I am going through the same thing right now... I am 63. I have lived and worked on three continents while taking anti-depressants. But Peace Corps seems to think they know more about me than I know about myself. Thanks for your video. I am appealing the decision. It is tough to have my character questioned, which is what it feels like. Makes me wonder if they want to test applicants' tenacity. If that is the case, they will get a taste of mine. Thank you again!
Thank you s much for sharing in detail I used your guidance to prepare my own appeal and just was granted clearance. This is esp important now because so many people have sought mental health support during the pandemic. One of my major arguments -- buttressed by my counselor -- was that my self-awareness to seek treatment and recover was, in fact, evidence of my mental health resiliency. Because I knew the signs of depression i would be MORE likely to practice early self-care strategies. It should be viewed as a strength, not a liability. Good luck
You are so right, knowing when to seek help and having experience with therapy should be something PC covets when looking for new volunteers. That’s amazing to hear that you were granted clearance! Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful service!
Currently fighting for my case against a medical denial. Thank you so much for this video! This gives me motivation that it is possible to still serve in a timely manner. These medical staff "nurses" have become less and less dependable and baffles me how they're in charge and can take away months of work in the blink of an eye.
This was inspiring to watch, you wanted something so badly and worked so hard for it and advocated for yourself! I am currently in my last year of grad school and just accepted an invitation to serve. I’m nervous about medical clearance. This was exactly what I needed to see!
I'm so glad that you found some inspiration and more insight into the process. That is so exciting that you got invited! Wishing you the best of luck with finishing school and also though the medical clearance process. Definitely reach out if you have any questions as you're checking off the boxes!
Forgot to say, I was a PCV from 1981-84. During that process they tried to deny me because I still had all of my wisdom teeth. I refused to get them removed, and they let me go. I spent three great years in what was then called Zaire. Do NOT give up, people.
THIS WAS SO HELPFUL!! I just got medically denied for Generalized Anxiety and previous symptoms of depression, with a history of no medication:( thank you so much for this, truly!
Of course! I’m so sorry you’re having to go through that. I am glad this could be helpful to you! Definitely reach out if you need any help during the process or even just someone to vent to. Best of luck! I hope you are able to appeal the decision!
This is a great, helpful, and insightful video. Throughout this process I'v wondered what the other side looks like. There always seems to be a wall of secrecy about what type of challenges and support are offered during service while you are going through the clearance process. They make it seem as though you will have nothing but your thoughts and your own two hands. I'm going through clearance right now and my nurse seems a bit 50/50. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years and have done some talk therapy on and off for a few years and was never prescribed medication. When I talked about this it seemed like every (r)pcv said I was doomed from the beginning. Nice to see there's some possibility.
Thanks Jade! I just received my medical disqualification, so I appreciate the insight your video has given me into the appeal process. 10% is again disheartening 😅but I hope as well to show that my condition shouldn't be a cause for denial of service. Again, thanks for sharing your experience!
This has been really helpful. I’m glad it all worked out for you, and am hoping it will for me in a similar manner! I was put on anti depressants 10 months ago, and I can honestly say they have improved my life so much. It made the worst of my symptoms manageable if not go away all together. I’m working on the medical clearance process now for departure in Sept 2023 (which will be 1year and 4 months after I started meds!) but I’m basically convinced I will be medically denied and will have to submit an appeal similar to yours. I’m just extra nervous because I’ve been hearing that nurses are telling people that they need 2-5 years of stability on/off meds now! That’s insane. If that’s the case, no way will I be cleared. I hope the 1 year requirement, like you got, would be the same for me. I’ve been wanting to serve forever and don’t know what I would do if I get denied. Thanks for providing this space for me to rant haha
Wow, 5 years of “stability” is ridiculous. I am hoping you will be accepted or at the least, win an appeal if necessary. It would be such a shame for them to take that opportunity away from you. Best of luck!
I’m a current Air Force Reserve recruiter and I found your testimony really interesting. The things you went through are similar to what some of my applicants go through to get medically cleared.
I had to get a letter from a shrink saying that I wouldn't kill myself in service. 😂 🤷♂️ The PC is very serious about mental health, not because they care. They don't want the liability. If you want to serve, do not disclose your mental health history. You can terminate your service at anytime. The PC is not for everyone. If it gets to be to much you can early terminate.
It really is a shame how absolutely horrible the medical clearance process is. I'm going through it again for the second time and I'm realizing how little actual medical knowledge these supposed medical professionals have. They're constantly getting medical facts wrong and making decisions based on zero knowledge of the country's medical capabilities.
Going through medical clearance right now. Have submitted all of my mental health stuff and not received feedback. I have one more task left and so scared they will deny me. I depart in October. So scared.
