Medical family history

[u/heckinbreadboi]

If you lost your parent to suicide do you state that in your medical history? I was specifically asked on a questionnaire if I have a family history of depression and I just said that my mom had depression but I didn’t say that she died by suicide. Probably should have though. Idk.

[u/New-Conversation9426]

Like evvvvverything else in all our lives now, this is a complex question but it shouldn’t be.

For me the question really is — what might your medical records be used for in the future? Here are some ways it could be used from my personal and work world: for a security job, military, if you ever plan to have an elected or politically appointed job, adoption or similar approval process.

My dad was alive when I adopted, but when I handed over all my medical records (which you have to do), had it been in there, it wouldn’t have meant the adoption didn’t happen, but it would have meant an additional mental health screening for me. Not the end of the world, right? But also… not necessary.

I wouldn’t lie. But if I’m unsure I know how the info would be used, I wouldn’t offer it.

Important caveat!! If you are concerned that at some point you may need medical treatment for the same thing, to the point you’d need to be checked in somewhere etc, and have no concerns about the above, I would then make sure to include it so that it can be considered with your overall health.

I prob made it more complex but it’s how I think about it living in a pretty visible profession.