Minimum Time before Applying

[bigDraco]

Suppose that someone is on medications (specifically SSRIs) and had a recent suicide attempt. Is there any guideline as for how long someone has to wait in order to be deemed medically fit?

 

[Blackadder1916]

Suppose that someone is on medications (specifically SSRIs) and had a recent suicide attempt. Is there any guideline as for how long someone has to wait in order to be deemed medically fit?

No. Not in the way that you are looking for. Each case is evaluated separately depending on the circumstances of the individual.

 

[bigDraco]

No. Not in the way that you are looking for. Each case is evaluated separately depending on the circumstances of the individual.

Thank you for the reply. That makes sense. But it's strange because I'm always hearing different numbers. The medical tech that was doing my interview for P.Res. said something like a minimum 6 months from the moment one stops taking medications and 1 year if there is a history of self-harm either from the time of the last attempt or the time one finishes treatment. Apparently, that's what convinces the doctor in Ottawa that you've healed. And that's what makes me confused. Furthermore, I don't understand what qualifies as being "fit for service". If I'm a high-functioning individual who attends university, balances a social life and exercises on a daily basis, despite having made an impulsive decision some time ago, how exactly do they quantify it all?

 

[bigDraco]

No. Not in the way that you are looking for. Each case is evaluated separately depending on the circumstances of the individual.

 

[sarahsmom]

Thank you for the reply. That makes sense. But it's strange because I'm always hearing different numbers. The medical tech that was doing my interview for P.Res. said something like a minimum 6 months from the moment one stops taking medications and 1 year if there is a history of self-harm either from the time of the last attempt or the time one finishes treatment. Apparently, that's what convinces the doctor in Ottawa that you've healed. And that's what makes me confused. Furthermore, I don't understand what qualifies as being "fit for service". If I'm a high-functioning individual who attends university, balances a social life and exercises on a daily basis, despite having made an impulsive decision some time ago, how exactly do they quantify it all?

Like the med tech was stating that your chances are greatly improved after one year vs applying right away. One year post attempt with no additional attempts looks like a solid turnaround. But attempting last week, and then applying this week kinda demonstrates a lot of doubt and indecision about the future.
Fit for Service is a special category that is pretty hard to understand for civilians (and even some service members). In your example, the concern is you were doing all these healthy things, and still had an impulsive thought that you acted upon. How can the CAF be sure that, given this history (even if it is only one episode, it's not zero), and with the increased stress imposed on a service member with deployments, etc, that you won't have another intrusive thought break through? A bit of a catch 22 i get it - how can you prove it if they don't give you a chance?
Also the med tech was probably not stating get off your meds for six months or you won't be accepted. It's just that some meds require a trial to prove the member will be ok without the meds - which is why Type 1 diabetics as an extreme example cannot join because they cannot go with their meds (insulin).

 

[bigDraco]

Like the med tech was stating that your chances are greatly improved after one year vs applying right away. One year post attempt with no additional attempts looks like a solid turnaround. But attempting last week, and then applying this week kinda demonstrates a lot of doubt and indecision about the future.
Fit for Service is a special category that is pretty hard to understand for civilians (and even some service members). In your example, the concern is you were doing all these healthy things, and still had an impulsive thought that you acted upon. How can the CAF be sure that, given this history (even if it is only one episode, it's not zero), and with the increased stress imposed on a service member with deployments, etc, that you won't have another intrusive thought break through? A bit of a catch 22 i get it - how can you prove it if they don't give you a chance?
Also the med tech was probably not stating get off your meds for six months or you won't be accepted. It's just that some meds require a trial to prove the member will be ok without the meds - which is why Type 1 diabetics as an extreme example cannot join because they cannot go with their meds (insulin).

Thank you. So, say if I am applying to the ROTP program for the next academic year (a year wait). Could it hypothetically be possible to continue on with the next steps of the application process before doing a conclusive medical check to determine if I could join? And, yes, I know the program is competitive and the chances are low especially with my medical history, but would that be theoretically possible?

Also, the med tech not only said that the chances were improved with a 1 year wait but that "in my [med tech's] 15 years of experience, I've never seen somebody with your [my] history get in".

 

[PuckChaser]

Also, the med tech not only said that the chances were improved with a 1 year wait but that "in my [med tech's] 15 years of experience, I've never seen somebody with your [my] history get in".

Please take that advice and don't set yourself up for disappointment. This is a difficult lifestyle to live and just the tidbit of your mental health history you provided says to me you would just be rolling the dice into self harm again. Focus on you for a few years.

 

[bigDraco]

Please take that advice and don't set yourself up for disappointment. This is a difficult lifestyle to live and just the tidbit of your mental health history you provided says to me you would just be rolling the dice into self harm again. Focus on you for a few years.

Will do!

 

[sarahsmom]

Thank you. So, say if I am applying to the ROTP program for the next academic year (a year wait). Could it hypothetically be possible to continue on with the next steps of the application process before doing a conclusive medical check to determine if I could join? And, yes, I know the program is competitive and the chances are low especially with my medical history, but would that be theoretically possible?

Also, the med tech not only said that the chances were improved with a 1 year wait but that "in my [med tech's] 15 years of experience, I've never seen somebody with your [my] history get in".

No they will look at your file and say it hasn't been a year yet. Why would they want to do all the rest of the work, when there is a chance you still won't be accepted based on medical? They won't do that for someone's application that is put on hold for Lasik eye surgery, so definitely not in your case. Sorry.

 

[bigDraco]

No they will look at your file and say it hasn't been a year yet. Why would they want to do all the rest of the work, when there is a chance you still won't be accepted based on medical? They won't do that for someone's application that is put on hold for Lasik eye surgery, so definitely not in your case. Sorry.

Makes sense