ItsRoger Posted January 22, 2014 Report Posted January 22, 2014 Hello all! I'm obviously new and didn't know the exact forum this belonged in, so I went with this one. My name is Roger and I live in Lebanon Missouri. I'm a 20 year old convert who joined 2 years ago after meeting with the missionaries for several weeks. Now that I'm preparing for the temple and have received the priesthood, my next step is a mission. With that said, I had a question regarding antidepressants. My father, who is an army recruiter, says that you have to be off of antidepressants for a year before you can enlist. I didn't know if the Church had a similar rule when it comes to them. I'm currently prescribed a minimal dosage of Prozac, but for nothing serious. I intended on asking my bishop, but thought I would get some outside opinions first. Hopefully my medication won't be a road block on my evidence calling from The Lord to serve. Thanks in advance and God bless!-Roger S. Quote
LittleWyvern Posted January 22, 2014 Report Posted January 22, 2014 The only difference I see it making is that you may purposely get sent to an area with a reliable medical system so that you can easily get help if something changes regarding whatever it is you're taking antidepressants for. Other than that, I don't see it becoming a problem, but then again I'm not your bishop or your mission president. I'm not aware of any rule regarding medications in general other than the guideline that medication needs should be communicated completely and honestly so that your mission president can make sure your medical needs are well taken care of. Quote
SpiritDragon Posted January 22, 2014 Report Posted January 22, 2014 I served with missionaries a decade ago that were on antidepressants, but the rules might have changed. We had one elder that was frequently getting put on stronger prescriptions and even required counselling. I'd suspect it wouldn't stop you from serving as long as it is managed, and it sounds like yours is minor and manageable. I have however also heard of young men not being able to serve full-time missions because of serious depression which would negatively affect the work and be hard on companions... not to mention the increased likelihood of not completing the mission which can have serious emotional consequences and comes with an unfortunate stigma. Quote
Palerider Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 Best way to find out is ask your Bishop. I think you will be ok to go. Quote
ItsRoger Posted January 23, 2014 Author Report Posted January 23, 2014 Thank you everyone for the responses! I hope to stick around prior to leaving on a mission. I've somewhat avoided bringing it up with my bishop in fear of my mission hopes getting foiled, but I suppose I'll have to tackle that issue eventually. Thanks again. :) Quote
Guest Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 Thank you everyone for the responses! I hope to stick around prior to leaving on a mission. I've somewhat avoided bringing it up with my bishop in fear of my mission hopes getting foiled, but I suppose I'll have to tackle that issue eventually. Thanks again. :) I understand the fear. But the great thing about bishops is - they usually don't just say No. They usually say - let me help you make it a Yes. So the sooner you talk to him, the sooner you can get on that path of preparation to make it a Yes! Yeay!And welcome! Quote
Crash Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 Your bishop is the first and foremost person who approves of a mission application. That said, I served with a manic depressant. While that was over 20 years ago, I do not believe that has changed. Where there is a will to serve, the Lord will help you make it so. Good luck and let us know how it works out! Quote
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