Air Force Nursing - Used to be on antidepressants

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Hi everyone. I have a question that I hope someone can give me some clarification on.

I am in my first year on my Bachelor's degree and I really want to join the Air Force when I am done through the Nurse Transition Program. I have talked to a recruiter and he told me that I was too early since I still have two years before my senior year of nursing school. Therefore I did not get a chance to ask him my following question.

I was on antidepressants the year before last for a brief period of time and my doctor referred me to a psychiatrist just to make sure that everything was okay because it "wasn't his area of expertise". I had just broken up with a serious boyfriend, and my best friend had just moved out of the state, needless to say I was sad. Anyway, the psychiatrist cleared me after five or so visits, one every three to five months. I only took the antidepressant for about 8 months, and then my doctor and I agreed that I didn't need it because I wasn't depressed. But it was documented in my chart that I had depressive disorder when he prescribed me the medication. I have not been on the medication for over a year and my doctor even acknowledges that I was just going through a rough time.

So my question is, will all of this medically disqualify me from joining the Air Force?

I just want to reiterate that I am NOT depressed, and that I was psychologically cleared by both my primary care provider and the psychiatrist.

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I do not believe that one episode of situational 'depression' should be a detriment to one's future, but that is my opinion. Why don't you anonymously call a medical department recruiter and ask for advice?

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Thank you, that's a good idea.

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Hi LoLo 16, I'm sorry no Air Force Recruiters are here to answer your question. But I can give you a few recommendations. First of all, yes, certain medical questions can automatically disqualify you and that depends on the Doctor's diagnosis of the problem, the medicine prescribed and how long has it been since the last time you took those drugs. I get Navy applicants with issues like yours all the time, it is more of a case by case basis. Usually, a letter from your doctor stating what you were treated for and a recent follow up stating that you have been good to go and no medication has been needed for the past 2+ years... you should have no problems after that.

Hope it helps

Diego

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Thank you for your reply. I have scheduled an appointment with my provider to discuss all of this with him.

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