Application for Firearms licence... With Anxiety

[Peachfuull]

HI All I am new here and was hoping to get some info as it seems hard to find online.
Any Info would be greatly Appreciated and i thank any and all for taking the time to help.

I am about to apply for a A and B Firearms Licence in QLD and where it says Mental problems...
I do have anxiety ( sometimes ) Sleep anxiety... I am not a huge fan of sleeping is all ( silly i know) So my Dr started me on a drug a while back and it has helped a little so i have stayed on it. ( But) i can stop taking it as i dealt with this problem without it for 35 years without any issues.
My Question is do the Police want to know about this? and if so is it the kind of thing that would Put me out of the running to obtain a Licence?
I do not see a Psychiatrist or anything like that as i said its just Anxiety with sleep nothing else. But the medication is also used for Depression i found out while googling it...

Sorry i know its an odd thing to ask, I just thought i should ask others before i apply and do it the wrong way i don't want to mess up my Application. I want to be as Honest as i can be with all the authority's and if i need to tell them about it i will. I would then get a note from my Doctor explaining this or just saying i am a fit person? Thanks again for any help i can get.

Cheers Peach.

[Mr.Seacucumber]

Ask a firearms lawyer. No one is here is qualified to give you advice over the Internet.

[Daddybang]

Ask a firearms lawyer. No one is here is qualified to give you advice over the Internet.

This is the best advice for you.

[bladeracer]

HI All I am new here and was hoping to get some info as it seems hard to find online.
Any Info would be greatly Appreciated and i thank any and all for taking the time to help.

I am about to apply for a A and B Firearms Licence in QLD and where it says Mental problems...
I do have anxiety ( sometimes ) Sleep anxiety... I am not a huge fan of sleeping is all ( silly i know) So my Dr started me on a drug a while back and it has helped a little so i have stayed on it. ( But) i can stop taking it as i dealt with this problem without it for 35 years without any issues.
My Question is do the Police want to know about this? and if so is it the kind of thing that would Put me out of the running to obtain a Licence?
I do not see a Psychiatrist or anything like that as i said its just Anxiety with sleep nothing else. But the medication is also used for Depression i found out while googling it...

Sorry i know its an odd thing to ask, I just thought i should ask others before i apply and do it the wrong way i don't want to mess up my Application. I want to be as Honest as i can be with all the authority's and if i need to tell them about it i will. I would then get a note from my Doctor explaining this or just saying i am a fit person? Thanks again for any help i can get.

Cheers Peach.

I had depression fifteen years ago so I just asked my doctor for a statement that he did not consider me a risk to myself or anybody else. Never heard anything from it so either it was sufficient or not needed at all.

[bladeracer]

Ask a firearms lawyer. No one is here is qualified to give you advice over the Internet.

Best advice you'll ever get!

[Supaduke]

The fact you are seeking treatment will be seen in a positive light. At worst they may ask for a letter from your GP stating you are sound of mind. I highly doubt it would hinder your application. In this enlightened day and age many people seek help for various mental issues, shouldn't be an issue.

[juststarting]

In VIC, but (last year)...
My friend had issues sleeping and was prescribed tablets that also doubles as antidepressants for those who need them. He was off them, but had to tick the box on the application about medication that falls into the category. He also had to get a letter from his GP saying he's not crazy. Quietly literally... Sent everything off, had licence within a month.

Best to be upfront about this things and follow the process.

[Peachfuull]

Thanks for the Reply's I was mainly wanting to know if i should Put it in the Licencing form, I will tick the box and add it and get a note from the GP. Thanks for all info and all reply's i do much Appreciator it. Cheers People.



Peach.

[Dunxy]

Just be honest, you are more likely to be knocked back if you don't tick something you should I believe.
I'm confident in this situation you will be accepted no problem, worst case just a letter from GP giving the greenlight which assuming they aren't anti gun should be no problem for sleep related anxiety.

[bladeracer]

Just be honest, you are more likely to be knocked back if you don't tick something you should I believe.
I'm confident in this situation you will be accepted no problem, worst case just a letter from GP giving the greenlight which assuming they aren't anti gun should be no problem for sleep related anxiety.

I agree, too much info is better than not enough in this case. I've spoken with my District Firearms Officer several times since sitting the safety lecture with him. He knows stuff about my history that even I had forgotten, so I can only guess the background check is incredibly thorough, they must've dug up my mother and grilled her mercilessly!

