Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 8/16/2010

Question
Hello sir, about 3 years ago was really depressed about not finding a job in this tough economy so I tried to kill myself by overdosing on tylenol pills but I didn't do any real damage. Does the Army accept people like me and if so, can it affect my ability to get security clearence? Im not suicidal, it was just that one moment where I became weak.

Answer
It all depends on what made it into your medical records about the incident. If you have no mention of the incident, then its best to not mention it.  If you do, then you'll need to be evaluated by mental health professionals to ensure your faculties will allow you to serve.  Unfortunately, there is no yes or no answer because even the regulation allows the examiner to determine your fitness to serve on his professional opinion. The only thing to really do is try.