The Depression / Anti Depressants Merged Thread

[Hunter]

....The CF doesn't need mentally weak people like yourself.

I'm curious as to what makes you think you are qualified to judge (a) what the CF needs, and (b) whether someone is mentally weak or not based on what they have posted here..

Depression is very common, has a variety of causes, and as is evident in this thread it is usually misunderstood.  For some it's simply a chemical imbalance, while others it has a root cause in the person's circumstances.  That doesn't make someone mentally weak, and very few people with clinical depression are suicidal.  Nor does it make them a 'walking pharmaceutical cabinet'.

From what I've read, the originator of the thread is asking some pretty simple questions and there's no need for the insults some of you have posted.  How about helping this kid out with some relevant and useful answers.

 

[Infanteer]

If you need pills after your parents split what the hell is going to happen to you after you do a tour and see some messed up shit....The CF doesn't need mentally weak people like yourself.

Life has alot of ups and downs and a pill is not the solution.....

You sure have a big case of Tough Guy syndrome - it should do you good when you attend BOTC, look for it in the leadership principles....

You're climbing the ladder because this isn't the first time you've pulled a stunt like this.  Keep it up.

The Staff

 

[Chimo]

There seems to be a lack of general knowledge about depression and mental illness from some of the comments I have read in this forum. I think most would be surprised to find how prevalent it is in the Forces. Soldiers need leaders that are understanding, knowledgeable and sympathetic towards those suffering from these issues, many of which are job related, from situations as Kat described.

Many Soldiers resist seeking help with their issues because of the stigma attached to depression and mental illnesses. Leaders make off the cuff comments that show a lack of empathy and the Soldiers will burden themself further by trying to deal with their problems without professional assistance. This often leads to high levels of depression, further mental illness or even suicide. Please take the time and educate yourself and you may be a more effective leader.  

As for the candidate that wants to join and is upset about the waiting period and the requirements. Tough. Every institution has requirements and standards. We are in a very serious business and rightfully demand the best. We want a "known quantity" as a recruit. One day, we will demand a high return on the investment, we made in you as a Soldier. If you can't understand that, perhaps the Army isn't the type of vocation for you. As to your comment about Physical Fitness; you remark is so general it is laughable. You have no doubt lowered many of those peoples opinion of yourself further by making them. Stick to what you know. Follow the regulations the Recruiting Center places on you and keep you cake-hole shut until you know of what you speak. Chimo out!  :rage:

 

[KDingwell]

I have a similiar issue:
I am NOT diagnosed as depressed. In fact, none of my doctors ever put an actual diagnosis in my file, as there was complete disagreement between them. However, I was briefly on antidepressants (Dec. 2004), as well as had a short stint in a psych ward (Jan. 2005 for 5 days) and was in the care of a psychiatrist to monitor my condition for 6 months thereafter. I had no reoccurences of my symptoms, and my file with the psych has since been closed.

I've not been on medications for almost a year (well, it will be a year probably by the time I do medical), but I have since been in the care of a psychiatrist - is that likely to hinder me?

K. Dingwell

 

[midgetcop]

I humbly apologize if this issue has already been addressed on another thread (I haven't found anything after searching)..

I've been on a very low dose of an antidepressant for almost 2 years now...I had an episode of depression and my family physician had prescribed me this medication. Although I feel fine now the reason I don't come off of it is because of the horrible withdrawl symptoms (nice, eh?).

Are the recruiters going to have a problem with this? I remember when I took my medical in order to join CIC years ago I told them that I had been on Prozac, and they wouldn't accept me until I was off of it.

I'm sure this post paints me as an emotional mess.   

 

[kincanucks]

Go and talk to the medical personnel at the CFRC/D.

 

[midgetcop]

Thanks for the link.

As a teenager I felt that I was put on drugs prematurely, and I feel the same about this past episode. Basically, it was a matter of me going to my doctor's and saying that I feel depressed (due to a breakup), and him prescribing me medication.

I think I'm going to make an appointment and see if I can ween off the medication.

 

[Charlie]

Here's an update to the post: I applied in July 04, did my physical and aptitude in oct 04, my medical and interview in Jan 05.  My med came back asking for another letter from my doctor ( i had already given them an up to date report in january and had been off meds since around nov 04).  My medical came back cleared in June 05.  I redid my physical in July 05.  Was given a job offer in Nov 05, swore in on Dec 15th 05 and I leave for basic in 2days.  Thanks for the advice , good luck to everyone else.  CHEERS



P.S.  I think closing this thread now would give it a nice story book ending. 

 

[LanJ]

Hey,

Ive been depressed lately (for a few months now) and i don't mean to harp, but ive been considering antidepressants and i would not want that to ruin any chance of me joining the CF. its a dream of mine to join.

Anyway my question is if i was on antidepressants would it have any effect on recruitment?



Thanks.

 

[Roy Harding]

Apply - the medic will answer your question.

 

[LanJ]

still got some credits to get before i can.

And not to put down your statement but wouldn't it be better to walk in knowing

 

[Roy Harding]

still got some credits to get before i can.

And not to put down your statement but wouldn't it be better to walk knowing

I'm not sure what you mean by that post - can you elaborate?

You can only "walk knowing" by checking with the expert - in this particular case, the medic at the CFRC (who will not be expressing his personal opinion, but rather that of a MD who is qualified to make that opinion).

Basically - what I'm trying to say is that no one here can authoritatively answer your question - you'll get a lot of opinions, and a lot of personal stories, but only the CFRC can answer your question for sure.