[bigrich]

hey fellas , i'm resurrecting this old topic as i'm having issues with sleep . i've been trying all natural methods through a naturapath , but sleep issues have crept in again due to taking on a new driving job where i'm having to concentrate hard during the day . i suspect i may have anxiety issues with regards to sleep even though i seem very calm and easy going outwardly . so i'm thinking i may have to see my GP and try some of the medications mentioned previously in this topic . and naturally i'm concerned how this may affect my firearms license . can anyone offer me any recent advice ?

[Lazarus]

Might be worth trying over the counter solutions before getting things on record Rich.

Maybe something like this
https://naturesown.com.au/products/slee ... lsrc=aw.ds

[bigrich]

Might be worth trying over the counter solutions before getting things on record Rich.

Maybe something like this
https://naturesown.com.au/products/slee ... lsrc=aw.ds

thanks for the advice mate , i'm already on some good stuff from my naturapath, and melatonin tablets from my GP . this problem isn't rare , but the drugs used to treat sleep disorders are also used to treat depression, which sounds alarm bells with WLB . i contacted the NSC and they kindly gave me the contact details of a lawyer and fellow shooter close to me . when i hear back i'll post the outcome . i'm trying to pre empt and get in front of any potential problems i may have with WLB , if i have to give up my toys i'll cash them or put them on consignment at my local GS rather than have them confiscated and lose $

[Lazarus]

Good luck Rich

[S O K A R]

hey fellas , i'm resurrecting this old topic as i'm having issues with sleep . i've been trying all natural methods through a naturapath , but sleep issues have crept in again due to taking on a new driving job where i'm having to concentrate hard during the day . i suspect i may have anxiety issues with regards to sleep even though i seem very calm and easy going outwardly . so i'm thinking i may have to see my GP and try some of the medications mentioned previously in this topic . and naturally i'm concerned how this may affect my firearms license . can anyone offer me any recent advice ?

I've had sleeping issues for years, some of the things that have helped me:

1) Eating better foods
2) Going to bed before midnight
3) Stop use of phone/computer etc at least 30mins before bed
4) Regular exercise (Weight training in particular)
5) Cold water plunges or cold showers

One of the things that helped me the most were a couple of over the counter supplements:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) & 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) with the addition of zinc as well.
Some great studies done on all three if you are looking for more information.

I was taking daily (30mins before bed):
500mg of GABA
200mg of 5-HTP
30mg Zinc

I fall asleep quicker, stay asleep throughout the night & generally require less sleep.

I don't like "medication" purely for the fact its a bandaid rather then a solution to the problem, but if you're insistent on going down that path...
Due to years of abuse of caffine *cough redbull* I ended up with atrial fibrillation/palpitations/irregular heartbeat (whatever you prefer to call it) and I ended up going on something called metoprolol tartrate (usually referred to as metoprolol or metrol) in 50mg tablets.
It is a beta blocker that is mainly used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure), in my case it is effective at lowering my heart rate to a degree and kicking my heart back into a normal rhythm.
As an added side bonus it also doubles as an anxiety medication & is relatively cheap to purchase, cost me $12.95 for 100 tablets.

If you feel that is an option for you and it is safe to do so (speak to your doctor first), he/she may be able to put down that it is due to a heart arrhythmia so there is nothing on record about having anxiety.

Hope this helps.

[Fionn]

hey fellas , i'm resurrecting this old topic as i'm having issues with sleep . i've been trying all natural methods through a naturapath , but sleep issues have crept in again due to taking on a new driving job where i'm having to concentrate hard during the day . i suspect i may have anxiety issues with regards to sleep even though i seem very calm and easy going outwardly . so i'm thinking i may have to see my GP and try some of the medications mentioned previously in this topic . and naturally i'm concerned how this may affect my firearms license . can anyone offer me any recent advice ?

Don't tell the GP you have firearms.



Unless you feel like putting one in your mouth or against you head and pulling the trigger etc, than do tell them.

[bigrich]

Don't tell the GP you have firearms.



