medical records in armed forces

Hi,
When I was 14 I went to my GP feeling down saying I had depression. We had a chat and he told me to come back for a blood pressure test, which I never went for. He said he didn't think I had depression. Will the vist to the GP show on my medical records and if it does will it affect entry into the army, raf, or marines. He did type something on the computer.
please help,
Danny

Reply 1

Wzz

11

Yes, it will. However, arriving at your doctors and saying you have depression when you're 14 and haven't even been examined is far removed from being medically diagnosed with depression.

The visit will show up, but the worst you can expect is a request for an explanation.

Reply 2

rm_wannabe

OP

Do they have to see your medical records? Can't you just pass their tests? Would it put them off me joining? Is there anyway to get it off my records? thanks

Reply 3

js_atco

The medicals for the Forces are very thorough, and do require some delving into your past medical history. There's no-way you can legally "erase" things from you medicals records, however, you can be ready for when they question you. i.e. "I was feeling under pressure at school, my parents weren't being too supportive, and so I felt something might have been wrong with me. Experience has now lead me to believe that there wasn't anything wrong medically, and I have now learned to deal with stress effectively."

Reply 4

rm_wannabe

OP

js_atco

The medicals for the Forces are very thorough, and do require some delving into your past medical history. There's no-way you can legally "erase" things from you medicals records, however, you can be ready for when they question you. i.e. "I was feeling under pressure at school, my parents weren't being too supportive, and so I felt something might have been wrong with me. Experience has now lead me to believe that there wasn't anything wrong medically, and I have now learned to deal with stress effectively."

So if someone did it once have it, would put them off? If joining the Royal Marines would the staff at the PRMC no? Once again Thanks, but I am worring now

Reply 5

Wzz

11

rm_wannabe

Do they have to see your medical records? Can't you just pass their tests? Would it put them off me joining? Is there anyway to get it off my records? thanks

Yes they do have to see them I'm afraid, and you can't remove things from your records. Why would you want to? As far as I know, there's no force that will refuse to recruit you because YOU told a doctor you once had depression? You're not medically qualified, and as you said, the doctor's said you didn't have it. Calm down!

Reply 6

Wzz

11

rm_wannabe

So if someone did it once have it, would put them off? If joining the Royal Marines would the staff at the PRMC no? Once again Thanks, but I am worring now

A history of depression stops you getting into the RAF, but as I keep saying visiting when you're young and immature and claiming you have it is VERY different to being medically diagnosed with it for years!

Yes, anyone responsible for medical recruiting for the RM will know when they check your records; in the RAF certainly, this happens after selection but before you're given an offer.

medical records in armed forces

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