I already believe I know the answer to this. I'm afraid to get counseling/medication for PTSD which a licenced physician stated that I have becuase I want back in the military. I was a contractor in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and New Orleans immediately after Katrina, I've worked in law Enforcement and currently working in Corrections. Needless to say I've been through some traumatic events. Should I go ahead with getting a clinical diagnosis/medication scrip? I'm currently on a trial of lexapro and it already seems to be helping alot. The job I'm trying to get requires a ts clearance.


Thanks

you will have a psychological screening, and background checks up the wazoo to get a TS clearance. they're going to find anyone, and anything that's come into contact with you in the last 15 years. trust me, they'll find out just about everything there is to know -- even some things you don't rememeber etc.

i would never suggest anyone sacrifice their mental health, or physical health for a job... no matter what it is.

I'm definately a functional diagnosis. From other Military memebers and contractors that i've talked to that were overseas they all exibit sysmptoms of PTSD. However only a small percentage that i know have sought treatment. Probabaly for the same reasons that I have now.

Thanks

most of us can 'cover' it at work. miliary is another thing all together.

it's your choice if you choose to ignore it or get help for it -- when you're my age, you'll wish you'd gotten treated, and realize it isn't worht it for 'one more year' or what have you.

if you're on medications, they'll show up in your inprocess physical -- so you better have a good reason why they are there.

either way, it's your choice what you do.

ptsd in and of itself is not a reason for a discharge. however, it can be a reason for ineligiblity to join.

and there are many signs and symptoms of PTSD that are also simply stress symptoms, only a qualified doc / counselor can address if someone has PTSD or not.

if you're taking lexapro, and are still going to try to re-join, you'd better be honest with the recruiter you work with AND the docs at your MEPS physical. it will show up.

Well I've decided to skip the diagnosis. I will discontinue taking the medication. Serving again is my top priority thank you.

i'm back all. for a while anyway.

glad to see you have your priorities in order nateljen...

I am prior service and a civilian police officer. I was diagnosed with ptsd after a critical incident. Is this something that there is a chance to get a waiver for? or should I not even waste a recruiters time trying to get through meps?

Thanks

It depends on the severity. How does it affect you know? Testing will be done and if the condition shows on the test, you will need to deal with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Shaggy507:
I am prior service and a civilian police officer. I was diagnosed with ptsd after a critical incident. Is this something that there is a chance to get a waiver for? or should I not even waste a recruiters time trying to get through meps?

Thanks

It depends on the severity. How does it affect you now? Testing will be done and if the condition shows on the test, you will need to deal with it.

The effects have greatly subsided in the last year. The event was in 2005 at that time I suffered from zero sleep due to nightmares at times short term memory loss and just depression in general. I also would flashback/blackout at certain times like in the shower or on my 35 minute drive to work, basically times when I was alone. I was given a 20% partial permanent disability from Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation but I am still on the job. Like I said in the last year I have made great progress.

Thanks,

Charles

All you can do is to do the best you can. If you are highly motivated to join up, check things out with a recruiter and see where you area. You never know.