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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2004, at 17:05:06
In reply to Re: US Military service and psych meds, posted by HappyGirl on May 9, 2004, at 0:45:01
> Hi:
> One person whom I know for quite awhile developed 'epilepsy,' ... not psychological/psychiatric problem, ... after having entered in the Military. He said even himself did 'not' know what the hell was going on in his brain. However, he KNEW of course it was 'seizure' related problem, ... just did not 'want' to reveal his problem. Then, one day after got off from the work in the military base, he SUDDENLY passed out, ...practically 'blacked out' completely and hit very hard into the tree and wrecked his car that was not in the salvaged state. After that, somehow the military found out his 'true' problem, 'Epilepsy, and then he was discharged on the basis of 'medical condition.' After the military, his life was, unfortunately NOT easy both financially and marriage. However, he's been doing well on today's economy with taking 'epilepsy' medication, Lamical very loyally.
> Then, I just wonder it's REALLY worth for any one to keep secrecy at the cost of your mental and emotional well-being, because there needs 'medication/med combo.' However, since I've never been in the military, except some knowledge about Armed Force from my siblings, and then I can NOT comment on your current situation.
> Hopefully, you can/will find some GOOD solution soon.
> H.G.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on May 9, 2004, at 21:00:43
In reply to Re: US Military service and psych meds « HappyGirl, posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2004, at 17:05:06
My opinion.... and only opinion.
I was in the military, in the Air Force, for a total of about six years, and for 6 months in the Army National Guard. My mental ills in the end brought about my separation.
The way I see it is this: If you have a condition that could affect your ability to perform your duty, it is important to avoid placing yourself in a position that could prevent you from performing your duty, or causing someone else to be inable to perform thier duty.
You probably know this, but in the military there is no position that does not have an impact on the mission. Chaplains, physicians, dentists, pencil-pushers, everyone could be called upon to be in a stressful position. Our military is now much more mobilility based than it was years ago. Almost anyone could be called to a dangerous assignment. The people that I was stationed with have been to places such as Turkey, Iraq, Saudi-Arabia, and others.
Even the people who remain 'safe' here in the US have an impact on the mission in difficult areas. I don't want to say that anyone 'should' disclose, but if it is found out later, there could be problems. In the end though, it is your own choice to disclose or not. Please consider though, how difficult situations could impact your work, and then how that can impact others.
Good luck,
Dee.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 13, 2004, at 23:19:16
In reply to Re: US Military service and psych meds « HappyGirl, posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2004, at 17:05:06
Is there no US military board? (nm)
Posted by jack smith on May 11, 2004, at 2:05:13
In reply to Redirect: US Military service, posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2004, at 17:06:25
--
Yeah, but no photo's are allowed.. ;) (nm)
Posted by colin wallace on May 11, 2004, at 8:50:43
In reply to Is there no US military board? (nm), posted by jack smith on May 11, 2004, at 2:05:13
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Re: Yeah, but no photo's are allowed.. ;)
Posted by green hornet on May 11, 2004, at 12:45:46
In reply to Yeah, but no photo's are allowed.. ;) (nm), posted by colin wallace on May 11, 2004, at 8:50:43
When facing medical/emotional issues in the military as an officer honest is the best policy. If you are denied service or given a discharge, and especially if denied AND required to repay your educational benifits (which probably will not happen) you have the right to appeal. Contact the Judge Advocate General's staff and state your case. In my experience (I am retired Navy -- NNC) you will get a fair shake if you have your ducks in a row and the JAG will help you do this.
Green Hornet--
Re: US Military service and psych meds
Posted by PhoenixGirl on May 11, 2004, at 23:03:56
In reply to Re: US Military service and psych meds » afatchic, posted by mattdds on May 7, 2004, at 23:59:04
Hi Matt. I would strongly encourage you to just tell them everything. It's for the good of all.
Your accomplishments prove that you are a professional and competent person. If the military turns you down because of your anxiety disorder, that does NOT mean that you are an incompetent person. You could work as a civilian, and you've already proven that you're competent by all of your accomplishments. The military just puts people in situations where an emotional problem could interfere with your job. Realisticly, it could happen. You wouldn't want to be in that situation.
You just have to make sure they know about your health so a realistic decision can be made.
I sympathize with you totally, I wanted to join the armed forces but could not because of my mental health problems. But there are so many professional opportunities, in and outside of the military.
This is the end of the thread.
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