Expert: John L - 12/29/2009

Question
Dear Sir:
I hope you can help. My stepson is enlisted in the Navy and had found life there "too hard". Over the last couple of months he has shown signs he is trying to get out (he forged documents to show he was working when he wasn't), took Motrin pills and was placed in the hospital, was diagnosed with "Adjustment Disorder" and given anti depressents to take while on leave during Christmas (which he didn't). He went back this past weekend and his mother received a call today that he was back in the hospital having taken 13 cough medicine pills. His mother is upset it is just a ruse to get out of the Navy (and we both feel it is disturbing he would put his life on the line to accomplish it). Not sure what we can do to help him. He has a habit of being gung ho about things in his life, but when adversity and tough times come he has done what he could do to quit. Not sure if his attempts will get him his wish or he will lose his life. And we don't know who to turn to in the Navy to get some guidance/information. Please accept our gratitude for any advice you can offer. Sincerely, Dan from New York.

Answer
While not a doctor, what he is doing is actually hurting him and may kill him.  There are other ways to get out without hurting yourself like he is.  He has a classic mental issue with dealing with adversity and the structure for which is cannot adjust to.  The military will not listen to yuor concerns at all unfortuantley.  he will be eventually discharged and never be able to get a good Govt job, as it will follow him is his life.  Private sectors won't care, but I believe he needs to see a counselor even after he gets out of rhe military to talk about the choices he has made.

Just be his parents and talk to him, try to snap him out of it.