history of trauma -- MEPS?

[Rizzo02481, BSN, RN]

Sensitive topic, but I had some trauma (sexual assault) that required counseling. The initial assault happened and I got counseling during the legal investigation for that. It closed for 2 years and then the media got ahold of it, then there was a repeat legal investigation and a lawsuit (long story). I got counseling during that time too as it was traumatic trying to navigate two legal cases alone.

My issue is that I was re-reading some of my records, and they diagnosed me with a bunch of BS diagnoses that really don't have any holding in my current life, and were really just a result of acute trauma. I'm concerned that these would be a major issue when sending things to MEPS.

Has anyone ever had any experience with this, especially related to counseling surrounding a traumatic event? I don't take any medications, have no issues with the trauma now and am 100% fine even talking about it; on paper, at the time of the event, it looks like I'm messed up tho.

I am hoping for the AF reserves, and if that doesn't happen, active duty navy FYI.

[0.9%NormalSarah, BSN, RN]

They will probably order a psychiatric eval for you at MEPS so be prepared, but those who are coping with past trauma in a healthy way and don’t need psychiatric treatment usually pass (ask me how I know that). You can also explain it just as you did here - you didn’t know about these “diagnoses” until you were reading through notes, and you disagree as they do not pertain. Also, when they ask if you’ve had any psychiatric conditions, they are not generally referring to counseling regarding major life events, such as sexual assault or family death, etc. I don’t think that has changed since I got in (almost 10 years ago!).

If you want to talk offline, please message me. I’m a proud member of the Air National Guard. ?

[Rizzo02481, BSN, RN]

31 minutes ago, 0.9%NormalSarah said:

They will probably order a psychiatric eval for you at MEPS so be prepared, but those who are coping with past trauma in a healthy way and don’t need psychiatric treatment usually pass (ask me how I know that). You can also explain it just as you did here - you didn’t know about these “diagnoses” until you were reading through notes, and you disagree as they do not pertain. Also, when they ask if you’ve had any psychiatric conditions, they are not generally referring to counseling regarding major life events, such as sexual assault or family death, etc. I don’t think that has changed since I got in (almost 10 years ago!).

If you want to talk offline, please message me. I’m a proud member of the Air National Guard. ?

I would love to chat! Will message you now!