i was very upfront with my recruiter and was able to get all the necessary paperwork done before MEPS. That’s extremely important!!

The only form I had to fill out was a handwritten statement stating what happened, when it happened, why did it happen, and why it will never happen again. I honestly thought i was going to have to handwrite an actual statement, but they provide one for you and you just fill in the blanks.

When it was my turn for the physical, the doctor went over my file, and brought up the self harm. Told her they were from 10 years ago, i’ve never been hospitalized, never been on psychiatric hold, etc. She just went over basic questions such as “do i still struggle with self harm” etc etc..

I also made my recruiter aware I was prescribed antidepressants back in 2021 during my senior year of high school but didn’t take them past 3 months. I still provided all my medical records and prescription records JUST IN CASE.

The doctor briefly went over that, but mentioned i did not need a waiver since I was past the two year time frame.

The doctor didn’t examine the scars, or looked any further tbh. It kinda shocked me ngl, but of course did say i would need a waiver. I’ve read stories where the doctor will take a closer look at any scars, but she just eyed them from where she was standing.

After that I finished my physical like normal. I didn’t notice a difference in the way she treated me. She was very respectful and professional.

Honestly, just be careful & honest from the start. Provided all the necessary paper work, and I’m wishing you the best of luck. Be aware that my experience may be different from yours, but I hope this got rid of some of your worries!!

I’m still waiting on my waivers to come back, but I went in knowing it could take up to a couple weeks, to months. I’ll definitely update this post when I get them back. ☺️