Military Disqualifications for Mental Health - Operation Military Kids
Mental illness is an extremely serious and often overlooked problem in the United States. Millions of people deal with mental illness every year, but that doesn't mean many of the cases are untreatable. We're often asked if you can serve in the military with a mental illness. There are military...
www.operationmilitarykids.org
Mostly everyone is depressed in this day and age with a meod of health issues
1. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the United States.Oftentimes, anxiety manifests itself during your adolescent years.
You may find it difficult to be around people, or struggle to get on with life because the anxiety is simply overbearing.
If it prevents you from doing things you want to do or makes you feel physically sick, it’s important to talk to a physician about your symptoms.
The military has a problem with lumping the various types of anxiety disorders into one general problem.
However, the general rule is that you cannot enter the Armed Forces if you required inpatient or outpatient care related to an anxiety disorder in the last 12 months.
Additionally, the Department of Defense examines if any treatment has been prescribed for the disorder in the last 36 months.
Though anxiety issues like panic disorder or social anxiety may disqualify you from serving in the military, branches like the Army are beginning to loosen their standards on the problem.
Related Article – VA Disability For Anxiety Disorders Guide
2. Asperger’s
The Department of Defense treats Asperger’s Syndrome as an automatic mental health disqualifier.However, it is important to remember that just like almost every other form of mental illness there are varying levels of the condition.
For example, someone with a mild form of Asperger’s could potentially receive a medical waiver from the military.
Though you shouldn’t count on it, there is hope if you make your case.
Gathering all medical records related to the syndrome and answering any questions a recruiter has about the condition goes a long way.
3. Autism
In the past, having autism was an automatic disqualifier for military service.However, like many forms of mental illness, the Department of Defense is starting to change its perspective on the matter.
It is possible that if you were diagnosed with autism as a child you may still have the ability to overcome the condition and receive a waiver.
Unfortunately, there is no clear black-and-white answer.
Like a lot of things in the military, the answer depends on what branch you are looking to join and what types of symptoms you regularly deal with regarding autism.
You can get more details about serving in the military with autism by reading our article on the subject.
4. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness.It causes unusual shifts in your mood, concentration, energy, and ability to do day-to-day functions.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorders are an automatic military mental health disqualifier.
The military considers mood disorders that require medication disqualifying.
5. Depression
Depression is a complicated mental health problem that affects over 17 million Americans.It is also becoming more common in minors (ages 3-17) with nearly two million reported cases.
However, there are many forms of depression, and some people are capable of living very normal lives with the mood disorder.
The military will study a case of depression very closely to determine eligibility.
In general, any mood disorder that requires medication to treat is a mental health disqualification standard.
The military also assesses whether the condition affects your social ability, learning, or work efficiency.
You may request a waiver for depression, but your efforts may have better odds depending on the branch you apply for.
6. Learning Disabilities (ADHD & ADD)
Learning disabilities like Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are also complicated.In general, learning disabilities are disqualifying.
However, if an applicant can demonstrate passing academic performance you may get a waiver.
You also need to prove you haven’t used any medication for the learning disability in the last year.
The military primarily wants to make sure the disability will not affect your job performance with a branch.
There are minimum qualifying standards for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery tests as well.
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes thoughts or obsessions that obstruct you from living a normal life.There is also the tendency to do something repetitively (or have compulsions) with OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not as well understood as other mental illnesses.
In general, this mental health condition is disqualifying in the military.
8. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is also an anxiety problem.The disorder causes persistent mental or emotional stress, which is usually a result of some form of trauma.
Unfortunately, PTSD is a common mental illness that gets diagnosed in patients who previously served in the military.
While it is rarer for people to try and join the military with PTSD, it is not completely abnormal.
Unfortunately, the military considers PTSD a disqualifying mental health condition.
If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, you likely won’t receive a waiver.
9. Suicidal Tendencies
The military considers any suicide attempts in the past as disqualifying for military service.Additionally, any history of suicidal behavior that includes gestures or discussions about the thought is disqualifying.
The military also previously disqualified those that had a history of self-mutilation.
However, branches like the Army are currently loosening their guidelines on the matter.
The Department of Defense must treat previous suicide attempts or suicidal behavior very seriously since you’ll carry a weapon and become trained as a soldier.
