PAL application advice

[Blintok57]

Greetings all

Took the unrestricted course on March 09 and restricted today, March 16.. Passed both.

Not sure what to say on the PAL app for section C - Question 16d

"During the past five (5) years, have you threatened or attempted suicide, or have you suffered from or been diagnosed or treated by a medical practitioner for: depression; alcohol, drug or substance abuse; behavioural problems; or emotional problems?"

briefly. Went through a brief bout of anxiety and panic attacks in 2007 after my mother died. Was not sure what it was at first and thought i was having a heart attack. Over the next couple of years i had many tests
and was put on 15mg of Mirtazapine and 150mg of Bupropion in 2009. These count as anti-depressants but Mirtazapine is also for anxiety and bupropion is also used as a quit smoking drug. Does anxiety count as emotional problems?

It has been more than 5 years, have not had anxiety or panic since 2011, but i am still taking the same medications and dosage today. I at first thought i should say yes to that question but i asked at the training centre today and they say i should say no.

What are your opinions? Would this show honesty by saying yes? Would they even have records of me taking these drugs?

[Snider shooter]

Sounds like any problem you had has been completely under control. I would put no. Also older than five years so doesn't count.

[Wendell]

As tempting as it may be to reference the "five years ago" and dismiss the issue as long past, the fact is that you're still taking a prescription for the reported symptoms; that is the very definition of "being treated".

Check "yes". Include a letter explaining it all. Your firearms license will come in the mail, same as everybody else.

[MattE93]

I would agree with putting yes but putting a letter explaining the situation. Based on how you describe it they will still issue the license. I think this course of action is better than say them calling one of your references and finding out about it second hand.

[WestonButcher]

The issue of your anxiety and panic attacks is over five years ago. Unless you behaved in some eratic manner that was documented I hardly consider it something that almost everyone will go through at some point in their life. I don't think you're lying if you answer no

[MattE93]

Based on the language of the question I believe you would be lying. It asks if your are currently being treated, and taking medication is the textbook definition of being treated for an underlying condition.

I don’t think they will care, you could even get a note if you are still seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist indicating they feel your situation is stable and that they aren’t concerned. I think it is a much better course of action than potentially lying on legal document such as this, just my .02 though.

[Blackcats]

Check with a gun lawyer (Solomon Friedman <solomon@edelsonlaw.ca) is an excellent choice . First call is usually free . Advice here is worth ?

[WestonButcher]

True you are still being treated but for something that hasn't existed in 8 years...it might be great motivation to kick those meds now. I used similar pills to help me sleep and when i quit i didn't even feel any different. You're gonna get your PAL regardless and telling the truth is the best idea. I got my PAL in 8 weeks and said yes to that question for meds

[MattE93]

Yeah I think if your honest they aren’t going to care in your case, if you were very recently diagnosed with a serious condition that could cause instability I think it would be a bigger deal. I have a feeling here that honesty will expedite the process. A call to a lawyer might not be a terrible idea.

[Blintok57]

thanks everyone. I read it as what MattE93 said, currently being treated. Even though i have not had symptoms since 2011. I have thought of going off them for a while but figured the dosage has been the same for the last 8 years, just got in habit of taking them.
Not seeing any doctor except a regular GP. Never really saw a shrink except briefly at a clinic in 2010. And what is funny, the doctors are not the ones that suggested these meds, it was me. I did research on internet and asked doctor about them.

I will go ahead with what i was going to do originally. Just say yes and include the letter i wrote. A slightly expanded explanation of what i wrote in the OP. And i think this will just show that i am being honest about it and not trying to hide things.

no time to consult with a lawyer. Going to be sending it all off on Monday by express post.

Had a good time taking the courses. Never had / shot / held a gun in my life (except for bb guns). Going to be going to an indoor range next week with a friend.
Once i see the pal app moving along and i see it was approved i will get a gun safe. Then go shopping

but i see a CZ557 Ranger Rifle / Mossberg 590 Tactical and CZ75 SP-01 in my future