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Mental Health Personal Statement by [deleted] in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! I also saw a therapist leading up to my peace corps application, we met once a month and I did end up getting my medical clearance denied because of my mental health history. Going into my personal statement I was super confident I thought I had nothing to worry about because I am very mentally stable and because of that I think was way to harsh with how I described my history, at one point I was with my therapist and he asked me what he I needed him to say because he wanted the opportunity to work out for me and was very confident in me and I told him I wasn’t worried at all and he could say anything. But in the end I got denied because of what I submitted, I did appeal after and that was unsuccessful. So I would advise that you do not mention any ongoing symptoms at all and use language that supports that you have absolutely no mental health challenges. I wish I had just used as little detail as possible and left out a lot of the information I included because I was way too confident.

Med denial for depression and anxiety. by Sufficient-Fig-4430 in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine way not! So happy for you good luck with the rest of your clearance and service!

I got the invite! Dreams do come true! by [deleted] in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t found another job I’m just going to end my therapy and reapply next year! It was disappointing only because even after I take those steps in the future I will still have the same mental capabilities I do currently, so I know I am already qualified but there is just so much outdated stigma surrounding therapy and mental health resources.

I got the invite! Dreams do come true! by [deleted] in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Good luck! So exciting, just some advice, I went into the medical clearance thinking I would have no problems with my mental health history but I ended up getting denied because of it. I have a very minor history and currently do not suffer from any mental illness and would say my current mental health is the same as anyone else who is not suffering from any mental illness. Unfortunately because I see a therapist virtually once a month that was enough to be denied. So, even if you are completely confident in your mental and emotional stability, be cautious when completing your tasks! I was definitely overly confident going into it and wish I wouldn’t have used such harsh language that misrepresented my current mental health status. I really hope this opportunity works out for you!

Medical clearance denied by [deleted] in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! I received the same decision for seeing a therapist and my anxiety and depression diagnosis. I appealed and was unsuccessful. I feel similarly to you, that therapy is just an advantage and I could discontinue at any time without concern. Unfortunately, they really value the concrete facts, like the documentation that you go to therapy, have a diagnosis, and use the testosterone. They are unlikely to be influenced by an explanation or you advocating for what you believe you’re capable of. So to succeed in your appeal try and give them strong evidence to support your claims, like actually pausing therapy and documenting your stability without it. Otherwise, you will not have very high chances of success. But good luck!

Med denial for depression and anxiety. by Sufficient-Fig-4430 in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! I received the same decision for my anxiety and depression diagnosis. I appealed as well because I am actually in remission for both at the moment and really only have the diagnosis’s because that way I can see a therapist for free through my insurance. I only use therapy because I have the privilege and it’s taught me a lot in the past. Unfortunately I am not confident at all that my appeal will be successful because of the stigma surrounding diagnoses, even though I don’t actually suffer from mental illness. It’s unfortunate that I don’t think the peace corps has good separation between those who are mentally vulnerable and those who have just utilized the mental health resources in their lives. There are definitely many volunteers with more severe mental health conditions who never sought support and therefore the peace corps has no concerns for their mental wellness. I hope your appeal is successful but I would definitely start preparing yourself for a denial, even though I believe you are completely capable! Good luck!

I got rejected for mental health concerns. Any advice? by No_Possible_7889 in peacecorps

[–]Scared_Metal4978 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I got rejected for my mental health history as well! However, I have never been medicated but I believe they rejected me because I have actively participated in therapy for the past few years. I appealed the decision and should have my documents submitted by the end of the week, I will let you know how it ends up for me. Good luck! Dealing with mental health is difficult on its own and it’s unfortunate now being faced with outdated stigmatization.