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Anti-Anxiety Medication and Applying For WA Police

Copgirl379
Community Member

Hello! 

I've been on Anti Anxiety medication for a few months now but I'm looking at applying for the WA police force. I'm wanting to know if this would hinder my chances of being accepted? 

1 Reply 1

Croix
Community Champion
Community Champion

Dear Copgirl379~

Welcome to the forum, a wise move as it might give you ideas from some others. I was a policeman and invalided out wiht PTSD,depressions and anxiety. I had none of these  when I joined.

 

This leads me to the first point I'd like to make. Being in police is a very stressful job at the best of times and you are prone to anxiety - I presume because otherwise you would not be on meds.

 

I would think that the job would simply make your anxiety worse, or if you had reduced it , bring it back. This leaves you eventually dreading each day and may end up like me. Anxiety and accompanying medication may affect reaction times and even judgment.

 

The second half of my answer concerns formal medical qualifications to join. Some forces like Victoria Police I believe allow a person to join if they have been symptom free for 12 months. wiht other forces it varies.

 

Can I suggest you first of all talk wiht your doctor and see what is recommended. If you were to get the OK then approach the WA Police recruiting department at

https://letsjoinforces.wa.gov.au/

and set out your all medical details, including anxiety in full and get their opinion.

 

What I would not suggest is to simply not mention the matter, as this can have all sorts of complications

 

So the short answer is ask them and see.

 

Croix