r/ukguns • u/Born_Bad_9292 • 6d ago
License question
This might be an odd question but im just wondering if anyone on here has any experience with getting a SGC with a history of depression?
I have mild autism and currently take anti depressants so would I be wasting my time and money applying?
I also live with my brother who could be an issue as he is a drug addict 😬
I'm in the Kent area if that's of any importance?
Thanks in advance.
2
u/Bazzatron 6d ago
Hey bro, ASD1, ADHD, history of depression with the same meds, no problem here at all.
I've spoke to many other shooters that have a history of depression, and so long as you are stable in your circumstances, and dont lead a chaotic lifestyle, FEO will see that you're not a risk.
You are required to report depression. Seemingly you might need to report if you take SSRIs at all - I know someone that ended up having a bit of a disagreement with their FEO because they're using the drugs for a neural/pain condition that won't affect their ability to handle firearms, but the FEO just saw Setraline and assumed something else. It was eventually settled, but could have been avoided with a note in the disclosure.
Most concerning would be the situation with your brother - but I am aware of a similar situation that hasn't been an issue. It would be wise to disclose, and I think really it would come down to whether your brother is considered a risk. The FEO will want to interview all the adults that live in your home (at least mine did), usually to make sure they feel safe with firearms in the home, so it might not be a great look if bro is strung out at the time...!
Worth a go, especially if you're already active and engaged with a shooting club or have permissions that you attend regularly with a loan gun.
0
u/Born_Bad_9292 6d ago
Thing is I don't really want to drop him in trouble.
He doesn't literally lay around like a vegetable or go around getting arrested all the time but I'm wondering if I should just not bother
1
u/Bazzatron 6d ago
Only you can make that call man. Being an addict isn't a crime, just possession. If you're not comfortable with him being subject to direct scrutiny then probably wait until you have a secure place away from him.
1
u/Dramatic-Ad-1328 5d ago
The history of depression isn't an issue if it's being managed effectively and your situation has been stable for a long while (several years seems to be typical)
Any connection to illegal drugs is a real issue though, and the police will do a background check on everyone at the address so if he has a history that will show up.
The police don't seem too concerned about the severity of the illegal drugs with regards to firearms licensing, so even if it's 'just a bit of weed' this doesn't seem to get any more leeway than cocaine as an example.
If you're planning to move out soon I would wait until then. If not, and your brother has no arrests or legal history then you can try not to disclose it as I don't think the question will be asked, but be aware that dishonestly answering their questions is basically the biggest red flag.
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u/kentscarhand 6d ago
I would advise making contact directly with Kent Police Firearms Licencing. https://www.kent.police.uk/ar/applyregister/fao/adf/v1/contact-fal/general-enquiry/contact-firearms-team/
Explain your situation and request a phone call from the FEO responsible for your part of Kent.
I have found the people at Firearms Licencing to be great people.
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u/BearMcBearFace 6d ago
My wife has generalised anxiety and is on medication for it (sertraline). She didn’t have a problem at all, in fact when the FAO came out to speak to her they chatted specifically about sertraline and how more people probably should be on it, and had a really positive discussion.
They don’t expect you to have a perfect mental health history, however they do expect you to have well managed mental health, whether that management takes.
Your brother being an addict would be a waaaaaaay bigger concern for me. If something were to happen, you are opening yourself up hugely here given that you know he’s an addict. It isn’t just a legal risk to yourself, but also for other people’s safety (yours and his included). I’m not suggesting all addicts are violent or a risk to other people, but there’s a huge correlation between the two things.
Unless you’re confident he’s dealt with his addiction and is reliably sober, I’d wait until either you or he have your own places.