A 26-YEAR-OLD who was knocked back from the Royal Navy because he was taking anti-depressants says the rejection helped fuel his recovery and a new career path in car design.

Jonathan Paterson was prescribed drugs by his GP after he suffered the death of a close family member and was diagnosed with depression.

His struggles continued after he dropped out of a college course in mechanical engineering, became homeless, broke up with his girlfriend and was involved in two car crashes in the space of a few weeks.

When his mental health started to improve with the help of medication he applied to the Navy but was rejected and told he had to be, "two years clear of medication and symptoms" to be considered.

While the decision initially left him “gutted” he says it spurred on his recovery.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Navy says it does not have any specific guidance on anti-depressants but candidates have to meet certain standards to ensure they are free from conditions which “could be made worse by military training” or place them or others at risk.

Read more: Glasgow mum shares heartbreaking 10-year challenge pictures after teen's suicide

Unsuccessful candidates are encouraged to appeal decisions but Jonathan has now set his sights on a career in motor engineering and design after landing a job with Allied Vehicles, which employs around 700 people in Glasgow.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “Before I started in the job I’m in now, I had applied to the Navy and they knocked me back because I was taking anti-depressants. That’s their policy. They said I had to be symptom and medication free for two years. 

“I was gutted at the time but it spurred me on to get off the anti-depressants. I went to the doctor and we talked about coming off them gradually.”

Jonathan was studying for a degree in mechanical engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University when his mental health plummeted after his uncle was diagnosed with cancer and his condition worsened.

He said: “It was a combination of a few things. My uncle was dying of cancer and I was really struggling with that. We were very close.  I was struggling with my course at uni. They were really good but I ended up dropping out.

“I was involved in a car accident on November 14, then my uncle passed away on the last day in November and I also broke up with my girlfriend.

“At the time, my mum was going through a separation so I wasn’t able to stay with her. I was staying with my sister and we had a falling out. I ended up couch surfing for two months.”

Glasgow Times:

After being turned down for a place in the Navy in February 2019, Jonathan landed a job with Allied Vehicles as a vehicle assembler. He is now being considered for the firm’s graduate scheme, which is run in partnership with Strathclyde University.

He said: “It’s mechanical and electrical and a bit of design. I’d be able to work full time and would do one day a week at Strathclyde."

Read more: Mental Health Scotland and Strathclyde University launch health social media campaign

Allied Vehicles can refer employees to the charity Ben, which offers dedicated counselling services for workers in the automotive industry. Jonathan, who is now living with his mum, offers this advice to anyone struggling with their mental health.

He said: “Keep going, it gets better eventually. It might not feel like that at the time but it does.

“Talk to someone, anyone. Family, friends or a stranger. It’s always helped me.

“What got me through my depression, was my nieces and nephew. During my lowest, the only time I felt anything was when I was holding them, when I wasn’t I was completely numb.

“Being with them made me realise that I wanted to see them grow up and to develop a bond with them and to do that I had to get better.”

Glasgow Times:

A spokeswoman for the Royal Navy said: “Candidates have to meet certain standards to ensure they are free from conditions made worse by military training or placing them, or those around them, at risk. These standards are designed to ensure Her Majesty’s Armed Forces are successful on operations.

“Unsuccessful candidates are encouraged to appeal and given advice on how to do so.

“All appeals and re-applications are given full due consideration on a case by case basis.”

www.ben.org.uk