Syrus

I'm currently applying to be a Firefighter. I eventually have to take a polygraph test. My problem is that I take prescribed anti-anxiety medication daily. I have a history of General Anxiety Disorder. Normally, I would inform the polygraph tester about my medication. However, the Fire Department does not like to hire people who have anxiety disorders. This is because people who have anxiety disorders are believed to be incapable of handling a stressful job such as; military, law enforcement, or fire department related. Let me say this, I have improved my anxiety issues over the past two years. Eventually, I plan to get off of my medication. I am confident that I can become a successful firefighter. So don't tell me that I'm not qualified, or that I should choose a different career. Just because I had an illness that was not preventable, doesn't mean that I can never become a firefighter. I know people will question me of whether or not I'm really qualified to become a firefighter. Over the years, I have learned to cope with my anxiety. I believe that, because I can control my anxiety, I'm able to better handle the high stress scenarios of being a firefighter. I think that my past anxiety issues have made me more mentally stronger, because of the fact that I have conquered my disorder. Even a man with perfect mental health has a chance of developing an anxiety episode during duty. There have been several firefighters who have developed drug addiction, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, and even suicide because of the high stress involved in their job. Now, some of these people had no history of mental problems before they were hired. I know how the 'Americans with Disabilities Act' (ADA) tries to prevent people of being rejected from a job because of their disability. But, I don't think that applies to the Fire Department. Besides, the Fire Department could hide the fact that they rejected me because of my anxiety, while making up some random excuse. Will the polygraph tester ask me if I'm taking any anti-anxiety medication? If I tell him yes, then the Fire Department will know about it. Then they might reject me because of my history of anxiety. I've been reading on how to beat a polygraph test, so that I can lie on the fact that I'm taking anti-anxiety. But will they drug test me of having any anti-anxiety or other medications?

I'm applying to be a firefighter and the Fire Department requires that I take a polygraph test. One part of the test that I'm worried about is sexually related. I have a history of being addicted to pornography which lasted for six years. I started when I was 13 years old. It became a never ending hunger. Right after I turned 20, I finally decided to quit watching porn. I realized that pornography was taking control of my life. It's been about 10 months so far since I stopped, which I'm very proud of. I never have viewed child porn. However, when I was 14 years old, I tried to find porn that had 13 to 16 year old girls, but I never found any, thankfully. Also, about a year ago, when I was 19 years old, my friend showed me some naked pictures of a girl he received from her. My friend was 17 back then, and the girl was 16. The pictures were sent through his phone. While I was viewing the pictures, a few minutes later I realized that she was a minor. I also realized that I was violating my porn withdrawal. So I immediately deleted those pictures from my phone. When I was viewing the pictures, I forgot the fact that she was a minor. I don't know why he sent those pictures to me knowing that I was a legal adult. I guess he forgot that I was an adult. My question is; if the polygraph tester asks me if I have ever viewed child porn, how should I answer him? If I tell them about the 16 year old girl's pictures, they might think that I'm a pedophile. and will report me to the police. Also, will the polygraph tester ask me if I have a history of sexual related addictions? I don't want the Fire Department to disqualify me because of my former porn addiction.

For a year, my dream job was to become a Firefighter. However, there are several things that could prevent me of becoming one. I have a history of being abused by my father, depression, suicide attempt, anxiety, and taking prescribed medication legally. I also have been sent to a mental hospital once. Now let me say this, I have greatly improved myself mentally and physically in the past two years. I've been working out 4 times a week, and have gained more confidence. I'm a lot stronger and more physically fit. After taking an antidepressant for 5 years, I finally got off of it, and I feel fine. And I am better in handling my anxiety. I fully know the risks and challenges involved of being a Firefighter. I know that I will witness people getting 3rd degree burns, losing limbs, losing homes, and people dying. I believe that I am now capable of becoming a Fireman. Many people think that I can't do it because of my mental conditions and history. But I firmly believe that no one has the right to say that you can't fulfill your dream. Some Firefighters have turned to alcohol and drugs because of the high stress they have in their job. I believe that because of my experience with my conditions, I am more capable of handling the stress involved in the job. I know what it's like to feel hopeless and stressed. But I have overcome it. So here is my problem. The Fire Department is very specific on what type of person they want to hire. The candidate has to have a strong mental and physical statues. I know I can pass the CPAT, which is the physical test. But, I'm very worried about the polygraph, psych exam, and psych interview. After doing much research, I discovered that they don’t hire people with a history of mental disorders, even depression and anxiety. Same thing applies to people who have taken anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and mood-stabilizers. All of which I have taken before. I currently take only the anti-anxiety. The Fire Department has even rejected people who were abused as children. I have two options. I could be honest about my conditions, though there is a good chance that they will reject me. Or, I could lie about everything, which is what I might do. I'm currently doing research on how to become a better liar. But, the problem with lying is the polygraph test. They might ask me if I've taken medication for depression etc, or if I've been diagnosed with a mental condition. The reason they don't like to hire people like me is because they see them as being incapable of handling the stress on the job. I think that this is highly unfair. My history of abuse and mental conditions were not my fault, and were unpreventable. So, why should I be rejected because of this? In the end, my abuse and conditions have made me a stronger person. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I could tell the interviewers this, but I doubt that it would work. They would rather hire someone who is perfectly mentally healthy. I'm worried that I won't be able to become a Firefighter, just because of something that I could not prevent. I know some people might think that I’m not capable of being a fireman because of my reaction right now. But understand this; the Fire Department has strong requirements that could disqualify me. Who wouldn’t be nervous about that? I have a complete clean record. No history of illegal drug use, no arrests, or heavy drinking. I'm 22 years old by the way. Please tell me your views on my situation. Should I be honest and risk of being disqualified? Or should I lie saying that I grew up with good parents and have no mental disorders?