I'm currently in the Air Force and they prescribe anti-depressants. I'm interested in getting a prescription but I'm extremely worried it will affect my career when reenlistment comes around or even get me discharged. I mainly want a prescription because I experience anxiety and find it very hard to concentrate mentally in a social/work environment.
Normally, I just say **** it, and try to pull myself together and just work through it but it's really starting to take a toll on me, and I'm starting to feel fatigued all the time just trying to drag myself to work.
Any advice?
2007-09-05 14:29:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A more upbeat attitude toward killing and not ever dying for our great nation (U.S.). By the way I am THE ALL AMERICAN!!!! OOH AAHH!!!!
2007-09-05 14:36:42 · answer #1 · answered by Sloan R 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Anti-depressants can have a very bad interaction with illict drugs and alcohol, so be aware of that. Also be aware of the side effects! Some meds can make you gain a whole bunch of weight. If you have to be on one though, I'd recommend Wellbutrin because it actually helps you lose weight, if your weight changes at all. If you smoke Wellbutrin helps you quit as well. If you are depressed, however, maybe you should look into it. I have been on anti-depressants for a long time and I'll tell you that it's not some magic pill that makes everything go away. If anything it gives me more energy and that's about it. I suppose most of my depression-fighting is done with therapy, self-help, EXERCISE and changing my thinking. I assume you have some sort of health insurance? The copays for my Wellbutrin aren't too bad (I pay $15 for a 3 month supply, and I'm on my dad's Kaiser plan).
2016-05-17 16:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by mercedes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the drugs are prescribed to you, don't take them. After all, you don't want to come up positive when the piss test results come in. I take anti-depressant and anti-hypertension drugs because of my PTSD issues, but they're prescribed. I tend to see a lot of people with just ordinary, everyday lows taking the medication as a crutch, sometimes even as sympathy bait. If you have real problems, go to mental health and talk to a counselor. Air Force OneSource also offers a limited amount of free off-base counseling sessions. You just have to get over the stigma, not worry about what other people will say, and go talk to someone. Besides, most of the docs I know won't prescribe meds like that to you without some one-on-one counseling. I hope this helps.
2007-09-05 15:21:03 · answer #3 · answered by Rodney 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If it will have an impact largely depends on your MOS, but you should know that there are a number of people (including those in the armed forces) who use anti-depressants at some time in their lives or another. You are in a high-stress line of work and what you're experiencing is not uncommon.
To get the most specific answer as far implications are concerned for your job (prior to going to medical), I would suggest the following--
-- seek out a counselor at Fleet and Family Svc Center on base (or its equivalent), as this is a commonly overlooked service but may be able to answer a lot of your specific questions
-- talk to a chaplain (irregardless of your religious affiliation, he/she should be able to help direct you)
-- check out militaryonesource.com , I'm not sure if this website will have an answer for you but it seems to have information about a variety of things
Good luck!!!
2007-09-05 14:44:29 · answer #4 · answered by not amused 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Exercise, weight in ratio to height, don't skip any meals, breakfast is the big meal, lunch moderate, dinner/supper is the light meal.
Was working long hours and 2 weekends between work and Reserve duties. Wife (ex) was a nag. This all lead to anxiety attacks. Stress kills.
Went to hypnosis therapy, problem resolved. It did take several months. That was 1981 have had no further problems. I left the Reserve as I was concerned I might not be an asset at all times. As it turned out that was bad judgment on my part. Divorce was my final solution. She made two more guys nuts too.
Good luck, i am not big on the drugs to fix things either!!
2007-09-05 14:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If a military doc is prescrbing, there should be no reprecussions. Obviously, being on the meds will improve your job performance. The only time it could be an issue is if you are trying for the higest security clearance and even then, as long as you are not in severe depression or suicidal, you should be fine. Trust me when I say it is better to take the meds and feel better.
2007-09-05 14:36:04 · answer #6 · answered by Annie 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I was prescribed them, and there were no repercussions. Mental illness is a disease, just like any other, and if you need treatment that shouldn't be held against you. However, like any disease, if it gets so severe that you can't do your job, a discharge might be the best thing for both you and the service.
2007-09-05 15:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by Chance20_m 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
well look at it this way.. if you don't get some sort of help and you continue your downhill slide, they will not allow you to stay in by virtue of your crappy performance anyway.
The AF is overmanned and will look for ANY excuse to kick people out.
2007-09-06 05:14:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they prescribed it for you....its ok to take...BUT, with the whole time for reinlistment thing....that might hurt you. If you cannot physically, mentally & emotionally preform your job without medication....they just might kick you out.
However, the best person to answer this question would be your PCM.
2007-09-05 14:36:27 · answer #9 · answered by innamorta2000 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