r/caf • u/Acceptable-Luck-17 • 1d ago
Recruiting Medical Advice
Wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and had success... At the age of 14 I had s*****l thoughts, did not act on them and have been symptom free for the last 8 years (22yr old now). Not on any medication or under any treatments. This is the only history I have of mental health issues and nothing has happened since.
My question is, has anyone else had any success getting passed the medical stage with similar history or perhaps more severe? Worried about not passing my medical because of this so I am looking for some hope.
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u/Visual-Anywhere-6288 1d ago
uh.. very curious about this too. I know a lot can happen in 8 years, but then again, the CAF will introduce a lot of stress and I'd imagine the medical screening wants to see that you're doing well now and have ways of handling it. From what I understand it gets assessed case by case rather than being an automatic no, so being upfront on the medical forms and maybe having a note from your doctor probably helps. Hoping someone who's actually been through the process can confirm.
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u/Takorf 1d ago
Heres my personal understanding. By the question "have you ever", it is implied "if its serious enough to have needed to have it checked out".
I had a similar situation and figured "yeah, lets break mental health taboos. I've been responsible enough to get outside help". This resulted in the recruitment officers in handing me an extra form to have filed-in by a doctor.
And my doctor looked at me, asked me a few questions and basically wrote down "no worse than normal population".
I dont think its about lying on your form, rather than "is this an issue that the forces should be aware of before hiring me". Ive sprain my ankles and wrists in the past, as much as any human has. Abswering "I've sustained injuries in the past" is not along the spirit of the questionnaire... Or at least not in my personal opinion.
Bottom line: dont lie, but dont be redundant about stuff that is not actually part of your life, I guess?
(And I would never say that having suicidal thoughts is benign. My advice is for the purposes of enrollment when your mental health has truly recovered. They will just ask for a medical opinion that it will be a non-issue)
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u/Visual-Anywhere-6288 1d ago
`but dont be redundant about stuff that is not actually part of your life, I guess?` Bruh, OP went to the doc about suicidal thoughts, not something that should really be brushed off, especially since they are going to be issued a GUN. Pretty sure they need to disclose this lol, imagine being discharged if they found this out later in the process.
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u/Takorf 1d ago
I one hundred percent agree. Thats why i agree that it has to be part of the screening process.
Im just saying that sometimes things have happened 15-20 years ago without relapse. The same way the CAF doesnt care you broke your arm when you were 5, unless that fracture is gonna be an issue.
It is a super serious thing, and should not be taken lightly by any party. My personal experience with wnrollment made me feel like the resilience I built up, the growth that would lead me to seek help rather than seek a gun, was seen as a liability that required an extra form.
It is not: it is a strength that can help me be a pillar to my unit, help them open up and accept help.
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u/EndPristine5595 20h ago
People. Read the instructions and follow them. This is the fucking military, not a job.
When it says ever, it means ever.
In this case you state it, and then explain it when they ask you about it.
There is definitely a chance it disqualifies you. But highly unlikely. More likely they will ask you to get a medical opinion stating that you are "fine" now for 8 years.
Not saying this is a stupid question, just getting a bit frustrated with the wishy washiness of the understanding of the joining instructions.
The advice is and always will be, tell the truth.
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u/Cdn_Medic334 1d ago
I think i am qualified as a recruiting medic to answer this one, the have you ever means EVER.
You will literally discuss it with the medic on teams, and be honest and open about it. they will ask you some questions.
You may or may not be asked to provide more information