I'm in the Marine Corps and have been suffering from recurring bouts of depression, apathy, and suicidal thoughts. I know the USMC doesn't take too kindly to those who seek medical attention for physical problems, let alone mental health issues. What should I say when they ask me for my reason for an appointment is? should I ask to see a psychiatrist or a general practitioner?
2007-03-19 05:42:59 · 14 answers · asked by Adam 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Don't worry about what your superiors will say.See a psychiatrist.Don't end up like Gomer Pyle on Full Metal Jacket.
2007-03-19 05:48:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make an appointment with your regular doctor advise the receptionist is for personal reasons. And really you should not care what the USMC thinks about you because trust me once you are out of the military they don't give a S*&^ about you. My father is a vet and my boyfriend is also he went to Iraq 3 times as has been recently diagnosed with PTSD which has similar symptoms and the VA is sedating him not helping him. Have you ever seen a VA hospital? I think the county hospitals are much cleaner and efficient. It disgusts me how people who are or served for me and my country are being shoved under a rug because they have mental health issues. Find a good support group in your area and some good friends and family members.
2007-03-19 05:58:48 · answer #2 · answered by candie g 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't mess with it, my brother -- go to mental health and tell them what's going on. This is one time where you have to say the rest of your life is more important than the mission of the Marine Corps (besides, you'll only hinder the mission if you're not 100% ready to do the job). The folks in the medical corps have a duty to help you, and your superiors have a duty to make sure you're physically, mentally, and emotionally fit -- even if it means that you may not be able to function effectively in the military environment. Get yourself over to mental health TODAY and tell them about the symptoms you've been having. I won't lie to you -- doing so may put your military career at risk -- but in the long run it'll be better for you and the Corps. Don't wait. Get help.
2007-03-19 05:54:26 · answer #3 · answered by sarge927 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suggest seeing a psychiatrist, and there is NOTHING wrong with that , at all. I have suffered many years with the things you listed, and something called PTSD. I have not been in the military but it is not uncommon for people in the military to have this. And it is nothing 2 be ashamed of, dont let anyone try to tell you otherwise.
It is something you can manage and you can get better; just make sure you see someone.
Best of luck! :)
2007-03-19 06:19:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember first of all you are a human being.If ur higher authorities dont see taking medical advice/treatment as a good reputation then they are wrong and not actually concerned with the good of their officers/employees.Dont wait longer to take an oppointment of a doctor.dont hesitate to give the real reasons when demanded by concerned authorities.What is the use of all the facilities,respect,grades,etc. if it spoils ur life and the sense of job satisfaction.Before taking any kind of bold step go through the procedure through right channel.Respect life and dont even think of ending it up because of two reasons-it is the most precious thing given by God and it is not expected from courageous people like you to give up so easily!Cheer up!
2007-03-19 06:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by manavi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physical activity can help with symptoms of depression, you should go to the clinic and tell whoever needs to know at the Battalion that you have recurring dreams. At the clinic tell them what you told us, I know we as medical providers must provide confidentiality need to know may extend to a commander. If you can go to a Air Force hospital I would. Good luck
Tsgt USAF medic 20 years reserve
2007-03-19 05:59:58 · answer #6 · answered by usamedic420 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You see your regular doc first for a diagnosis and then if he feels you need to see someone else he will recommend it. Call and tell the receptionist you need an appointment with your doc to discuss some mental issues with the doc. There is no need to say anything more when you make the appointment.
2007-03-19 05:47:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen, I know Marines love the Corp., but you need to put yourself above the cause of the USMC. You are not a robot, you are a human being, and you have every right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Please seek help, I don't want to see another soldier die....
2007-03-19 05:53:04 · answer #8 · answered by seth22rr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is fairly an open shut case.....have them run a hepatitis c antibody test - do not rely on a standard liver lab as with hcv the alt and ast levels aren't always elevated!
once you get your diagnosis, treatment will be offered and since the virus can cause depression as well as other disorders of the mind and body, you will be out of the service and well on the road to recovery.
75% of veterans have hcv! get tested! and by all means, go straight to a gastrointerologist! a GP doesn't know much about hcv!!!
2007-03-19 05:56:44 · answer #9 · answered by Stephanie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can try talking with the USMC chaplain about what to do, since they have a policy of confidentiality. He/she can guide you through the system. My son consulted the chaplain about dropping out of the Naval Aviator program, and the chaplain was able to get answers for him without exposing my son's identity.
2007-03-20 12:00:41 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