You may find it difficult to be around people, or struggle to get on with life because the anxiety is simply overbearing. Related Article: Can You Join The Military With A Felony? It is the result of a serious crime, such as a felony, and is almost always awarded following military confinement. Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness. Is an Other Than Honorable Discharge Considered bad? The answer provided to your question is for information purposes only and does not create, and should not be construed as creating, an attorney-client relationship. 16.5% of America’s youth (ages 6-17) experienced a mental health disorder in 2016, Army APFT Standards for Males and Females, SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, Anxiety and Depression Association of America. See our advertising policy here. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not as well understood as other mental illnesses. Therefore, you may receive a waiver after the military examines your personal circumstances. See our advertising policy here. As they get closer to the end of their military career, many service members start to think about what is next. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Can you take antidepressants in the military? If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, find support with some of the following resources: Sexual assault. In the cases of punitive discharges, such as bad conduct or dishonorable discharges, the service member may be required by law to disclose the fact that they were convicted of a felony or served time in prison. Gathering all medical records related to the syndrome and answering any questions a recruiter has about the condition goes a long way. Can You Join The Military With Scoliosis? It can also enhance or worsen symptoms of other, undiagnosed mental health conditions. While it isn’t likely to have a negative impact on future employment opportunities, some potential employers may look at this type of discharge in a negative light. How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Separation for Convenience of the Government, https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/character_of_discharge.asp, https://www.dd214.us/reference/how_to_upgrade_your_discharge.pdf, https://home.army.mil/knox/application/files/3515/6624/4721/Chapter_5.pdf, https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents/DDForm293.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courts-martial_of_the_United_States, Attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School, general discharge under honorable conditions, Military Diet Review: My 7 Day Results On The 3 Day Diet. There are military disqualifications for mental health, including ADHD, Depression, PTSD, and many others. It may include instances where the service member serves time in a civilian prison for an offense. Related Article – 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military. Furthermore, the military wants to verify that you aren’t a danger to yourself or others. However, those symptoms are different from someone that is diagnosed with and suffers from mood disorders or other mental illnesses. She has a Master's Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. According to AFI36-3208 paragraph 5.11, “Airman may be discharged based upon a physical or mental condition which a commander has determined interferes with assignment or duty performance, but which does not make them eligible for disability processing under AFI36-3212, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, and Separation.” Things such as medical and dental treatment, housing programs, and education benefits are all impacted by the type of discharge a veteran receives. In the Army, such discharges are handled under the provisions of AR 635-200, Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations. Everyone deals with some type of anxiety and has days where they feel down. How does the military test for mental health disorders? The military will study a case of depression very closely to determine eligibility. However, it is important to remember that just like almost every other form of mental illness there are varying levels of the condition. Military members should have all medical ailments accurately documented in their record, but especially so when the injury or illness results in their separation from military service. Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial.