Questions about 'Health Status Review'

Hi Everybody,

I posted here way way back about Medical Clearance concerns.

Well, I FINALLY got around to finishing my application and submitting it online. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the "Health Status Review" (HSR) was part of the initial application. I thought all of that came later, with the medical clearance and application toolkit and whatnot... so I don't think I'm finished with it just quite yet.

Anyway, I really want to get this last form in, but I have a few questions and concerns...
How important/offical is the HSR?

It's a fairly long form with lots of very straight forward questions. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to them all. For some questions it's a matter of searching for dates of diagnosis/starting medication. For other questions, however, I don't know what the right answer is, or what counts. I want to be as honest and straightforward as possible, and I certainly don't want to lie and disqualify myself, but I certainly do not want to provide unnecessary information that would hurt me in the application process. Specificaly...

1. Section 8, item 78 "Have you ever had substance abuse or alcohol abuse counseling (other than awareness counseling or classes related to traffic citations?" (YES/NO)...
   
   • I was suspended in for being 'intoxicated' (caffeine pills) as a sophomore in high school (2001) and was subsequently evaluated and admitted to an teen outpatient substance abuse counseling program to reduce my punishment/suspension. Because the program was through a private hospital (not through my school), I believe it is a part of my medical records... However, because it was so long ago and for such a minor offense, I don't think it has any real bearing on my eligibility/suitability for the PC today.
     
     • So... what is the correct answer? I suppose it is technically YES, but it was over 5 years ago, I was a juvenile, and I really didn't have much of a substance abuse problem then, and I certainly do not have one now.
     •  
2. Section 8, item 81: "Have you ever tried to harm yourself or attempted suicide?" (YES/NO)
   
   • Again, this is really embarrassing, old teenage angst crap... I used to cut/self-mutilate when I was 14 years old (this was a very short lived experiment, but I got caught and it was reported to my high school social workers => psychologists, etc.) So I suppose that counts as "trying to harm myself"... A few months later I got into a fight with a friend, locked myself in a bathroom and tried to swallow a bunch of my anti-depressant pills... (which were obviously quite ineffective at treating my depression!).. I didn't even manage to swallow any of them. However, my friend reported the incident at school and I believe it was deemed a "suicide attempt". I never really seriously intended to kill myself that day. I suppose it was just a cry for help, or whatever.
     
     • I'm wondering if these instances qualify as "trying to harm myself or attempt suicide"... they were so long ago. So stupid and the result of meaningless drama. I got over it all and am thoroughly embarrassed by the fact that it happened at all. My immediate reaction/answer to the question was "No, of course not" ... but then I remembered all of the crap that I just mentioned. I'm not sure what my medical records would say about those instances... but I would really REALLY like to keep it private! Especially since I don't think it even really QUALIFIES...
     • 
       
3. NEED CLARIFICATION: Section 8, Item 85: "Do you have or have you ever had any other mental health condition not listed in Items 76 - 84? (YES/NO)"
   • I have been officially diagnosed with:
     
     • Clinical Depression
     • ADHD (Item #83)
     • Anxiety (I THINK I have an official diagnosis... although it might just be considered a symptom of my depression)
   • My question is... they don't specifically LIST or MENTION "Clinical Depression" or "Anxiety" by name, but the conditions are kinda implied. Should I just say "YES, I have a mental health condition not listed in Items 76-84"?

So, having just explained all that... it probably sounds like I'm crazy and unstable... but honestly, that was just a phase I went through in adolescence. I am still being treated (medication) for depression and anxiety, but have been doing very well for several years. I don't have any problems with drug or alcohol abuse, and I certainly have no inclination to harm myself or commit suicide. I've spent a lot of time thinking about my history of depression and how it would affect me as an isolated Peace Corps volunteer, and I've come to the conclusion (along with my psychiatrist) that I have come a long way and am strong enough to take on the challenge and thrive as a volunteer.

One more question: Can I modify/edit any of my answers later on? I am not trying to decieve the Peace Corps or lie about my medical history/conditions... I've heard horror stories about people being medically separated for failing to disclose information in their medical clearance or making mistakes. I want to avoid that at all costs.

I'd really appreciate any help, answers, or advice you guys can give me. I want to get this form in as soon as possible. I'm going to call my regional office tomorrow to check up on some other stuff regarding my application. I'd rather not ask about disclosing this information because I'd be revealing it by asking the question in the first place.



Thanks in advance for your help!