FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

ADF medical appeal for depressive anxiety disorder

KadeJ
Community Member

G’day guys, 

just seeking some advice on my medical appeal for the ADF (Army Medic).

 

When I was 16 I had been diagnosed with “depressive anxiety disorder” and prescribed with anti depressant medication. 
 

There was lots going on in my life at the time and I was very aggravated with the world. My Mum took me to a paediatrician and I ended up with this diagnosis. The medication never seemed to make me feel any better, I was never reviewed and just kept getting advised to take this tablet.

Now, I am 21 years old and stopped taking the tablet in January. I feel better than ever. I started exercising whilst also working full time, I’ve been studying at university since 2023 trying to become a paramedic.

I have previously been knocked back from the army twice. I have applied again and of course, been knocked again. I constantly kick myself for ever agreeing to go to the paed as this situation would never have been an issue. 
 

I have made the decision to appeal and have seen a psychologist. She says that I shouldn’t have ever been put on medication especially at 16 y/o and that the certain type of antidepressant is not approved for anyone under 18 y/o. (Australia)

 

my main questions are:

 

- what are my chances of a successful appeal

- what is some strong evidence to chuck into my appeal


Thankyou for taking the time to read my post. 

Kade.

1 Reply 1

Sophie_M
Moderator
Moderator
Hi KadeJ,

Thank you for sharing your story on the forums, we appreciate you opening up and we hope our community will spot your post and provide some of their own experiences.

It sounds like you've overcome a lot and we thank you for sharing, it's inspiring for others to read the experiences of someone who has overcome a difficult time and is now working and studying.

We hear you've got some great goals and we know it could be a bit frustrating having been knocked back from a goal due to something that occured in the past. Although we can't advise on this specific situation we wanted you to know that you are not alone and we congratulate you for reaching out to a psychologist for some support with this issue.

If you did ever want to reach out to one of our friendly cousellors we are always here to listen. Thank you again for joining us here on the forums and for sharing your perspective. You can call us on 1300 22 4636 any time if you feel like talking it through. We are always here for you if you need us.  
 
Kind regards,  
Sophie M