Anxiety

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throwawayaccount

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Hello all. I'm pretty active on the forum however made another account to remain anonymous for this question. The other day, I finally came to the realization that I have a big anxiety problem. Have crazy trouble sleeping, always worried about stupid stuff such as intruders, and at times feel like I'm seeing things and/or afraid of stuff that's not there. Extreme stressing over little things. For instance, I've been awake for hours a night every night for a few weeks worried about submitting my 7th semester transcript because it may end up having like two C's on it. Also freaked out about not disclosing a few little things on DoDMERB even though they don't affect me and/or are healed, yet could still hurt me administratively. That's kind of just the beginning of all this. I know it's not a big deal, but was wondering if anyone had any advice? Appointed to the class of 21 and accepted. I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I refuse to tell DoDMERB about stuff like this. I dedicated my life to getting to where I am today and regardless of opinion, I refuse to risk giving up everything I've worked for by taking the chance of possibly being DQ'd for anything from DoDMERB. So the big things I'm wondering is if I start taking over the counter medicine would that be effective? Would that show up on a drug test at the Academy? If this turns out to being a thing and medicine helps is their a way to have that at USMA after beast without disclosing to DoDMERB? I don't want to go to a doctor for something like this. Never had any crazy thoughts if you know what I'm saying and just have too much pride at the end of the day to do so. Really any guidance for a confused and stressed 18 year old would be great. Sorry if this is dumb or out of place but I have no idea what I'm doing. Thanks for your time and God bless
 
Not dumb. Not out of place. Sounds like you are overwhelmed with your thoughts. I'm not a doctor. but I'd stay away from meds if you can. Try deep breathing and focusing on positive thoughts. You should visualize good outcomes. Stay busy. Fear breeds fear. You're a winner, and you can get through this. Sometimes when you think about an unwanted outcome, tell yourself it is your mind playing tricks. Two C's won't kill you. You said this is no big deal. To you, it is a big deal. Even if it's only in your mind it can dominate you. Stay positive. If the thoughts get dark, or uncontrollable and you can't relax or sleep. you should get help. You can beat this. Good luck.
 
I would not start taking over the counter medication. Those are all common types of concerns that I'm sure many people would have as well. Just relax. If you left anything out on DoDMERB, then it would have come up in the actual exam or the doctor may have been able to find it. Think of this kind of as fate. It's meant to be so it worked out. Don't stress out about it. You're in so just relax. So many people would do anything to have an appointment. It's your senior year, you've got 5 months until you go to BEAST. Just enjoy those last few months you have with your friends and family. If you start taking medication, I'm almost 100% sure you need to tell DoDMERB about it, consequently letting West Point know about your habit of worrying and stressing out under pressure. You should by now know West Point cadets are always under immense amount of pressure. It's not a dumb post and I understand where you're coming from. But think about what you have right now and value it. You've already got an appointment under your belt so two C's won't rescind that. Just learn to relax and have fun now. You've worked hard and it paid off. Congrats and good job!
 
You're a teen, right? This is normal. If you are a teen and weren't worried about stuff I'd be concerned.
Stay away from meds if at all possible.
Try and find outlets- run, go to the gym, read. Run some more. Whatever helps you clear your mind.
Find someone you can confide in. It often helps just being able to unload.
And again, as others have said these thoughts are normal. You're 17-19 and being asked to make some of the first major decisions in your life/
 
You need to take a deep breath and relax. It is all normal. You are just stressing out. But you do need to talk to someone. There is only so much help you can get from an online forum. I know you will avoid like the plague going to a professional counselor or a psychiatrist for fear of getting a dreaded diagnosis of anxiety and that is totally understandable. But there are some workarounds that you could use. First, is there a coach or teacher that you know well enough that you could talk to. Or, better yet, a the leader of your church or temple. In this thread https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/therapy.36449/#post-355288 @MabryPsyD said
"I recommend seeking "counseling" from a licensed clergy member (MDiv or Dr of Divinity). They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.
Let me be clear to ALL...
If your issues included thoughts of suicide, homicide, or chronic major depression, I would recommend you seek the help of a licensed medical provider of any level.
Best of luck!
-Dr. G."
Even if you are not religious, or if you don't have a church or temple that you go to regularly find a licensed clergy member to talk to. And the key for you is They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.
 
