[notALICE]

My son & I were both diagnosed with BP I about a year and a half ago, although some of his symptoms were not as black and white. He had been hospitalized on 3 separate occasions, more as a precaution due to parental concerns.

He was a minor during that time. Since then he has made amazing strides in pulling his life together. He is not on medication at this time and is functioning quite normally. Perhaps some of his troubles were teenage angst although I could be downplaying that too.

His goal has always been military service, but he thinks he will be rejected due to his hospitalizations. My question is this - do they seal minors medical records? Has he lost any chance at all to try to enlist?

Maybe the military would not be right for him, but I don't want to dissuade him from at least attempting. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks in advance.

[jesusplay]

military doesn't get any of your medical records unless you tell them about it.

He can shut his mouth and omit his mental history while signing up or tell them and possibly be ineligible for service.

Would he be breaking a law? possibly, I don't know.

I'm a military veteran. I worked with a guy who didn't mention his past suicide or his history of medication for depression, he served 3 years just to get college paid for.

[notALICE]

Thank you I was military as well, but before my BP became apparent. I have a daughter who is also AD military, and I suspect she has BP but the structure is great for her and she's flourishing.

Breaking the law? IDK. On the whole recruiters don't outright ever tell you not to disclose certain info or evade the truth, but it's common knowledge they kind of expect the answer of "Have you ever smoked pot?" To be no, and not real pushy about disclosing every aspect of your past.

In good conscience I do not think my son is a danger to others, or himself, otherwise I would strongly discourage him. He thrives in structure as well. I think he deserves a chance to try to follow his dreams. I want him to be happy.

[venusss]

Why does he want to be in the military? If I were a mother I might be warning him it's effed up times for the world and nobody knows what will happen next, so being in military might put him on the front lines of the next big conflict.

I don't know how it works though. I mean, if they dont ask, I'd say they don't have to disclose.

(btw, I remember your thread from long time ago about your son... glad things worked out well for both of you)

[notALICE]

Thanks VenusHailey. I remember you too
I guess our family has always been a military fam. I was in, my ex retired military, and two of my daughters are AD Air Force. They are in computers, so less likely to see combat. I had 8 (yikes!) kids and it can give them the chance to pursue college that route if they choose to since we don't have the means to pay. Not to say the risk is not there.

For my son, I think he sees it as two-fold. Following in his fathers footsteps (did not see combat either). The military was very good to us, even with frequent moves, separation for TDY's or TAD's. We were never rich but the perks of housing, medical, GI bill, etc. makes it enticing. Oh and the travel & experiencing other cultures was my love.

Is our economy rebounding? I'm not sure. Unemployment still seems high, and wages low in my state. The military may give them a starting foundation. I hope I never feel the loss and pain suffered by military parents, wives and families.

He may not get in, not just because of his history, but they are more selective than they were when I went in.

And more good news unrelated to the military. I'm more balanced and got a job yesterday in the medical field. Will love it! I was a medic and always drawn to helping others, but of course to do so need to be healthy in mind and spirit myself. I think my lull had been due to lack of goals/direction/structure & puttering around the house. I have never been happier as I am when helping others.

How are you doing? I think I have much to catch up on! It's really great to hear from you or read your posts. Always thought provoking and wise.

[krisakira]

A recruiter that I worked with told me that they would take anyone who has been off their meds for at least 6 months. But would not allow people to join the military if they were on any psych medication, for fear of running out of meds on the battle field and going crazy.

[notALICE]

Good to know. He's off now, and plans to stay off, unless it doesn't pan out. I'm not sure if it's been 6 months but between talking to various recruiters, the ASVAB, I'm sure he can stretch out the time. Great advice I would not have thought of. Thank you!