I am 17 looking to enlist in the Air Force. A few years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression. However, while taking antidepressants, I function normally.
2007-10-06 15:34:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
sorry, while you are on meds you are DQ'd. you must go off the meds with the approval of your doctor and function normally for a year before you can request a waiver.
Long Term treatment(more than six months) is a PDQ.
Additionally, the AF is granting almost no waivers whatsoever. Your chances are about zero.
2007-10-07 01:51:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To the last guy that answered.. depression doesn't not necessarily disqualify you from enlistment, (and he listed an army regulation as his reference... we have our own instructions in the Air Force) When I first joined I misread the paperwork at MEPs and I thought it asked if I was currently taking any medication for depression, so I answered no, however the question was actually worded to say Am I currently or ever taken meds for depression. Well, when I went to Basic I mentioned that I had been on Lexapro at one time because I was upset when my ex-husband and I seperated. The lady flipped and accused me of lying on paperwork, blah blah blah basically trying to scare the crap out of me. I had to go see the Mental Behavioralist to evaluate whether or not I could stay in..(and I had been at basic for 3 weeks by this point halfway through). The doctor there requested my old medical records and determined that I had situational depression, certain situations (especially ones that involved major circumstances i.e my ex husband and I seperating and later getting divorced, etc) the doctor said I had made it through 3 successful weeks of Basic and I was fine. So they let me stay in. Honestly, I would be straightforward with everyone. I don't know if your depression would be an automatic disqualifier but the doctors can research your medical history and determine things from there, they might disqualify you because you have clinical depression and you have to always be on meds to function, but you never know until you ask.. And I strongly suggest you don't lie to get in, because it can only come back to bite you in the butt, especially if you have to get any kind of clearance and they dig deep into your background, and if just one person let it slip that you have/had depression it could get ugly. Good luck, and I hope everything goes ok for you.
2007-10-06 17:54:37 · answer #2 · answered by Sharpie211 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It might not keep you from getting in, but I wouldn't volunteer the information as it might keep you from doing the job that you want. Dont ask, dont tell. Shouldn't this apply to everything where the government is concerned. Good luck. Also, it might be a good idea to have a friend go to the recruiter and pretend to join while letting them know that they have these sort of problems and just see what reaction they get. Couldn't hurt, unless they sign that little paper. Keep quite....
2007-10-06 15:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by drenchzgrinch 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a possibility of entering in with a waiver but it still could be a challenge for you.
Try not saying anything on the history forms while filling out paperwork and you may slip in and then once your in the have to deal with you and accept you. Good Luck!
2007-10-06 16:20:33 · answer #4 · answered by Lordes Skye 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depression is considered disqualifying for enlistment.
2007-10-06 16:50:52 · answer #5 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
do you still take meds or have you gotten over this.
remember you are a teen at the time of this diagnosis. All teens get wacked out it's normal.
So if you're well now, don't say anything and get on with your life.
Godd luck to yop.
2007-10-06 16:02:56 · answer #6 · answered by Macisbac 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes if you are dependent on medication the military has no use for you, and rightly so.
2007-10-07 02:25:56 · answer #7 · answered by conranger1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