Has anyone had any experience with this.  I have been offered a contigent offer for a L.E. officer position.  I have to pass psych and a physical.  My only concern is that 3 years ago I had a bout of depression and I still take anti-depressents twice daily.  As far as my physical and emotional health is concerned, I would say I'm doing great.  I have worked 13+ years and only missed time due to the depression 3 years ago.  I placed 4th out of 60 cadets in the academy.  I never missed a day and was never late out of the 6 months and have a good work history and personal history.  Does anyone have any experience if this is an automaticed disqualification from the pysch test.  Before I started the academy I spoke to the commander of the department that is now offering me a job.  I told him of my situation and he basically said as long as its under control is shouldn't be that big of a deal.  Many others have told me the same, but I have yet to speak to anyone who had similar circumstances.  I have a very positive attitude and get along well with others....can anyone with some knowledge give me advice....

Dimas,
That's what I thought too.  I wasn't sure if there are officer out there who take  meds like I do.  The big thing is being institutionilized.  I was never, I took time of my work though.  The thing about being institutionalized is that you will not be allowed to possess a firearm.  Don't quote me, but I think the DOJ would not pass if you answer yes to that question.  I just took my psych and was very honest with the doctor about my medical condition.  My personal psychiatrist said to be honest, and with all the liability this is something I don't want to BS with.   The psych evaluator and I discussed my condition and it seemed to go well, he didn't grill me, and hopefully being honest with him will be taken into consideration. He did ask me how my weight was and if my sleep was overall adequate.  He also asked how I did in academy and how often I see my psych.   One positive note was that he gave me a series of test, one was with some red and white blocks(9 f them).  It was called a space relation test.  Some of the blocks were full white or red in color and other were half white and red.  He then gave me a picture to refer to and I was timed on how fast I could arrange the blocks to create to picture.  Well I found it to be difficult since the picture was a bit different from the actual blocks.  He told me I was a bit slow on spacial relations and that it might affect my ability to conduct thourough investigations when I get to my department.  He recommended that I play more video games.  I was stunned, If the picture was enlarged to the same size as the blocks the color patterns would not match, I noticed the difference.  Anyways after that I took the 950 question written test.  He asked me for a phone number in case he needed to reach me and said my department will contact me with the results. The test had a lot of true or false questions relating to depression among other personality disorders.  Well here I am, a  bit worried and waiting for my results.  As you said Dimas I hope society is ready to allow people who have suffered with depression and who are completely recovered to work in the police force.  I have no doubts in my mind that I will make an excellent officer, and hopefully the psych evaluator will be fair if he feels that I am recovered.  Well thank you for the reply, and if anyone has anything to add please feel free.

Well it is easy for you to state that you are open or would be open to an officer getting help or admitting to depression; however, it is because you yourself have had similar problems and know they are treatable.   

We live in a society full of idiots and ignorance.  Unfortunately, those in administrative positions in LE departments and agencies are not exempt from this.  The fact of the matter is that people will always have their preconceived notions about people who have any degree of mental health problems.  I know that the officers who are currently under medication are perfectly capable of doing their jobs, that is as long as they are on their medication.  But the other officers and administrators would probably not look so kindly towards this.  People tend to see anyone with mental health issues as weak or ultimately unable to deal with life.

We are humans and by nature we isolate and push away those that are different from us.  I worked for some years in a mental health facility.  To be honest I was completely ignorant of the whole issue until I worked there and got a thorough understanding of it.  However, had I not worked there, then I am sure that I would also be included among the ignorant majority who are in LE.