If I'm depressed or receiving treatment for depression can I drive an 18 wheeler?

Don't Let Feeling Bad Trick You Into Diagnosis and Keep You From Trucking

I've not been feeling like my old self for awhile. I'm wondering if I'm depressed or in a rut. I just can't mentally get out of it on my own.

I'm considering talking to a professional about these issues and seeing if they can be resolved.

If I'm prescribed medication or receive other forms of assistance such as this, could I still drive a truck?

Its my career I don't want to lose it, but I do want to feel like me again.

Comments for If I'm depressed or receiving treatment for depression can I drive an 18 wheeler?

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Jun 26, 2023
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You Can Have Bad Days and Not Be Depressed
by: The Crazy Trucker

It's up to the Dr during DOT physical. But more importantly, please know that get help if you need it but also realize that it's not abnormal to feel bad or in a rut. Ruminating on thoughts or past experiences can cause that but you can eventually work out of it in most cases. (Not medical advice. Always consult a professional)

Everyone experiences depression at some time or another. The issue is when you stay in that state of mind.

These days a big deal is made out of this life experience and we are made to believe that to experience depression is a problem. When actually it's a normal aspect of life.

I think most people didn't experience disappointment early in life and work through it. I just judged a 4 H competition and they gave everyone a ribbon for participating. Which is interesting.

But it dampened the blow of not winning 1st place. Having drive to succeed and be the best is important.

Learning how to process not making it at first, second or third attempts and continuing to move forward is important.

I assume there is a reason you feel the way you do.

You might not feel you are where you should be. Or maybe you are not sure about what you want to do with your life.

Or maybe your partner cheated or someone close died, etc.....

We all face trial and tribulations. Nothing is wrong because you are affected by events or thoughts that you ponder about your life.

It's normal. But a doctor is quick to diagnose and give you meds.

So this isn't medical advice but i just want to say, you are not abnormal to have these feelings.

Also exercise and proper nutrition helps to feel better and process trials and tribulations.

But if you go to the Dr and if they give you meds, it's up to the Dr. whether they think the meds affect you enough to keep you from driving.

If anything, see if CBT is an options. Even better, you can do also incorporate your own CBT (means cognitive behavioral therapy) and you start by realizing your thoughts affect your mood and knowing you can work on controlling your thoughts and especially your behavior.

Like i said exercise and proper nutrition and eliminating sugar and process foods is your habits and behavior and will improve your thinking, information processing and problem solving.

So it might be that you find out you don't need meds. Just an awareness about your thoughts and change in behavior to form new more healthy habits.

ALSO, if there are toxic people that you spend time around, eliminate them too. That's another boost to your mental state.

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Jun 26, 2023
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