Ah, that so exciting that you’re in the process but also can be very nerve-wracking. Wishing you the best of luck! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions! Do you know where you will be going?
Thank you for sharing this, I’m sure it will be helpful to future applicants. Since you have been in service, what have you found to be challenging? I’m currently working on my medical clearance for Ethiopia!
Ann Kristin Wright thank you so much for watching! There have been many challenges in service. The learning of the language is probably the biggest factor that created challenges in all areas of my service from social to work to home life. It was really discouraging at first. However, around the 6-8 month mark, i began spending a lot of time immersing myself in it and the rewards we ten fold. I found that it instantly helped me and once my language fell into place, everything else did too. It did so much to help me manage my anxiety as well. Another difficult thing has been dealing with life back home while abroad. It has been hard being away and alone through things like death and sickness in the family. But key to managing that has been self care and making sure to check in with video chats every now and then. Definitely reach out if you have any more questions! Good luck With your medical clearance and congratulations on your invite to Ethiopia! 😍❤️
Hi! do you happen to have a sample of your appeal Personal Statement? I got denied as well and would like some guidance on writing my own personal statement. Thanks in advance!
How would you recommend handling it in the initial application process? I have anxiety, depression, and adhd, and just wonder what I can do to show I can do it, that I am capable of it. I feel like I want to do stuff beforehand to prevent it from getting to the point where I have to appeal it. Does that make sense? Also, what are some of the biggest stressors you faced while doing this? I just want to go in with both eyes open. (Also I went off of my meds just a few months ago, had some life events that made it a bit more stressful for me with my cat dying so obviously that caused some relapse, but I'd say I'm still doing pretty well with all of it and getting ready to start a new school semester full time even with all of that)
Hailey, this is a good question. Although it’s hard to say what will specifically harm or help your personal case, one thing I think I would’ve done differently in my own initial personal mental health statement would be to be more vague about the negative aspects of my past experience with mental health struggles. If you feel confident in your ability to serve, I think it’s possible to omit any personal information that may harm your case, unless it absolutely has to be present (for example if your doctor has referenced a particular situation). For example, in my statement, I briefly wrote about a period in my life where I took a break from school due to episodes of anxiety. In retrospect, this most likely harmed my case and did not need to be included. As for biggest stressors, I found that the social dynamics of working with other Americans during training, etc, as well as feelings of disconnection and disassociation that come with a language barrier were the main stressors I encountered in service. Ways I managed those stressors were to rely on a few close friendships I made with other volunteers, and also to study and immerse myself in the language as much as possible. I hope that is helpful and I wish you luck in your application! P.s. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. Those are always such difficult goodbyes 💙
I am currently 21 and hoping to apply next year. When I was 14, I was hospitalized for 3 days for depression. Is that automatically disqualifying? I haven’t been on medication or in therapy in about 3 years
This is a great question, there’s really no way to know for sure. My initial reaction is that it wouldn’t disqualify you since it was so long ago. However, I have heard from other applicants that had their medical clearance denied for similar reasons. I think sometimes it ultimately depends on the nurses that review your case. But I think it’s worth it to still try to apply if it’s something you have your heart set on. Best of luck 🩵🩵🩵
Hi! I am going through the process and send an email to the address listed above. I don't know if that address is active, or if you still read the comments, but I would really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you reading the process.
@@channelingchickadee2779 Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!!! I can't tell you how grateful I am. I just sent the email again. My address contains Apollo in it. Hope that helps!
My understanding is that it depends on the post you apply for, the type of medication, the circumstances surrounding your diagnosis, and your history of medicine adjustment. In my case, they saw that I had a medication change in the last year and they saw that I was in therapy. For them, that was grounds to deny me. But I know of a lot of volunteers on different kinds of mental health medications who were approved on their first try.
Man, you made this video three years ago, and it is inspiring me to appeal my case today. Thank you for your words and your honesty.
Thank you for watching! I really hope you’re able to appeal their decision! I wish you the best of luck!
I am going through the same thing right now... I am 63. I have lived and worked on three continents while taking anti-depressants. But Peace Corps seems to think they know more about me than I know about myself. Thanks for your video. I am appealing the decision. It is tough to have my character questioned, which is what it feels like. Makes me wonder if they want to test applicants' tenacity. If that is the case, they will get a taste of mine. Thank you again!
I’m sure your tenacity will pull you through as it’s done in all your past travels and your previous service! 👏best of luck!!
