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Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:59 am
by IFRhopeful
Hello all!
My apologies if this is not the correct place for this question, but figured it may be relevant to other applicants.
I had been diagnosed in early 2017 for depression (~5 years ago), and prescribed SSRIs at the time. I took these for a few months before going off them.
I haven't had any issues concerning depression or mental health since, and my family doc has said that there are no concerns.
I was just wondering if anybody has had similar experience as mine and had difficulties obtaining their cat II medical clearance. I've already read through the documentation Transport Canada has put out on the matter (as well as checked out a number of threads on here), but I couldn't find many specific to ATC and wanted to get more information if I could.
I realize I will likely need another form filled by my doc to pass the medical, but how likely is it that I would not pass the medical based on the above? I have no other health concerns at all.
Any insight is greatly appreciated!
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 8:03 pm
by wordstwice
I know a few people who were diagnosed with depression while being a CAT I or II holder and had their LVC suspended as a result. (I'm assuming because of the medication) I also know of someone who had depression brought on by a specific situation (bad divorce) and later was fine. He applied for a medical and never mentioned this episode and got the LVC without any issues.
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:21 pm
by TheGooseIsLoose
IFRhopeful wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:59 am
Hello all!
My apologies if this is not the correct place for this question, but figured it may be relevant to other applicants.
I had been diagnosed in early 2017 for depression (~5 years ago), and prescribed SSRIs at the time. I took these for a few months before going off them.
I haven't had any issues concerning depression or mental health since, and my family doc has said that there are no concerns.
I was just wondering if anybody has had similar experience as mine and had difficulties obtaining their cat II medical clearance. I've already read through the documentation Transport Canada has put out on the matter (as well as checked out a number of threads on here), but I couldn't find many specific to ATC and wanted to get more information if I could.
I realize I will likely need another form filled by my doc to pass the medical, but how likely is it that I would not pass the medical based on the above? I have no other health concerns at all.
Any insight is greatly appreciated!
I haven't dealt with this situation myself but I do know someone who has. This is purely anecdotal but the person had a similar story to you. They were prescribed SSRIs years ago and had been off them for quite some time when they went to apply for their CATII medical. I don't know the details but they said that obtaining the medical clearance was a very frustrating process and they weren't sure if it was something they wanted to keep pursuing over the long-term. Having said that, they did receive their medical clearance and they were able to participate in the program that they were getting the medical clearance for.
Sorry I don't have any real specifics but I hope it helps!
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:27 pm
by IFRhopeful
TheGooseIsLoose wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:21 pm
I haven't dealt with this situation myself but I do know someone who has. This is purely anecdotal but the person had a similar story to you. They were prescribed SSRIs years ago and had been off them for quite some time when they went to apply for their CATII medical. I don't know the details but they said that obtaining the medical clearance was a very frustrating process and they weren't sure if it was something they wanted to keep pursuing over the long-term. Having said that, they did receive their medical clearance and they were able to participate in the program that they were getting the medical clearance for.
Sorry I don't have any real specifics but I hope it helps!
Thank you, that does help! Do you happen to know how long ago they went through the process?
I figured there would be some extra hoops, was just looking for some hope there
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2022 10:27 am
by dialdriver
IFRhopeful wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:59 am
Hello all!
My apologies if this is not the correct place for this question, but figured it may be relevant to other applicants.
I had been diagnosed in early 2017 for depression (~5 years ago), and prescribed SSRIs at the time. I took these for a few months before going off them.
I haven't had any issues concerning depression or mental health since, and my family doc has said that there are no concerns.
I was just wondering if anybody has had similar experience as mine and had difficulties obtaining their cat II medical clearance. I've already read through the documentation Transport Canada has put out on the matter (as well as checked out a number of threads on here), but I couldn't find many specific to ATC and wanted to get more information if I could.
I realize I will likely need another form filled by my doc to pass the medical, but how likely is it that I would not pass the medical based on the above? I have no other health concerns at all.
Any insight is greatly appreciated!
I expect you will be able to obtain your medical. Typically there is a waiting period after treatment and possibly a psychiatric assessment - routine stuff. In some situations you can even be on medication and hold a medical certificate.
It helps to have a competent CAME. If yours isn't get rid of him and ask around for a good one.
Have you called your Regional Medical Officer?
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:44 pm
by TheGooseIsLoose
IFRhopeful wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:27 pm
TheGooseIsLoose wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:21 pm
I haven't dealt with this situation myself but I do know someone who has. This is purely anecdotal but the person had a similar story to you. They were prescribed SSRIs years ago and had been off them for quite some time when they went to apply for their CATII medical. I don't know the details but they said that obtaining the medical clearance was a very frustrating process and they weren't sure if it was something they wanted to keep pursuing over the long-term. Having said that, they did receive their medical clearance and they were able to participate in the program that they were getting the medical clearance for.
Sorry I don't have any real specifics but I hope it helps!
Thank you, that does help! Do you happen to know how long ago they went through the process?
I figured there would be some extra hoops, was just looking for some hope there
They went through this process sometime in late 2019/early 2020
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Mon May 02, 2022 11:20 am
by linnoiemclaren
Sunlight and fresh air are important components of therapy against depression.
Re: Cat II Medical - Previous Depression
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 4:01 am
by JulietaRizas
Transport Canada generally looks at factors like stability, recurrence risk, and whether there were any functional impairments. Since it’s been several years and your doctor has no concerns, that’s a good sign. Still, medical assessments can be case-by-case, so being proactive with documentation can help.
Some applicants find it helpful to include additional context about their lifestyle and overall health, kind of like how
thc vapes come with varying regulatory considerations depending on usage patterns and regional policies. Keeping things clear and upfront tends to smooth out the process.