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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask if this would exclude me from the army?

42 replies

Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 19:51

Hello mumsnet! I’m hoping some people who have served/currently serve can help me out. When I was 13 I suffered from anorexia (never was hospitalised or had a tube shoved down my nose just told to go to CAMHS). Now, I’m fully recovered and working hard to build up bigger muscles. I plan to take a gap year so I can work on fitness etc (17 now looking to apply when im 19). I was wondering if this would affect me joining? I’m a different person now, more confident and have a brilliant mindset. I can get a letter from the GP saying I’m physically fit if that would help my case.

OP posts:
Joolsin · 12/09/2021 19:57

I'm not in the UK, @Rivermonsters, so I can't answer your question, but I just wanted to say you sound fabulous. You've overcome so much, I love your description of yourself and I reckon you can likely do anything you put your mind to. Best of luck!!!

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 12/09/2021 20:01

Talk to the recruiting office. They will tell you what you need to do.

Good luck.

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 20:17

@Joolsin thank you for your message c

OP posts:
CombatBarbie · 12/09/2021 20:19

Can't see an issue at all, it is something you have overcome. Good luck!!

Wester · 12/09/2021 20:23

Shouldn't be a problem - talk to the recruiting office.

I passed Army officer selection about 6 years ago with a history of eating disorders.

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 20:30

@Wester thanks. Just had a flap cos I asked on the British army subreddit and they said I should consider other options

OP posts:
DownthePlath · 12/09/2021 20:32

I don't think that should effect you at all.

DH is military, and has heard the ins and the outs of medicals; never heard him say that would be an issue.

AwaAnBileYerHeid · 12/09/2021 20:36

I'm a mental health nurse and I do remember while being on placement as a student with CAMHS, the nurse that I was being mentored by was carrying out an initial assessment on one young patient. She had said that she wanted to join the army after leaving school and the nurse did advise her that having it recorded on her medical file that she had received treatment for mental health issues could potentially preclude her from joining the army.

Your best bet however would be to pop in to a local office or email in and ask. Best of luck.

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 20:36

@DownthePlath would a letter from the GP be valid enough?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 20:37

@AwaAnBileYerHeid would it be a problem for the police force? I’m really screwed up if it is cos I don’t wanna go uni Envy

OP posts:
AwaAnBileYerHeid · 12/09/2021 20:39

I don't want to put a downer on your hopes though, it may only be certain MH conditions that would affect entry to the forces, it could be that you would have to discuss it with the recruiting officer during the interview and they would take it on a case by case basis, it could be that if a certain amount of time has passed and if you've been stable since treatment then it wouldn't be too much of an issue... as I say, get in touch and be upfront. I really hope it all works out for you.

AwaAnBileYerHeid · 12/09/2021 20:41

I really don't know if it would be a problem for the police, I wouldn't imagine it would be as much a problem for the police as it would be for the military. It may very well be fine, as I say, I was just a student at the time and wasn't really (and still am not) sure on the ins and outs of it.

SisterMonicaJoansHabit · 12/09/2021 20:41

I know nothing about this sort of thing, anything forces related. But you sound so dedicated and I really hope you get in and it's everything you hoped it would be :)

gogohm · 12/09/2021 21:03

Go and talk with the recruiting office, they can advise both on whether you are a suitable candidate and the best things to get ready, the navy might also be an option if the navy isn't as they have different requirements

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 21:06

@gogohm thank you for your comment! I will check out their requirements

OP posts:
beastlyslumber · 12/09/2021 21:14

As your MH problems were when you were a child, do you even have to disclose them? I'm not saying you do or you don't, but that might be worth finding out. It might not even be relevant.

Are you still seeing a counsellor or therapist? It might be a good idea to talk this through with them. The army is a very tough and demanding environment, so it would be good to have a range of tactics and skills to fall back on if things get stressful.

Good luck OP!

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 21:16

@beastlyslumber I think you have to. No I don’t attend therapy, I don’t need it as I am a completely changed person.

OP posts:
Antinerak · 12/09/2021 21:18

Without minimising your experience it sounds like you were on the quicker, easier recovery side of it which generally will look better on records. As you've successfully recovered and accepted help it won't look as though it's a continuing issue or something that will spring up quickly. As everyone has said, the recruitment office will know how to advise you. If it's not right now it could be in a few years, it's not ideal but it would give you time to strengthen yourself physically and mentally and distance yourself from what's on your records. You sound strong and determined so whatever you'll do, I'm sure you'll be great at it

Polyethyl · 12/09/2021 21:22

Yes. I am afraid it could well be a problem.
A recruit got turned away recently because he had a brief spell of anxiety when he was 14. He's 21 now and has been fine ever since, but it's in his GP's record, so he didn't get in. Sorry.

Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 21:28

@Polyethyl would my past be an issue if I wanted to get a SIA license and do private security?

OP posts:
Polyethyl · 12/09/2021 21:31

No idea. Sorry. I'm an old soldier. I haven't a clue about security work.

YouTubeAddict · 12/09/2021 21:32

Possibly. My daughter was rejected because she was seen by CAMHS and they discussed her having ODD. A second doctor actually disagreed and said she didn’t but once it was on the notes the Army didn’t like it and that was that. She could have appealed but decided against it and is doing an apprenticeship instead.

pinkstripeycat · 12/09/2021 21:44

DH is ex army recruiter and said not necessarily. Army more flexible than they were and ate better at understanding mental health issues

pinkstripeycat · 12/09/2021 21:45
  • are not ate
Original poster
Rivermonsters · 12/09/2021 21:45

@pinkstripeycat hopefully that’ll continue in the next 2 years Smile ty for ur reply

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