Best of luck to you - no matter how you make out.

 

[LanJ]

oh, im sorry i must have miss read what you first wrote.

Thanks alot 

 

[davidsonr_91]

I was diagnosed with depression six years ago and had a hard time coping with normal thing but over the past six years I have learned a lot about myself and slowly got myself off the medication.  I have been off the anti depressants for almost six months now and I am coping better then I have ever done.  I want to be a police officer and I did my medical and received my medical form from the recruiting office and dropped it off with my doctor who i was not diagnosed by but when i moved to the city I needed some way to get anti depressants so only went to see him for pills.  When i was first diagnosed i saw a shrink but stopped seeing him because time didn't permit and didn't see the need to see him.  I also want to mention that I have had firearms like shotguns and rifles for a long time now and also have a restricted firearms license from the federal government which they had to know i was diagnosed with depression before I was given the license.  The form that my doctor filled out for the recruit centre mentions how he feels it is a high risk for harming myself and others as he checked off yes and where asks if he is concerned that i handle firearms and explosives he also checked yes.  But in the area if it asks him if he thinks i will have a problem dealing with the extreme stresses of military work he checked no.  This all makes no sense to me and if anyone knows how they think this will affect my application I would love some insight cause I'm lost as to the next step.  I am applying for MP reserve.  Thanks for anything anyone can offer. ???

 

[infamous_p]

Did you speak to him about why he answered that way? It probably won't expedite the process, that's for sure!! The military takes depression very seriously.

Perhaps the doctor misread or misinterpreted the form he was supposed to fill out causing him to inadvertently check "yes" in those boxes?

If not, and the doctor genuinely feels that you are a concern when it comes to handling firearms and for hurting yourself and others, then maybe there are underlying issues that you still need to deal with/seek help with, and you may run into some heavy problems in joining the CF...

But first of all, check with your doctor to see if he truly believes you are a danger to yourself and others, etc.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

We're not going here. Like every other med problem, you have to talk to the CFRC. We're not doctors, nor can we prescibe, or diagnose on the internet. If you need a internet doctor, type 'Viagra' into Google.

Milnet.ca Staff

 

[Yasa]

I'm posting this here as it related to the use of anti-depressants, however; not in the typical form.  I'd like to view other peoples opinions so  I will copy and paste the message I had sent to another user recently (with some things edited).

Hello,

I understand you probably get many private messages asking about various medical questions, however; after doing a search I couldn't find anything that was particularly useful to me.  I've wanted to have a career in either the military or police force since I was young (I'm 20 at this point) but there was an issue when I was 18.  Unfortunately I had been given a prescription of anti-depressants to help me get to sleep better at night.  There was an evening when I was intoxicated and had taken more than the required amount and subsequently I had to go to the hospital.  They classified this as an intentional overdose and then I was put into critical psychotherapy for a few weeks.

I know this was not the case when I had taken the pills, it was an accident and poor judgment from myself due to drinking.  My question to you is;

Should I bother applying with the Canadian Forces, and if so; should I bring this up?

I have no idea if this is on my medical records, I would assume it is being that I was in the hospital over night.  My personal belief is that not telling the entire truth is just as bad as lying and therefore in my eyes I'd still not be fit for the Canadian Forces, but with this situation I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.  I do understand why the CF would rather not allow me in; as it would seem my mental stability is low and unfortunately I have no proof other than my own word about what happened.

While joining the military has been one of my dreams, I do have another career path; that being a paramedic.  I've always wanted to help people since I was young and both of these careers would help me achieve this.  I am no stranger to stress and I thrive on it, but I would like to know if I should put the quest for the military behind me and just focus on this new career choice because of what happened almost 3 years ago.

Thank you for your time,



During the therapy I had attempted to explain the situation and the counselor understood but still insisted I attend a few more sessions.  I chose to do so simply because I figured if I needed to get anything off my chest, there was a place I could do it.  I am perfectly alright, and I completely understand, if the answer is "No you shouldn't apply" or "You can apply, but don't count on making it in."  This was a stupid mistake on my part, and as a result of it I have stopped drinking (I know, kind of extreme...but so far it's been worth it).  Like I said, I assume this incident will be on my medical records and while taking the counseling, I asked if this was going to be removed.  Unfortunately he said no, and he had no access to my file as he was not a doctor.

I have no mental health problems so it would just be unfortunate if I was turned away for an incident such as this, but that's life!

Thanks for your time guys (and girls).

 

[medicineman]

I'd hazard to guess that this question has been raised and answered ad nauseum here - however, this is something that is between you, your Recruiting Office Physician Assistant/Doctor and your own doctor.  If you're serious about applying, just make sure you don't lie about it - you may be asked for a doctor's note to clarify things.  Everything is done on a case by case basis.  Lastly, most of us rarely give any advice much more than this online - it's bad medicine and it might give you unrealistic expectations pro or con about your application.

Cheers and good luck.

MM

 

[the 48th regulator]

No ideas eh?  That's alright, thanks anyway!

Get both of your psychologist and psychiatrist to write a leter, that states you are fit to serve.

Does that help?

dileas

tess

 

[Yasa]

Get both of your psychologist and psychiatrist to write a leter, that states you are fit to serve.

Does that help?

dileas

tess

I haven't really thought of that, that's a good idea! However I haven't seen them since then and that's almost 3 years from now, and I forget his name but I think if I do some digging I should be able to find out who they were.  Thank you!