Thank you s much for sharing in detail I used your guidance to prepare my own appeal and just was granted clearance. This is esp important now because so many people have sought mental health support during the pandemic. One of my major arguments -- buttressed by my counselor -- was that my self-awareness to seek treatment and recover was, in fact, evidence of my mental health resiliency. Because I knew the signs of depression i would be MORE likely to practice early self-care strategies. It should be viewed as a strength, not a liability. Good luck
You are so right, knowing when to seek help and having experience with therapy should be something PC covets when looking for new volunteers. That’s amazing to hear that you were granted clearance! Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful service!
Currently fighting for my case against a medical denial. Thank you so much for this video! This gives me motivation that it is possible to still serve in a timely manner. These medical staff "nurses" have become less and less dependable and baffles me how they're in charge and can take away months of work in the blink of an eye.
Yes, so true! I hope you are able to appeal your case! 🙏
This was inspiring to watch, you wanted something so badly and worked so hard for it and advocated for yourself! I am currently in my last year of grad school and just accepted an invitation to serve. I’m nervous about medical clearance. This was exactly what I needed to see!
I'm so glad that you found some inspiration and more insight into the process. That is so exciting that you got invited! Wishing you the best of luck with finishing school and also though the medical clearance process. Definitely reach out if you have any questions as you're checking off the boxes!
Forgot to say, I was a PCV from 1981-84. During that process they tried to deny me because I still had all of my wisdom teeth. I refused to get them removed, and they let me go. I spent three great years in what was then called Zaire. Do NOT give up, people.
This is amazing! Yes, don’t give up! 👏
THIS WAS SO HELPFUL!! I just got medically denied for Generalized Anxiety and previous symptoms of depression, with a history of no medication:( thank you so much for this, truly!
Of course! I’m so sorry you’re having to go through that. I am glad this could be helpful to you! Definitely reach out if you need any help during the process or even just someone to vent to. Best of luck! I hope you are able to appeal the decision!
Hi, were you able to appeal succesfully?
This is a great, helpful, and insightful video. Throughout this process I'v wondered what the other side looks like. There always seems to be a wall of secrecy about what type of challenges and support are offered during service while you are going through the clearance process. They make it seem as though you will have nothing but your thoughts and your own two hands.
I'm going through clearance right now and my nurse seems a bit 50/50. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years and have done some talk therapy on and off for a few years and was never prescribed medication. When I talked about this it seemed like every (r)pcv said I was doomed from the beginning. Nice to see there's some possibility.
Thanks Jade! I just received my medical disqualification, so I appreciate the insight your video has given me into the appeal process. 10% is again disheartening 😅but I hope as well to show that my condition shouldn't be a cause for denial of service. Again, thanks for sharing your experience!
Im so sorry you were denied! I really hope your appeal goes through! 👏 fee free reach out if you have any questions during the process!
This has been really helpful. I’m glad it all worked out for you, and am hoping it will for me in a similar manner! I was put on anti depressants 10 months ago, and I can honestly say they have improved my life so much. It made the worst of my symptoms manageable if not go away all together. I’m working on the medical clearance process now for departure in Sept 2023 (which will be 1year and 4 months after I started meds!) but I’m basically convinced I will be medically denied and will have to submit an appeal similar to yours. I’m just extra nervous because I’ve been hearing that nurses are telling people that they need 2-5 years of stability on/off meds now! That’s insane. If that’s the case, no way will I be cleared. I hope the 1 year requirement, like you got, would be the same for me. I’ve been wanting to serve forever and don’t know what I would do if I get denied. Thanks for providing this space for me to rant haha
Wow, 5 years of “stability” is ridiculous. I am hoping you will be accepted or at the least, win an appeal if necessary. It would be such a shame for them to take that opportunity away from you. Best of luck!
Were you accepted?
You did such an amazing job advocating for yourself. Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing. ✨🙌🏽⭐️
This information is extremely helpful. I'm working on the application process right now.
I’m so sorry for the late reply. I’m glad this was helpful and I hope your application process went smoothly! Best of luck! ❤️
I’m a current Air Force Reserve recruiter and I found your testimony really interesting. The things you went through are similar to what some of my applicants go through to get medically cleared.
I'm partially convinced I would have an easier time joining the military at this point.
Wow, I had no idea the process was so similar!
I had to get a letter from a shrink saying that I wouldn't kill myself in service. 😂 🤷♂️
The PC is very serious about mental health, not because they care. They don't want the liability. If you want to serve, do not disclose your mental health history. You can terminate your service at anytime. The PC is not for everyone. If it gets to be to much you can early terminate.
Oh man, I’m sorry you had to do that. It’s sad that we have to jump through hoops and/or lie on our applications to be able to serve.
It really is a shame how absolutely horrible the medical clearance process is. I'm going through it again for the second time and I'm realizing how little actual medical knowledge these supposed medical professionals have. They're constantly getting medical facts wrong and making decisions based on zero knowledge of the country's medical capabilities.