Congratulations on your Appointment.
Exercise, breath and enjoy your senior year.
A good book on how we think is Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz I have given it to both my DD and DS who are your age, I hope they read it some day it was very eye opening for me.
 
My mother and several of my close family members have anxiety disorders that come from Grave's Disease (thyroid disorder) and their anxiety can be crippling--even when preforming simple, mundane tasks like driving. Or, beyond that, I have witnessed them have panic attacks with no catalyzing event--they had just been sitting on the couch.

Here's where I get concerned with you: you want to lead soldiers, presumably into battle. They need a leader who can handle extraordinary stresses and some of the most frightening situations a person could imagine.

Now I don't know you and I don't know whether your anxiety is mild or severe, but you need to ask yourself if, because of this, you would end up being a liability in combat.

I get that you worked hard to get where you are--we all have--and you don't want to lose it, but it's not just about you. It's not a game. People could live or die based on your ability to function normally and do what's required.

If you find that you can't manage it, you have a moral obligation to disclose it and, if need be, reject your appointment. If you truly believe that you can manage, then you can manage your anxiety and there's nothing to be concerned about. Congratulations on your appointment.
 
I find your lack of integrity concerning. The fact you knowingly accepted your appointment to USMA while hiding a disqualifying condition makes you ineligible to serve, in my opinion. Granted, you apparently don't have an "official" diagnosis since you haven't seen a dr., but it doesn't make you any less guilty.

As the other posters are quick to point out, some teenage stress is normal, given the workload and deadlines of a senior in high school. Lying awake worrying about intruders is abnormal and doesn't fall under the same umbrella. I think you need to re-evaluate your choices.
 
If you are struggling with the stress now, Plebe year and thereafter will be a greater challenge. Moreover, you are going to be an officer in the army, responsible for many men and women, difficult tasks, and though decisions. Under fire in potentially many ways. You need to be responsible to yourself and others, questioning whether this is the best future for you. Is this the first time you have experienced anxiety like this?

Character is the most important thing for a Cadet and officer. Assess the situation, and do what is right. I don't know what that is in your situation, but you should be able to figure that out without input from strangers. If you can't, that fact alone should enlighten you.
 
This could be the beginning of an Anxiety Disorder. Often times overwhelming stress can trigger this and something that should be dealt with. I'm not a doctor but I feel it's normal to lay awake worrying about things but when that "worry" because irrational such as intruders then a little intervention would be helpful. Definitely no medication but Cognitive Behavior Therepy works wonders. Teaches how to manage your thoughts to were they don't disrupt your life.
Hope this helps.
 
To clarify and address a few comments, it's not a severe thing by any means. Not debilitating nor do I have panic attacks or anything of the sorts. I know this statement will seem out of place in this thread, however I actually am really good with handling stress and perform well under pressure. The reason why I didn't disclose it, also because it probable is nothing, is because I know that it has no affect on me in the regards above. If I felt there was even the slightest risk that this could have any affect on me in the future with leading soldiers, making poor judgement, or putting others in harm, I'd reject my offer of appointment in a second. I don't know if I exaggerated it or something, but really it's not something that's severely affected me. Was just looking to get some advice as to if anyone had any pointers as to handling this stress. And to address the issue of not being able to handle plebe year, the instance I've been having aren't something really like that. I havent been to something of the same scale of plebe year, however I've gone through military indoctrination programs that were weeks long and have practiced going through stressful military environments. I know I'll be able to handle plebe year. Really just wanted to get some pointers on simply making it easier. Life moves on and it's not something I can't suck up.

Also, it's more of a just at night in my downtime thing when stuff does hit. It doesn't affect my day to day and screw things up or mess with my decisions.
 
