Disqualification for past depression?

[pjlee]

I want to first thank anyone and everyone who can help contribute to my question. Your input is appreciated, especially those whom are verified LEOs.

To make a long story short, I became depressed over a break-up with a girl when I was in my 10th grade Sophomore HIGH SCHOOL year. I was 16 years old at the time. Saw a psychiatrist whom prescribed me very low dosages of anti-depressant medication. I improved extremely quick and was off them in less than a year.
Edit: I was NEVER hospitalized, and NEVER threatened to hurt anyone or myself.

Since then I have never touched those type of meds, nor have I seen any therapists or psychologists/psychiatrists to this day.

Pros:
-clean criminal record
-never touched drugs
-never fired from any job
-never disciplined in any job
-currently work for a police department (at my college) as a campus officer (working way up to supervisor)
-previously worked for a different college campus police department
-completed citizen's academy
-4 year degree in Psychology (ironic i know) and Communications
-ride alongs with various agencies

I am planning to apply to an agency when I am approxmately 23-24 years old. That means it will be about 8-9 years since I was depressed. Of course I will disclose this information during my BI. I would like to know if this is going to auto-DQ me. If so, I don't want to waste my (and the agency's) time.

THANK YOU.

[Citicop]

pjlee-

Welcome to the Forum!

Nothing you wrote would DQ you at any agency I am familiar with.

Good Luck-

Citicop.

[retdetsgt]

Probably wouldn't be a problem. If the dept pyschologist doesn't see any current issues, I imagine you would be a go. Lotsa teenagers get depressed, most just survive it and go on. At least you got some help.

[jo44ny]

I'm not a LEO - but as someone who has seen a therapist and has been on psych review and cleared I can only tell you that its really up to the department psych unit to determine. Remember, there are other aspects to your psychological evaluation besides your history with psychiatrists, you will be have to take exams, an oral interview - and have those evaluated. Depending on where you apply there will be other steps as well.

Every agency has their standards on what they look for in a candidate. It has been a long time since your depression and you have had no relapses. From what you have posted about your life since you appear to have rebounded and gotten past this issue. If I were you I would apply - its not a waste of time if this is something you really want - in the end no one here can make a determination just based on what you have posted alone. Though to be honest, the fact that you have seen a dr and have been prescribed drugs will likely raise some flags, it doesn't automatically DQ you from all of law enforcement. So long as you are honest and realistic you will be fine.

[mcsap]

Disclose everything and with the positive attributes that you can clearly demonstrate , I don't see any reason that you coudn't get hired.

[pjlee]

Citicop, thanks for the welcome. I've been looking thru the boards for quite some time, and it's about time I stick my head in the door.

And thank you to everybody for their input. I am definitely serious about my future with LE, and I am preparing myself as best I can.

I would have probably applied regardless of the possible outcomes. I have been pursuing my future for quite some time, and am trying hard to achieve my goals along the way. Hopefully my past won't dent me hard during my application process; I honestly would have to say that the depression I faced was more of a life experience if anything. Especially now that I study Psychology, I feel that my past has made me stronger and more optimistic. Live a fulfilling life!

I will be around more often! thanks again! :D