Unless you feel like putting one in your mouth or against you head and pulling the trigger etc, than do tell them.

in response to your first line , certain medications automatically red flag with WLB , whether or not my GP knows i'm a firearms owner . in this modern world the guv'mt have increasing access to our personal information ,. maybe i'm jumping the gun on this issue , but i'd rather be prepared to deal with a potential problem than not . i appreciate all the helpful replies , i've changed diet , no screen time a couple of hours before bed , my current and previous job are/were very active . i feel i've exhausted all natural non perscription means

your last line of response really has left me dumbfounded .quite a insensative statement regarding mental health and suicide. you've really showed myself and the other members of this forum your true class, and the caliber of your personallity and humanity

[bigrich]

hey fellas , i'm resurrecting this old topic as i'm having issues with sleep . i've been trying all natural methods through a naturapath , but sleep issues have crept in again due to taking on a new driving job where i'm having to concentrate hard during the day . i suspect i may have anxiety issues with regards to sleep even though i seem very calm and easy going outwardly . so i'm thinking i may have to see my GP and try some of the medications mentioned previously in this topic . and naturally i'm concerned how this may affect my firearms license . can anyone offer me any recent advice ?

I've had sleeping issues for years, some of the things that have helped me:

1) Eating better foods
2) Going to bed before midnight
3) Stop use of phone/computer etc at least 30mins before bed
4) Regular exercise (Weight training in particular)
5) Cold water plunges or cold showers

One of the things that helped me the most were a couple of over the counter supplements:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) & 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) with the addition of zinc as well.
Some great studies done on all three if you are looking for more information.

I was taking daily (30mins before bed):
500mg of GABA
200mg of 5-HTP
30mg Zinc

I fall asleep quicker, stay asleep throughout the night & generally require less sleep.

I don't like "medication" purely for the fact its a bandaid rather then a solution to the problem, but if you're insistent on going down that path...
Due to years of abuse of caffine *cough redbull* I ended up with atrial fibrillation/palpitations/irregular heartbeat (whatever you prefer to call it) and I ended up going on something called metoprolol tartrate (usually referred to as metoprolol or metrol) in 50mg tablets.
It is a beta blocker that is mainly used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure), in my case it is effective at lowering my heart rate to a degree and kicking my heart back into a normal rhythm.
As an added side bonus it also doubles as an anxiety medication & is relatively cheap to purchase, cost me $12.95 for 100 tablets.

If you feel that is an option for you and it is safe to do so (speak to your doctor first), he/she may be able to put down that it is due to a heart arrhythmia so there is nothing on record about having anxiety.

Hope this helps.

thanks very much for a very detailed reply . until recently i 've never had to look at taking medication , and yeah i don't go running for pills everytime a health issue pops up . as you've rightly pointed out , diet and lifestyle modification can give good results rather than pills . it's why i went to a naturapath to try to deal with this first. my personal and physical health are very good . blood preasure/cardio spot on . i've had very physical jobs all my life, i'm quite physically fit for my age . i am a bit COPD from years in the trades , and have had sleep studies 10 years ago when i had a similar bout of this .my dear old mum battled similar issues as she aged, so there is a family history of sleep disorder for me . i'm having to go down a similar track for treatment it seems .
physical/mental health as us fellas age has a few stigmas attached to dealing with problems like this . i re-posted this topic to try to glean some advice/knowledge from forum members for myself initially, but i'm hoping this topic may prove helpful for others

[Flyonline]

I've had chronic sleep issues forever (42 now) and went to see a heap of GPs and even a sleep specialist but got nothing other than being tested or coeliacs and a CPAP which helped a little. Like you I went to a naturopath and she was the first one that suggested a link between digestion and sleep and some of the stuff she gave me helped, but only short term.

I then went to see a Alexander technique teacher which was a life changer. I have a physical job, and yet on the days I sat there doing nothing (driving forklift, at a desk etc.) I went home tired. Starting the alexander technique showed me how much body position is influencing everything we do, if you're all squashed up from poor positioning the blood can't flow properly, muscles are always under strain even though they're doing nothing and the rest of your bodies systems can't function properly. Since starting this, a recurring back pain I used to have often has gone, I come home from a day in the hills tired but not completely wrecked, my neck doesn't kill me after sitting or a while reading book etc. etc. With regards to sleep, I worked out myself that body positioning in the bed is also so important. I used to wake up every day with a massive hangover and a sore neck. Turns out I was bending my head back so my muscles were under strain all night and I couldn't breathe properly. Changing my position to a better one with everything nice and straight has been a game changer, I no longer wake up with a headache or feeling more tired than when I went to bed.

