Can I join the army with a history of depression?
Asked by: Rusty Reichert | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (54 votes)
Can You Enlist If You Have Depression? A person with a depressive disorder must be stable, without treatment or symptoms for a continuous 36 months, to be eligible to enlist.
Does the army accept people with depression?
WASHINGTON – People with a history of “self-mutilation,” bipolar disorder, depression and drug and alcohol abuse can now seek waivers to join the Army under an unannounced policy enacted in August, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.
Can you be disqualified from the military for depression?
Current mood disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or depressive disorder not otherwise specified, are disqualifying.
Can you join the military with a history of antidepressants?
Recruits currently on antidepressants are generally disqualified from enlisting. However, there are exceptions for individuals who have demonstrated prolonged stability without symptoms or medication. In such cases, a waiver may be considered, though these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What mental illness disqualifies you from the military?
Psychotic and Bipolar Disorders are disqualifying for deployment. Individualized assessment required.
CAN YOU JOIN THE US ARMY WITH HISTORY OF DEPRESSION
Does the military check your mental health records?
The third screening measure consists of a review of medical screening forms and a general psychiatric evaluation, which is integrated into the entrance physical examination at military entrance processing stations.
What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
- Schizophrenia.
- Severe Bipolar Disorder.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Major Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- So, What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
How long do you have to be off depression medication to join the military?
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.
What disqualifies you from joining the Army?
These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
Does taking antidepressants change you?
But many people are able to slowly stop taking antidepressants after a while. Antidepressants can change how you feel and respond in certain situations, but they don't change who you are. You may feel more relaxed, more social, more assertive, or more outgoing when you are taking an antidepressant.
Will I lose my military career if I seek for mental health?
Seeking mental health support does not pose a risk to gaining or keeping a national security clearance but experiencing a mental health crisis could. In fact, seeking support can help you resolve underlying mental health issues that could negatively affect you, your family or your career.
What medications disqualify you from the army?
- Blood modifiers. ...
- Antineoplastics (oncologic or non-oncologic use). ...
- Immunosuppressants, like chronic systemic steroids.
- Biologic response modifiers. ...
- Benzodiazepaines, whether used chronically or newly prescribed.
What is the weight requirement for the army?
Height: 58 – 80 in. Weight: 119 – 227 lb. If you enlist to become a Soldier and don't meet the physical requirements at MEPS, you may be eligible for the fitness track of a program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course.
How to get a waiver for depression in the military?
A history of depressive or anxiety symptoms may be considered for waiver if treatment has been completed and a period of convincing stability demonstrated without need for ongoing medication or psychotherapy.
What medical history will disqualify you from the military?
- Any disorder or history of disorders with psychotic features.
- History of impulse control and conduct disorders.
- History of depression requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
- History of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
Can you leave the Army if you're depressed?
You may worry that asking for help will mean you have to leave the armed forces. In fact, seven out of ten people who receive specialist mental health support will continue their career. Of those that don't, many feel fine with the decision to leave.
Can you join the military if you have depression?
According to the Department of Defense, you're disqualified from serving in the U.S. military if you have a current diagnosis or a history of most mental disorders.
What military branch pays the most?
When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.
What fails a military background check?
You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...
Is depression a military disability?
Despite that, depression that is connected to your military service, either directly or secondary to some other service-connected condition, can entitle you to VA disability compensation.
Do antidepressants make you non-deployable?
Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed and generally do not limit deployability.
Does MEPS check your medical records?
Typically, MEPS providers will request medical records within a specific time period.
What is the BPD stare?
One of the lesser-known symptoms of BPD is the "stare," a piercing and intense gaze that can be unsettling for others. While the stare is not a diagnostic criterion for BPD, it is often reported by people with BPD and can be a sign of emotional dysregulation.
What is the deadliest mental health?
Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) are associated with high premature mortality and are generally considered to be among the most lethal of all psychiatric disorders (1).
What does a BPD meltdown look like?
BPD Meltdown
These episodes involve intense emotional reactions that can be triggered by stress, rejection, or perceived abandonment. During a meltdown, people may experience extreme mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty calming down.