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And I do want to address my integrity and explain myself for those who're upset about me not submitting it to DoDMERB. I understand why I'm catching heat for this. Not going to argue. I'm sure this'll sound like bs to some but really integrity is a huge thing to me. I've actually done some halfway notable things with regards to my integrity which I can get into if some feel like they need to hear and have been in some bad situations however I don't collapse on my integrity. I know I'll be able to live by the Honor Code as I've tried to live my life by it. And not making excuses, but this was my reason: My entire life's goal has been solely to serve my country in the greatest capacity that I can. After years of looking into it, several years ago I decided that in my personal opinion, going to West Point to become an Army officer, and the best one I can become, would set me on a path to where I can do the most I can for my country for years to come. Now, I know the important of honesty, but I realized that if I know I don't actually have anything that'd affect my ability to serve, yet could still get DQ'd, then I wouldn't even have the opportunity to travel down this path nor even become a Cadet to then live by the Honor Code. Everyone makes mistakes. A lot of kids smoke pot, or drink, or do other stupid stuff. I've never done any of that. DoDMERB was my screw up and I think about that every day. I really try and be honest to my greatest ability and it tore me up to do that. But, the reason I did it as I saw it as do I want my path to end here or do I want to do something for my country? I do apologize if I offended anyone because of my decision. I know it probably wasn't the right one but wanted to at least explain myself.
 
Maplerock said:
Not dumb. Not out of place. Sounds like you are overwhelmed with your thoughts. I'm not a doctor. but I'd stay away from meds if you can. Try deep breathing and focusing on positive thoughts. You should visualize good outcomes. Stay busy. Fear breeds fear. You're a winner, and you can get through this. Sometimes when you think about an unwanted outcome, tell yourself it is your mind playing tricks. Two C's won't kill you. You said this is no big deal. To you, it is a big deal. Even if it's only in your mind it can dominate you. Stay positive. If the thoughts get dark, or uncontrollable and you can't relax or sleep. you should get help. You can beat this. Good luck.
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karebear said:
I would not start taking over the counter medication. Those are all common types of concerns that I'm sure many people would have as well. Just relax. If you left anything out on DoDMERB, then it would have come up in the actual exam or the doctor may have been able to find it. Think of this kind of as fate. It's meant to be so it worked out. Don't stress out about it. You're in so just relax. So many people would do anything to have an appointment. It's your senior year, you've got 5 months until you go to BEAST. Just enjoy those last few months you have with your friends and family. If you start taking medication, I'm almost 100% sure you need to tell DoDMERB about it, consequently letting West Point know about your habit of worrying and stressing out under pressure. You should by now know West Point cadets are always under immense amount of pressure. It's not a dumb post and I understand where you're coming from. But think about what you have right now and value it. You've already got an appointment under your belt so two C's won't rescind that. Just learn to relax and have fun now. You've worked hard and it paid off. Congrats and good job!
Click to expand...
UHBlackhawk said:
You're a teen, right? This is normal. If you are a teen and weren't worried about stuff I'd be concerned.
Stay away from meds if at all possible.
Try and find outlets- run, go to the gym, read. Run some more. Whatever helps you clear your mind.
Find someone you can confide in. It often helps just being able to unload.
And again, as others have said these thoughts are normal. You're 17-19 and being asked to make some of the first major decisions in your life/
Click to expand...
5Day said:
You need to take a deep breath and relax. It is all normal. You are just stressing out. But you do need to talk to someone. There is only so much help you can get from an online forum. I know you will avoid like the plague going to a professional counselor or a psychiatrist for fear of getting a dreaded diagnosis of anxiety and that is totally understandable. But there are some workarounds that you could use. First, is there a coach or teacher that you know well enough that you could talk to. Or, better yet, a the leader of your church or temple. In this thread https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/therapy.36449/#post-355288 @MabryPsyD said
"I recommend seeking "counseling" from a licensed clergy member (MDiv or Dr of Divinity). They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.
Let me be clear to ALL...
If your issues included thoughts of suicide, homicide, or chronic major depression, I would recommend you seek the help of a licensed medical provider of any level.
Best of luck!
-Dr. G."
Even if you are not religious, or if you don't have a church or temple that you go to regularly find a licensed clergy member to talk to. And the key for you is They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.
Click to expand...
Enthalpy said:
Congratulations on your Appointment.
Exercise, breath and enjoy your senior year.
A good book on how we think is Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz I have given it to both my DD and DS who are your age, I hope they read it some day it was very eye opening for me.
Click to expand...
5Day said:
Great advice. The next time you "Have crazy trouble sleeping, always worried about stupid stuff such as intruders" Do 50 push-ups. If that doesn't help do 50 more. It will relieve the stress and get you in better shape for the summer.
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Mere2033 said:
This could be the beginning of an Anxiety Disorder. Often times overwhelming stress can trigger this and something that should be dealt with. I'm not a doctor but I feel it's normal to lay awake worrying about things but when that "worry" because irrational such as intruders then a little intervention would be helpful. Definitely no medication but Cognitive Behavior Therepy works wonders. Teaches how to manage your thoughts to were they don't disrupt your life.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Thank you all for your comments. I will look into everything. Really, really appreciate the replies
 