Australian Alexander Technique organisation https://www.austat.org.au/

Another piece in my puzzle was digestion. I couldn't understand why I was waking up at night, often with my stomach churning or burning and I was almost always bloated and felt full even when I was hungry (confusing I know!). Using the alexander technique helped as I started to slow down and chew food properly, sit correctly so my stomach wasn't all squished up and everything could move better. I also came across poor food combining which essentially suggests that some food shouldn't be eaten together, of which there are various schools but basically it comes down to different foods need different digestion requirements and if they're mixed, neither gets digested well. I've also cut out sugar and highly processed carbs just about completely and I no longer get hay fever, skin irritations or other allergy types often like I used to. Its not easy because our western diet is based around convenience and carbs, but it can be done.

Here's a good read if you're interested https://ifnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Page-Fundamental-Food-Plan-Food-Combining-Apendix-from-Lab-Desk-Ref.pdf

I think it comes down to different reasons for each person, and different reasons for each person at different times! Hopefully you can find some answers that help you, there is a reason that sleep deprivation is used as a torture!!

[bigrich]

I've had chronic sleep issues forever (42 now) and went to see a heap of GPs and even a sleep specialist but got nothing other than being tested or coeliacs and a CPAP which helped a little. Like you I went to a naturopath and she was the first one that suggested a link between digestion and sleep and some of the stuff she gave me helped, but only short term.

I then went to see a Alexander technique teacher which was a life changer. I have a physical job, and yet on the days I sat there doing nothing (driving forklift, at a desk etc.) I went home tired. Starting the alexander technique showed me how much body position is influencing everything we do, if you're all squashed up from poor positioning the blood can't flow properly, muscles are always under strain even though they're doing nothing and the rest of your bodies systems can't function properly. Since starting this, a recurring back pain I used to have often has gone, I come home from a day in the hills tired but not completely wrecked, my neck doesn't kill me after sitting or a while reading book etc. etc. With regards to sleep, I worked out myself that body positioning in the bed is also so important. I used to wake up every day with a massive hangover and a sore neck. Turns out I was bending my head back so my muscles were under strain all night and I couldn't breathe properly. Changing my position to a better one with everything nice and straight has been a game changer, I no longer wake up with a headache or feeling more tired than when I went to bed.

Australian Alexander Technique organisation https://www.austat.org.au/

Another piece in my puzzle was digestion. I couldn't understand why I was waking up at night, often with my stomach churning or burning and I was almost always bloated and felt full even when I was hungry (confusing I know!). Using the alexander technique helped as I started to slow down and chew food properly, sit correctly so my stomach wasn't all squished up and everything could move better. I also came across poor food combining which essentially suggests that some food shouldn't be eaten together, of which there are various schools but basically it comes down to different foods need different digestion requirements and if they're mixed, neither gets digested well. I've also cut out sugar and highly processed carbs just about completely and I no longer get hay fever, skin irritations or other allergy types often like I used to. Its not easy because our western diet is based around convenience and carbs, but it can be done.

Here's a good read if you're interested https://ifnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Page-Fundamental-Food-Plan-Food-Combining-Apendix-from-Lab-Desk-Ref.pdf

I think it comes down to different reasons for each person, and different reasons for each person at different times! Hopefully you can find some answers that help you, there is a reason that sleep deprivation is used as a torture!!

thanks very much for your useful info and sharing your personal battles with sleep issues . my GP seems to think i have troubles with anxiety which has triggered insomnia , a cycle i have to try to break . i have just been given a script for a addictive medication that is to be used sparingly to break the cycle . i'll see how it goes. as you've stated we're all different in symptoms and treatment . my local pharamacy has suggested doing a in home test to see if a CPAP machine may help. that's next on the cards . sleep disorders can be very serious issues affecting the ability to work and life in general . thanks again

[Flyonline]

No probs! I wouldn't wish long term insomnia/sleep depravation on anyone....well almost anyone and I wish I'd seriously started looking for solutions earlier.

One thing I forgot to mention is the link between my gut and mental health. My diet slipped a bit recently and my mental health took a dive at the same time, and since going back to eating better, it's come good again. It's not a high level change for me, more a background average that has gotten better but that has ended up a lot better as the negative feedback loop gets disrupted. Since starting the Alexander technique, my OCD tendencies are much reduced also, though I do have to be mindful of them and not let them creep back in which they have occasionally.

