression and become suicidal. That would jeopardize the safety of everyone around the individual.
2007-02-12 20:40:59 · answer #4 · answered by emerald_angel_queen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i would say cause if they are in a war, and do not have their medication to keep then stable, then really bad things could happen, they may decide that they know best, and if the others do not listen well they may take things into their own hands, and even decide to off some of their own people off, cause they think by not following what they say that those are trader. So you see, if they can not supply you with enough of the medication you need, when you are out there in the middle of a war, then things can really go bad for them and for you .
2007-02-12 21:00:26 · answer #5 · answered by Ladyofathousandfaces 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they suffer from a debilitating mental condition. Periods of depression and mania can affect concentration, reflexes, ability to perform tasks, and all sorts of things that could cause a person with bipolar disorders to be a danger to themselves and those around them Soldiers should only be a danger to the enemy.
2007-02-12 20:37:03 · answer #6 · answered by Bob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are not allowed into the armed forces because they can be unpredictible and if they do not take their meds, they can go on a rampage, ang possibly hurt someone else or themselves
2007-02-12 20:32:03 · answer #7 · answered by K SHIP 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no guarantee to having access to one's medications on the front line in the middle of a war. It's unfortunate, and it stinks like hell, but there are a lot of kids who want to serve but can't because of some stupid pill they have to take. :(
2007-02-12 21:58:03 · answer #8 · answered by Kilroy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're not on the meds, the last thing you'd want would be for them to have access to high-velocity weapons, either to do harm to themselves (depressive) or others (while manic).
2007-02-12 20:35:39 · answer #9 · answered by T J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
even with meds, . a person who is bi-polar will have problems joining the war as they have such great mood swings
2007-02-12 20:39:46 · answer #10 · answered by caffsans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would rather not think of a mentally ill person out there with a gun in there hands.....
We have mental illness to in our family so I am not prejudice just realistic.
2007-02-12 20:44:05 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