Response 1: Antidepressants are disqualifying for one year after you stop taking them. You must stop with your doctor's advice; do not stop on your own. These medications often have to be reduced slowly to lower side effects and reduce risk of relapse.
Mood Disorders
You're also disqualified if you have bipolar disorder or affective psychoses. For depressive disorders (for example, major depressive disorder), disqualification from the service occurs if a person had outpatient care that lasted for more than 12 months or any inpatient care.
Depression in the Military Environment
Having a previously diagnosed mental health condition such as depression can actually be a disqualifying factor for service in the United States military, though individuals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Whilst there are some mental health histories that will almost always preclude entry to the ADF, where there is evidence that a candidate has received treatment and subsequently shown effective functioning in their life, a psychologist may determine that they are suitable to join the ADF,” the spokesperson said.
Why does it matter? Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally. Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don't affect your everyday life, can mean that you're not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.
Mental Health and Enlisting
For a person considering enlisting in the Armed Forces, some mental health disorders can disqualify them from joining. Not only do you have to be pass the physical and fitness requirements, but you must pass mental muster, too. Psychotic disorders are one disqualifier.
Some specific mental health conditions and certain controlled prescription medicines, for example Ativan and stimulants, remain disqualifying if they must be used to achieve normal duty performance. Your medical provider can help you understand these exigent circumstances; all applicable policies are listed below.
While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.
Recruiters generally tell applicants that they must be off medication for a considerable length of time — by far the most important measure to take — and show that they are able to function properly while off medication prior to starting the enlistment process and to be considered for a waiver.
The most common mental health problems among personnel and veterans are depression, anxiety and alcohol problems. Some people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Trained healthcare personnel may determine if the Service member requires further evaluation or health education and contact the Service member. The MHAs consist of a two-stage self-report assessment using validated tools to assess alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms.
Past behavioral issues, to include cutting, bipolar disorder and depression, as well as drug and alcohol abuse generally prevent someone from enlisting or earning a commission. However, the Army will grant waivers in some cases.
Depression is a disorder of the brain. It is a serious mental illness that is more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. For more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.
The rate of depression is higher than the rate in the general population because of the stressors that military life poses. Aside from the stress of combat and separation from families, some soldiers with depression also experience stigma surrounding their mental health.
The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.
However, because ADHD is not disqualifying per se, individuals who want to serve in the military are encouraged to pursue this option, along with other career possibilities.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In general, this mental health condition is disqualifying in the military.
The article states, “According to the U.S. Air Force Medical Standards Directory, ASD is not disqualifying for continued military service unless it is currently – or has a history of – compromising military duty or training” (Davis, 2021).
Anxiety As A Secondary Service-Connected Disability
While this condition alone may qualify you for veterans disability benefits, it may also be secondary to other service-connected disabilities. Some conditions that may give rise to or be connected with anxiety include: Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
The most commonly prescribed are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Similar to the effects of alcohol, these medications are great at quickly generating relaxation.
Army Rangers and Navy SEALs agree: one of the most effective ways to deal with fear is to laugh about it. As Waters puts it, laughter lets him know that everything is "going to be fine and it's all going to work out." There's evidence to back this up, too.
Current Standards
Those seeking to serve in the military have their vision tested during their enlistment physical and receive eyeglasses if they need them. They must be able to see 20/40 or better using both eyes together at a distance.
Migraines before Enlistment
If a migraine episode has not occurred in many years, the recruiter will coordinate an induction physical examination at MEPS that may include diagnostic imaging and neurological testing to rule out serious vascular or oncology conditions.
Asthma will only prevent you from joining if you were diagnosed with it after your 13th birthday. Hearing, vision, and asthma qualifications are usually determined by medical exams and are not service-specific. You can still request an asthma, vision, or hearing loss waiver if a doctor denies your application.