Anyone have any advice on dealing with depression?  No drugs can be involved.  Some of the old schoolers know that I serve in the Air Force (17 years).  Anyways, they released results for Master Sergeant (MSgt)  today and I missed it by .06 points (460 points total).  I honestly feel like offing myself at the moment..........  For those that don't know Air Force logic, MSgt is a major milestone in a military career.  Okay now out to buy a gun.  For real, I need some advice on how to cope with this BS

what cheney said.....if you're really that bummed, get some major help, not us goons.

 

 Depression is a bitch, especially when its caused by something that's a bigger bitch. All the years I've had issues, I've found I just need to get out and do something productive. The worst thing I've ever seen for someone with a case of the D's is to sit in a dark room and feel crappy about it. So yea, this thing sucks, go find something to engage yourself and be interested in.

Granted I know nothing about military life but would seeing the base pychologist be put on your record?  I would think there would be doctor/patient confidentiality but as I said I know nothing about military life.  Regardless I would see someone about it.  Having suicidal thoughts are nothing to play with.  I have dealt with minor depression recently and it is a serious problem.  If you can go talk to someone.  If the doctor type weirds you out than go see the base chaplain.  Regardless talk to someone.  Your life is nothing to fool around with.  You are important.  Sorry about missing the promotion. 

If you're nowhere close to killing yourself, for Pete's sake, don't tell the military you're bummed.  I know it's a new touchy-feelly military, but no one wants someone who is easily bummed promoted to a higher command position lest they get easily bummed in battle. 

My friend got a book called "A Prescription for Your Nutritional Healing" or maybe it didn't have the word "Your" in it, but that book has a bunch of stuff that explains what your body needs.  In it there are amino acids - proteins - that you can take to elevate your mood. Like L-Phenothailine or something like that.  It is supposed to fill your receptors with a chemical that blocks the bumming out chemical.

I think alcohol will just further depress you.  Coffee perhaps?  A good war movie, a new girlfriend or boyfriend?  Endless fragging on the Tempest?  Talking to your buds or the Big Guy Upstairs?

I know you just missed it buy a hair, but you can retest at a later date right?  It sounds like you're in the military for the long-haul anyway.  That sucks.

Stop trying so hard. The results are definitely not worth it if you have to bust yourself, and go minutely suicidal just at the first sign of failure. You're pouring your energies into the wrong area.

Do the worst thing you can imagine. That's right, step away from the armed forces. Start making plans to lead your life in a direction different from there, and eventually get out while you still can.

If you can't live without it, for real, then go back and try again.

But if you're busting your balls for .06 points, it's not worth it.