The other thing worth trying i you haven't is meditation/mindfulness. It doesn't have to be whale songs and holding hands and patchouli oil, and you can find plenty of guided meditations on spotify etc. for free.

I'd be interested in seeing how you go with the melatonin. Years ago I tried it and it worked for a while in helping me go to sleep easier, but I kept waking up at 2-4am with a racing heart and the sweats in bed so I stopped.

[Fionn]

in response to your first line , certain medications automatically red flag with WLB , whether or not my GP knows i'm a firearms owner . in this modern world the guv'mt have increasing access to our personal information

we haven't reached Orwellian levels of government controls yet. The have no idea or even access to what medications a person has been prescribed.

Suggesting certain medications automatically red flag a person is rather fanciful if not slightly paranoid.

your last line of response really has left me dumbfounded .quite a insensative statement regarding mental health and suicide. you've really showed myself and the other members of this forum your true class, and the caliber of your personallity and humanity

If a person does feel like that, they should absolutely talk to a doctor about it and mention that they do have firearms.

If you find that suggestion insensitive, talk to your doctor or someone at https://www.lifeline.org.au/

[Flyonline]

The have no idea or even access to what medications a person has been prescribed.

Suggesting certain medications automatically red flag a person is rather fanciful if not slightly paranoid.

How long have you worked in a pharmacy for? Tried to buy any pseudoephedrine lately

[Fionn]

The have no idea or even access to what medications a person has been prescribed.

Suggesting certain medications automatically red flag a person is rather fanciful if not slightly paranoid.

How long have you worked in a pharmacy for? Tried to buy any pseudoephedrine lately

Pseudoephedrine recording is a supply control method, done to stop people buying over a threshold amount, not for reporting to the police.

[bigrich]

in response to your first line , certain medications automatically red flag with WLB , whether or not my GP knows i'm a firearms owner . in this modern world the guv'mt have increasing access to our personal information

we haven't reached Orwellian levels of government controls yet. The have no idea or even access to what medications a person has been prescribed.

Suggesting certain medications automatically red flag a person is rather fanciful if not slightly paranoid.

your last line of response really has left me dumbfounded .quite a insensative statement regarding mental health and suicide. you've really showed myself and the other members of this forum your true class, and the caliber of your personallity and humanity

If a person does feel like that, they should absolutely talk to a doctor about it and mention that they do have firearms.

If you find that suggestion insensitive, talk to your doctor or someone at https://www.lifeline.org.au/

first off pal i know personally of two people who've had issues with their license regarding medication . how WLB found out or whether it's legal , i'm going to ask one of the persons i still know for more details. the mygov information link regarding medical records/access may have something to do with that . no i didn't tick the box . being paranoid is relative . the amount of monitoring from government agencies is ever increasing . cautious and diligent rather than paranoid .
your initial post regarding suicide i found insensative because of the overly descriptive nature of your wording . really no need for it . your quite right that folks who need help should seek it

[Lazarus]

Chess and pigeons Rich.

[Fionn]

first off pal i know personally of two people who've had issues with their license regarding medication . how WLB found out or whether it's legal

Numerous people have had issues with medications and firearms licences, nothing new here. How the WLB found out was because the persons doctor/medical practitioner inform the Police about it.

Nothing sinister, No high tech covert Government monitoring, No fancy data matching. Just a simple form that your doctor/medical practitioner completes and sends to the Police.

[Lazarus]

"" we haven't reached Orwellian levels of government controls yet. The have no idea or even access to what medications a person has been prescribed.""




Numerous people have had issues with medications and firearms licences, nothing new here. How the WLB found out was because the persons doctor/medical practitioner inform the Police about it.

Nothing sinister, No high tech covert Government monitoring, No fancy data matching. Just a simple form that your doctor/medical practitioner completes and sends to the Police.

[bigrich]

first off pal i know personally of two people who've had issues with their license regarding medication . how WLB found out or whether it's legal

Numerous people have had issues with medications and firearms licences, nothing new here. How the WLB found out was because the persons doctor/medical practitioner inform the Police about it.

Nothing sinister, No high tech covert Government monitoring, No fancy data matching. Just a simple form that your doctor/medical practitioner completes and sends to the Police.

Yeah, nothing big brother about that hey