LYING: Cadets violate the Honor Code by lying if they deliberately deceive another by stating an untruth or by any direct form of communication to include the telling of a partial truth and the vague or ambiguous use of information or language with the intent to deceive or mislead.

CHEATING: A violation of cheating would occur if a Cadet fraudulently acted out of self-interest or assisted another to do so with the intent to gain or to give an unfair advantage. Cheating includes such acts as plagiarism (presenting someone else's ideas, words, data, or work as one's own without documentation), misrepresentation (failing to document the assistance of another in the preparation, revision, or proofreading of an assignment), and using unauthorized notes.

STEALING: The wrongful taking, obtaining, or withholding by any means from the possession of the owner or any other person any money, personal property, article, or service of value of any kind, with intent to permanently deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of the property, or to appropriate it to either their own use or the use of any person other than the owner.

TOLERATION: Cadets violate the Honor Code by tolerating if they fail to report an unresolved incident with honor implications to proper authority within a reasonable length of time. "Proper authority" includes the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant, the Director of Military Training, the Athletic Director, a tactical officer, teacher or coach. A "reasonable length of time" is the time it takes to confront the Cadet candidate suspected of the honor violation and decide whether the incident was a misunderstanding or a possible violation of the Honor Code. A reasonable length of time is usually considered not to exceed 24 hours.

Three rules of thumb
  1. Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?
  2. Does this action gain or allow the gain of privilege or advantage to which I or someone else would not otherwise be entitled?
  3. Would I be dissatisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action?
 
Bro not trying to be a jerk but read your first post. You said you feel like you see things that aren't there or are afraid of things that aren't there. Idk what branch you want/will end up in but yeah that could cause some issues if you are leading a platoon.
 
et81 said:
Bro not trying to be a jerk but read your first post. You said you feel like you see things that aren't there or are afraid of things that aren't there. Idk what branch you want/will end up in but yeah that could cause some issues if you are leading a platoon.
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Exactly. Not to mention, if sitting all alone in your room at night makes you afraid of intruders how do you think you would do if you get deployed to a combat zone and there are real "intruders" who are actively attempting to end your life?
 
BSCAR said:
Three rules of thumb
  1. Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?
  2. Does this action gain or allow the gain of privilege or advantage to which I or someone else would not otherwise be entitled?
  3. Would I be dissatisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action?
Click to expand...
So my goal with posting on the forum was to 1. Get advice and 2. Gauge the situation to see whether or not it was a serious thing. After reading over comments and coming to the self realization that it doesn't affect my day to day life, doesn't affect my decisions or performance, and really is only a minor thing I experience at night and it hasn't been confirmed that it even is anything, I realized it isn't perhaps notable. Do you think I should still withdraw from being a Cadet Candidate over something like this?
 
throwawayaccount said:
So my goal with posting on the forum was to 1. Get advice and 2. Gauge the situation to see whether or not it was a serious thing. After reading over comments and coming to the self realization that it doesn't affect my day to day life, doesn't affect my decisions or performance, and really is only a minor thing I experience at night and it hasn't been confirmed that it even is anything, I realized it isn't perhaps notable. Do you think I should still withdraw from being a Cadet Candidate over something like this?
Click to expand...
If it truly doesn't affect you? No, I do not. But hopefully the reaction you got here will burn the Honor Code into your skull. When you get there, the price for something like this would be far higher.
 
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