Going through medical clearance right now. Have submitted all of my mental health stuff and not received feedback. I have one more task left and so scared they will deny me. I depart in October. So scared.
Ah, that so exciting that you’re in the process but also can be very nerve-wracking. Wishing you the best of luck! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions! Do you know where you will be going?
Wow I was supposed to depart in October this year too and now I don't know what they're gonna do with my case.
Thank you for sharing this, I’m sure it will be helpful to future applicants. Since you have been in service, what have you found to be challenging? I’m currently working on my medical clearance for Ethiopia!
Ann Kristin Wright thank you so much for watching! There have been many challenges in service. The learning of the language is probably the biggest factor that created challenges in all areas of my service from social to work to home life. It was really discouraging at first. However, around the 6-8 month mark, i began spending a lot of time immersing myself in it and the rewards we ten fold. I found that it instantly helped me and once my language fell into place, everything else did too. It did so much to help me manage my anxiety as well. Another difficult thing has been dealing with life back home while abroad. It has been hard being away and alone through things like death and sickness in the family. But key to managing that has been self care and making sure to check in with video chats every now and then. Definitely reach out if you have any more questions! Good luck With your medical clearance and congratulations on your invite to Ethiopia! 😍❤️
How funny, I was just looking into doing the TESOL Masters at PSU. So it was unclear in this video. Did you actually finish it?
I am going through this exact same thing right now...
Edit: except with no meds.
I hope everything turns out for you!
Was it worth the trouble? I'm in my appeals process now and I'm still being asked questions about my documents
Hi! do you happen to have a sample of your appeal Personal Statement? I got denied as well and would like some guidance on writing my own personal statement. Thanks in advance!
How would you recommend handling it in the initial application process? I have anxiety, depression, and adhd, and just wonder what I can do to show I can do it, that I am capable of it. I feel like I want to do stuff beforehand to prevent it from getting to the point where I have to appeal it. Does that make sense? Also, what are some of the biggest stressors you faced while doing this? I just want to go in with both eyes open. (Also I went off of my meds just a few months ago, had some life events that made it a bit more stressful for me with my cat dying so obviously that caused some relapse, but I'd say I'm still doing pretty well with all of it and getting ready to start a new school semester full time even with all of that)
Hailey, this is a good question. Although it’s hard to say what will specifically harm or help your personal case, one thing I think I would’ve done differently in my own initial personal mental health statement would be to be more vague about the negative aspects of my past experience with mental health struggles. If you feel confident in your ability to serve, I think it’s possible to omit any personal information that may harm your case, unless it absolutely has to be present (for example if your doctor has referenced a particular situation). For example, in my statement, I briefly wrote about a period in my life where I took a break from school due to episodes of anxiety. In retrospect, this most likely harmed my case and did not need to be included.
As for biggest stressors, I found that the social dynamics of working with other Americans during training, etc, as well as feelings of disconnection and disassociation that come with a language barrier were the main stressors I encountered in service.
Ways I managed those stressors were to rely on a few close friendships I made with other volunteers, and also to study and immerse myself in the language as much as possible.
I hope that is helpful and I wish you luck in your application!
P.s. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. Those are always such difficult goodbyes 💙
Thank you for sharing! I am facing slightly the same set back with PC. Is there a way to connect? - Best, Sydney
Sydney, I am sorry you are going through this! You can email me to talk more at jadefletchy@gmail.com 👍
I am currently 21 and hoping to apply next year. When I was 14, I was hospitalized for 3 days for depression. Is that automatically disqualifying? I haven’t been on medication or in therapy in about 3 years
This is a great question, there’s really no way to know for sure. My initial reaction is that it wouldn’t disqualify you since it was so long ago. However, I have heard from other applicants that had their medical clearance denied for similar reasons. I think sometimes it ultimately depends on the nurses that review your case. But I think it’s worth it to still try to apply if it’s something you have your heart set on. Best of luck 🩵🩵🩵
Hi! I am going through the process and send an email to the address listed above. I don't know if that address is active, or if you still read the comments, but I would really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you reading the process.
Janet, I’m so sorry I missed your email somehow! It might have gone to my spam folder. Can you try to resend it? It should be jadefletchy@gmail.com
@@channelingchickadee2779 Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!!! I can't tell you how grateful I am.
I just sent the email again. My address contains Apollo in it. Hope that helps!
So if you're on any medication at all, they can't accommodate that? Interesting!
My understanding is that it depends on the post you apply for, the type of medication, the circumstances surrounding your diagnosis, and your history of medicine adjustment. In my case, they saw that I had a medication change in the last year and they saw that I was in therapy. For them, that was grounds to deny me. But I know of a lot of volunteers on different kinds of mental health medications who were approved on their first try.