Mental health and getting into army

Guest_82632562 — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:41:25 GMT

In 2024 i suffered from grief of losing my step dad (mum broke it off with him) that was like a father to me and also broke up with my boyfriend, I ended up in a stage of not wanting to be apart of society i had suicidal thoughts and self harmed i then attempted to take my life, i was in hospital for it i then saw headspace and the psychologist in the hospital to help with my problems, i slowly started feeling better and getting out and socialising again i then got a job later that year its now been 2 year since my last attempt and since ive self harmed it wad only a 1 time thing nothing has ever triggered it again, i now have a job of 2 years and training to be a manager, i have gotten my license and looking for a house to rent, i did go back to school but it wasn’t for me, ive always wanted to go to the army as i did army cadets its always been a dream im now ready to go but i have the medical history of my mental health that can stop me, i want to get professional help to help me get in and right a formal letter of me being mentally ok and nothing will trigger me to think or do it again.

Hi there, Thank you for sharing your story so openly. Yo...

Sophie_M — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:52:27 GMT

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your story so openly. You’ve been through a lot, and it really stands out how much work you’ve put into getting to where you are now. The way you’ve rebuilt things, getting a job, working towards a management role, getting your licence, and thinking about your future shows a lot of strength and commitment.

Can sense that joining the army is really important to you, especially with your background in cadets. Wanting to take that next step and also thinking about how your mental health history might affect that shows a lot of insight.

In terms of the process, a good first step would be speaking with your GP or a psychologist who knows your history. They can provide an updated assessment of your mental health and, if appropriate, write a report outlining your progress, stability, and readiness. Defence recruitment will usually look at both your history and how you’ve been functioning over time, so the fact that you’ve had a couple of stable years is really important.

It might also help to be open to the idea that the process can take time and may involve further assessments. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, just that they want to make sure you’re well supported in that environment.

It’s really positive that you’re thinking this through carefully and seeking the right kind of support. You’re welcome to keep sharing here as you figure out your next steps.

Kind regards,
Sophie M

topic Hi there, Thank you for sharing your story so openly. Yo... in Young people

Mental health and getting into army

Hi there, Thank you for sharing your story so openly. Yo...