Joining the work force with a history of depression

[ZKRN]

Hello,

Usually, I don't like going online and asking around about these types of things, but it's been on my mind for about a year now.

My dream was to join the Defense force, and now, it's obvious my chances of getting in now are slim. When I was 13-14, I was spinning out and I got myself in a bit of a bad situation. Let's just say I wasn't the happiest guy, and I wasn't doing the best things to my body, and I wasn't really an ally to any other human near me. I hated everyone, and I hated myself. I attempted something I shouldn't have ever done. In the seconds I had to choose between life or death, I finally switched on and realized maybe doing this isn't the best option. But it was too late. I was in a hospital for two weeks and my already stained medical history got even worse.

So, this leaves me with a problem. I know that the Army can reject me, and for good reason. So where do I go from here?

I've been thinking about Emergency Services or just a Security guard, but I know both will probably reject me as well, thanks to my medical history. All I want to do is help people, and make my life and other lives better or defend Australia and its people. Well, I better cut to the chase anyway... My question to you adults, is, Is there a future for me if I have a history of clinical depression? I feel as though I'll be locked out of anything I try because I'm "Mentally Ill" just because of something stupid I did as a young boy.

I'd love to hear your opinions and thoughts on this.

Thanks.

[white knight]

Hi welcome

I think I can help you with this.

I'm 63yo and my working life includes joining the RAAF at 17yo, a warder at a jail at 21, a dog ranger, bylaws officer, security, crowd control, private investigations...in fact about 90 jobs in 15 professions. Such was my manic mind that in 1973 wasnt picked up by the RAAF.

Ive got bipolar, dysthymia, depression and had anxiety.

My thoughts- if the Army wont accept you- shift work if you have any MI is not good. Many of my jobs in the law enforcement fields began from passing a security course, it opened other doors. Eventually I became an investigator but you need to run your own business. Sounds daunting, it isnt. That way you can choose not to work when you are unwell. By far my happiest job and you work alone.

Other work can include- customs, registration authorities, park ranger, speed camera operator and so on.

In security you can get retail work or sporting venues that is day shift only. Part time/casual is common so you might work for 3 or 4 companies. Once settled you can obtain crowd control qualifications and even PI qualifications if desired, even bodyguard ofyen used for overseas celebrities visiting here.

Other law enforcement is EPA officers for pollution and litter etc fireman, railways investigations and control room officer.

In terms of the defence, many people do fail entry on various grounds like fitness, obesity, aptitude, offenses etc. I wouldnt be too worried about your trauma at such a young age as you can seek out work the likes of what I listed and have a fulfilling working career.

Whatever you decide to do, baby steps add up. Do the courses as that is the first thing they look at.

Good luck. Be positive.

TonyWK

[Alana_H]

Hi,

Thanks for posting. It must be really frustrating to be in a better place now but not feel like you're able to pursue your dreams. I think wanting to be in the defence force in really admirable and your other career suggestion are centred about caring for people, so it's great that you can see you want to do something that helps others. White Knight has made some great career suggestions too. I especially think that emergency services is an intense but really important job, and they really need the right people working there.

So about the defence force... I can only give you my anecdotal info. But I have two family members who experienced trauma in their childhood, one hospitalised for self harm at a similar age to you. Both got in the army. I have another friend who went for the police force, was as straight and normal as they come, but he didn't pass the psych exam. I'm not saying that you'll definitely get in, but I think you should give it a go, because then you'll know for sure and you can start perusing those other ideas you had. Trying and failing is much better than never trying!

Anyway good luck. Feel free to post back on here with how you're going or if you want to talk through your options some more.

Alana_H