I would tell them you are depressed and then grow a beard.
Once you have a beard, they really don't want you out in service. At least they won't want to work with you because the pubs may say, oh Edler X is working with Br. Beard so it must be okay to have facial hair.
So, once you grow the beard, only ask to go out with the PO and other elders, keep talking about your depression and soon they should leave you alone.