Question concerning Mental Health in the Air Force

[dcschess05]

What is the name of your state? Alaska (My H.O.R. is CAL)

I am NOT suicidal and DO NOT have thoughts of hurting myself or anyone else, just to make that clear.

I have been in the AF for around 3 years. My family has a history of depression on both sides and I have dealt with it for as long as I can remember. It is more of an anxiety disorder with bouts of depression. I have been coping with my depression as best I can, but it is starting to wear on me and I am considering going to my health care provider on base to ask them what my options are for treatment. Is this a good idea?

I spoke to my supervisor today about it and he said that he wasn't aware that I was depressed.(I am pretty good about hiding it) He said I was a good troop and it would be a shame to see me lose my clearance and job because I was being treated for a mental health issue. I agree with him. What kind of impact can this have on my military career? I work in a career field that requires a Top Secret clearance, and I do not want to jeopardize that, but I am also tired of being depressed all the time.

I am looking for any advice you guys can give me on a personal level, as well as any administrative actions I can expect if I do choose to seek medical help. Thanks!

[fozzy2]

The main problem probably won't be your security clearance, but rather your military career. You can have a security clearance and treatable mental illness. However, if you are diagnosed with something 'chronic' or long term, the military will probably discharge you. If you need medication they probably won't consider you deployable, etc.

However, if things are starting to wear on you, then you are better off getting treatment. If you wait then the problem will begin affecting your job performance, or worse you could get seriously ill and do something self-destructive. You don't want to rack up bad evals and NJP or even Court Martial. Then, even if you leave the military you will have problems with a clearance and/or job.

[PJ Weber]

I have dealt with it for as long as I can remember.

If this is pre-existing and you failed to let the Air Force know about it, it could very well spell discharge