What will happen to a commissioned Officer if he goes under treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts?

Question

It's not PTSD. He's just depressed for other reasons and have been thinking about suicide.

Answer 1

The same process applies to all service members - you get treated and have up to one year to go through counseling.  At the end of the year you are evaluated by a fit for duty (FFD) board - if your doctor and therapist say you are good to go you should have no issues.  If they don't recommend you staying in you will go through a medical evaluation board (MEB) and they will determine if you are allowed to stay in service or not.

Answer 2

FIRST, he needs to see someone now and forget about the professional concerns.  The alternative is that he's dead at his own hand and then he really doesn't have a career.  As far as professional impact there have been a couple of answers posted but my experience doesn't support what they have posted.  I directly know of an officer who sent a letter indicating suicidal ideations to his wife.  He was immediately removed from submarine duty and sent to counselling.  After counselling was complete (or whatever the term is) he was deemed fit for duty but was disqualified from further submarine duty due to it's stressful nature.

He is still in the Navy and it doesn't appear that he was affected professionally.

Answer 3

I'm not sure, but I do definitely think that he should get the treatment he needs without worrying about his military career. Depression and suicidal thoughts are serious issues, and shouldn't be ignored because of career concerns.

Answer 4

Nothing would happen to the commissioned officer IF HE OR SHE SEEKS HELP for the suicidal thoughts.

I would rather they seek some assistance and overcome, than hold it in an succumb to a suicidal ideation.

Now, someone would have to determine if it is the officer's job that is causing the stress or if it is something external, like his wife bonking the civilian plumber.  In case of the job, the officer can be re-stationed in a less stressful job.  He's got to seek military medicine now!

I hope whomever we are talking about gets help for this now, and not end up suicidal or homicidal.  There are ways the military can help without adverse career advancement.

Answer 5

Commissioned officers can resign at any time, especially if it is at the behest of the Corps.  This is a way of ridding the service of an officer unfit for duty, in a discreet manner !

Certainly, he or she is entitled to the same medical treatment and services as all service personnel !  Including, but not limited to disability !