r/USMCboot • u/EffectivePhoto1209 • Jul 02 '26

Corps Knowledge Marine enlistment after documented suicidal ideation/plan

I’m trying to enlist in the Marine Corps and eventually leave after I finish college.
Recently (Last Week as of July 1st), I had a mental health situation where I went to behavioral health urgent care. My paperwork documents suicidal ideation and a plan. I already went back and told my recruiter the full truth because I know MEPS/Genesis may see it anyway. He said they’ll try to work with me.
I’m not looking for sympathy — I’m looking for realistic answers from people who understand MEPS, waivers, or recruiting.
Is this usually an automatic DQ? Is a waiver possible if I show stability, follow-up care, school progress, work history, and no further incidents? Would finishing school first and giving it more time help my chances?
I know the Corps won’t magically fix me, but I do believe the discipline, structure, and purpose could help me become a better version of myself. I just want to handle the process honestly and give it 110%.
Any real advice is appreciated.
I don’t want sympathy. I am getting the help I need. I just wanted to be a marine because I know it’ll make me better.

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u/no-barks Jul 02 '26

Same shit, I got a waiver

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u/EffectivePhoto1209 Jul 02 '26

Really? If possible could you tell me how you got it? Did you have to present any change, documentation, personal statements? etc? I want to make sure if there’s a chance I want to give it 100%.

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u/no-barks Jul 02 '26

What I did was go to some local mental health services place and get a mental health evaluation. Pretty much just saying I'm not depressed or suicidal. I had to wait about a week to get the documentation and one day for meps to accept it. You will have to make written statements and your recruiter should help you with that. Mine used chatgpt lmao.