FA Licence and PTSD? Advice...

[Greenmist]

I was there in 91 as well, ask your GP what they think of you applying for your FAC, however, the fact you mention flashbacks I personally wouldn't expect a positive outcome

 

[Hagrid]

Hi, came across this older post with a similar issue myself, just wondered how you got on?

 

[MAH]

Get in touch with your doctor and your licensing department in that order.

@TheSilverSniper.
As above, definitely discuss with your GP before the police.
The GP will now how severe it is.
The police will not.

But before that, you might discuss your intentions with close friends (good friends) and your partner. What do they think?

After all, you will need two references for your FAC application.
If your good friends hesitate, then you might have your answer.

M.

 

[doric_prince]

@TheSilverSniper.
As above, definitely discuss with your GP before the police.
The GP will now how severe it is.
The police will not.

But before that, you might discuss your intentions with close friends (good friends) and your partner. What do they think?

After all, you will need two references for your FAC application.
If your good friends hesitate, then you might have your answer.

M.

It’s a 4 year old post. Don’t think he’s still looking for advice.

Hi, came across this older post with a similar issue myself, just wondered how you got on?

The op has only 5 posts and hasn’t been online for 4 years since he posted this thread. I think you can deduce from that fact that it wasn’t wholly successful for him.

 

[Jeff8861]

This issue has came up across the forum on a number of occasions. In general Fld have had lots of training in regards to mental health so have a very good understanding of the various types of mental health. For someone in this position i would procede with the application and when it comes to the relevant section you must be open and honest. If you fail to disclose the relevant medical conditions you are liable to prosecution.
I wouldn't bother contacting the fld, fill out the application and have you're GP complete the relevant section. When they receive the application they will asses it. The flm may request further info from the gp. This will be in regards to diagnoses time frames medication and other treatment like cbt talking therapies etc. Once they have all the info the feo will attend and discuss. Youre answers and replies will be noted make sure responses are aligned to what youre symptons and conditions were dont play it down be open and honest.
Mental health is treated like any other condition. If you recognise it and seek help and there has been no reoccurrence lately you should be fine. You're career path is virtually identical to me. Flm and feo are very understanding and if they don't grant you they will offer you help and advice with regards to future applications.

 

[MAH]

It’s a 4 year old post.

Blimey..
I didn't notice that.
I think i was viewing page 1 or maybe 2 of whats new, when I saw the OP.
Read a few replies, the shared my 5p.

@csl . Please see above fyi.
Maybe this thread should be closed for any further replies.
M

 

[Greenmist]

Maybe this thread should be closed for any further replies.

Some good advice given and a recent similar enquiry, won't hurt to keep it open

 

[MAH]

won't hurt to keep it open

Open to "read" for sure.
But closed to further replies is my suggestion.

 

[Greenmist]

Open to "read" for sure.
But closed to further replies is my suggestion.

As the op hasn't been on for four years you're probably right, although would be good if @Hagrid had the opportunity of an answer, perhaps start your own thread Hagrid

 

[Jeff8861]

@TheSilverSniper.
As above, definitely discuss with your GP before the police.
The GP will now how severe it is.
The police will not.

But before that, you might discuss your intentions with close friends (good friends) and your partner. What do they think?

After all, you will need two references for your FAC application.
If your good friends hesitate, then you might have your answer.

M.

The gp provides medical history the gp can't tell the applicant if he or she will be granted. The gp has no idea of what the criteria within firearms licensing is and that's how it should be. Imagine if you're gp is anti shooting and they tell you that you have no chance of being granted. You then don't submit an application, where do you go from there. At least if you submit an application you will find out one way or the other. In addition if they refuse they may ask you to resubmit at a later date or offer advice on to re apply.

 

[ContinShots]

Hi all,

A quick albeit complex question from those with experience.

As my intro details, I have significant firearms experience in the military and the police but have never held a FAL or SGL

As a result initial of mu operations in the ‘91 Gulf War and then some Police firearms operations, I was diagnosed a few years back with Complex PTSD.

I am about to apply to West Mercia Police for my initial FAL and wonder what my chances are based on the experience found here on this forum.

To paint a better picture I am happiest outdoors, I am passionate and happy with weapons and have never had any ‘issues’ to date, apart from my flashbacks.

Obviously a sensitive subject, but happy for responses to be honest and candid.

This wont stop me hunting but I may have to pursue it via my other love of birds of prey.

TIA

Don't call them 'weapons' for starters! I know you're ex plod and ex military, but in the civilian world we call them firearms and we don't focus on the negatives which barely apply to our use of firearms. Second, just explain they're part of your lifestyle that helps reduce stress, keeps you happy and positive etc. Focus on all the positives and just be honest about the negatives and demonstrate that they're historic and no longer an issue. Good luck!

 

[Morkai]

Don't call them 'weapons' for starters! I know you're ex plod and ex military, but in the civilian world we call them firearms and we don't focus on the negatives which barely apply to our use of firearms. Second, just explain they're part of your lifestyle that helps reduce stress, keeps you happy and positive etc. Focus on all the positives and just be honest about the negatives and demonstrate that they're historic and no longer an issue. Good luck!

This was 4yrs ago and they've not been on since.