MonteFitzRoy

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After reading countless threads and posts on this website and others I came across some good advice, but not the advice that I need exclusively. Some background on me: I went to the University of Wyoming this past year and studied Architectural Engineering, I decided that the civilian college life was not for me and went down the route of applying to USNA and USAF. I won nominations to both, then after a tedious process of getting a medically waivered because of depression that occurred in my early years of high school, I was offered an appointment to the Naval Academy.

Prior to attending the academy, during my time at UW, I developed an odd eating habit that really effected my mental state and my performance. It started around this time last year and slowly became worse up until I moved back home halfway through my second semester. I finished out the school year online (everything was already online so it wasn't a huge deal) with a cumulative 4.0 after two 18 credit hour semesters, got back to normal eating habits, was incredibly happy and optimistic, then found out just a couple of weeks before I-Day that I received an appointment. It was a crazy year in my life where a lot of good change happened and by the time I left for the academy I was in the best mental and physical place I could have been.

I-Day hit and still is a massive blur in my head. I enjoyed plebe summer, especially morning workouts around Farragut. However, halfway through the summer the eating habit kicked back in. I immediately went to MDC (the counseling center for Midshipmen) because I knew I needed to figure this out sooner rather than later. Although MDC can't make official diagnoses I was diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder in my second meeting with them. I won't go into the intricacies of the illness but do look it up to get a better idea of what is happening to me.

Here I am, at the start of the 12 week exam period, struggling more than I ever have in my life. These binges happened five to six times a week and completely control my life. It's not like they're stressed induced either; sometimes these waves of the illness come at my least stressful times when I'm honestly quite relaxed. It has gotten to the point where some type of treatment is necessary. One option on the table is finishing out this semester then taking a leave of absence to go to treatment for a couple of months. The only kicker is, after treatment I would redo plebe summer and everything I have already done. It would be my 3rd and 4th time taking courses like Calc I and II, Gen Chem I and II, and Literature. Doing all of this over again is not an option for me; what would be ideal is doing treatment next semester then coming back as a youngster but having to do summer school every summer.

There is only so much information I can divulge in a post so it doesn't become a novel, but at this point treatment is necessary for me to be successful in my future years at the academy. It's not the plebe stuff that triggers the disorder, it's the very nature of the academy like King Hall, mandatory events, PRT's, etc that are around every class year while I'm here. I need to learn some strategies to deal with the disorder that simply aren't feasible to learn on top of everything else while I'm here at the academy. Like I said, going to treatment to learn these things is necessary for my survival at the academy.

Ultimately, it's coming down to choosing to DOR. There is such a stigma around a DOR here at the academy and even back home. The thing right now that is holding me back the most is disappointing friends and family back home who were so proud of me coming here. Back home, I already combatted this eating disorder (even though I didn't know what it was) with the resources available to me. Things like preparing my own meals, grocery shopping, a free schedule to have time to reflect on how I'm feeling, mountains close for hiking and trail running, and the ability to get away from academics whenever I wanted made getting better possible. I know I can get better back home and still be successful, but I don't know if I can do that here. The dream of becoming a pilot or NFO completely goes out the door because I will be restricted line if I receive treatment. All of the opportunities like NOLs courses and LREC's go away because of mandatory summer school. Everything I was looking forward before coming here is being taken away already.

I want to feel like myself again more than anything. Getting better is at the top of my priority list, and even though it is things continue to get worse. The disorder becomes worse and worse as the weeks pass by and the depression I had to waiver through is beginning to show it's face again. I've talked to Chaplains, my Company Officer, my Platoon Leader, classmates, MDC, friends back home, and family but the more guidance and advice I can get, the better.
 
I am sorry to read about your situation. I am glad you have sought help.

Your health comes first, second, third and the next several places after that. Given how your illness has played out for you thus far, and the fact that only more stress and triggering factors lie ahead during a career in the Fleet, you may have to let that go. You will be on the planet another 60-70 years; there are other ways to serve your country that do not involve your triggers.

Health first, always. Don’t worry about disappointing family, surely they love you and want you to be healthy, thriving and happy in whatever path you choose. Do what is right for you. Your true USNA friends will not judge you; those who do are not your friends. Period. Remove their opinions from your awareness.

USNA is designed to throw stressor after stressor at you to ensure you can function in the Fleet or Corps. You may not be wired that way. Nothing wrong with that. It just is.

It used to be an official eating disorder diagnosis was an instant DQ and separation at USNA, about 25 years ago. They then got more realistic and softened the policy to “unresolved and failure to maintain normal weight” as the pre-Comm criteria, giving the mid time to adjust, get help, manage the issue. This approach helps sort out the transitional cases from the more serious ones.

Health and new paths. Press forward. You have shown strength in being open about this. Gather your strength and do what is best for you over the short, midterm and long haul.
 
If the Navy is willing to send you to inpatient or any kind of treatment, that would help you in your path to clarity. Surely they couldn’t make you return to USNA if at the end, you realized that is not a path you should take. Realize too they have to make decisions based on policy, precedent and the best interests of the Navy, while considering your individual situation.
 
I have no advice for you and would defer to the the posts above - they are your best guidance. However, I wanted to say how impressed I am by your dedication to serve and complete your education. The thoughtfulness and resilience reflected in your post is admirable and I'm sure regardless of your path, your friends and family will be so proud of you. Wishing you a full recovery.
 
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I've talked to Chaplains, my Company Officer, my Platoon Leader, classmates, MDC, friends back home, and family but the more guidance and advice I can get, the better.
Those listed above, along with CAPT MJ (she's been in the Chain of Command, and has likely seen similar situations), and Mr. Mullen (in the DODMERB loop) are really the best people to be talking to. Anonymous advice from people on the internet is rarely helpful. That said, I echo CAPT MJ comments - take care of your health first. The only thing I can add is that life doesn't get any easier or less stressful --get the help you need now.
Good luck to you.
 
After reading countless threads and posts on this website and others I came across some good advice, but not the advice that I need exclusively. Some background on me: I went to the University of Wyoming this past year and studied Architectural Engineering, I decided that the civilian college life was not for me and went down the route of applying to USNA and USAF. I won nominations to both, then after a tedious process of getting a medically waivered because of depression that occurred in my early years of high school, I was offered an appointment to the Naval Academy.

Prior to attending the academy, during my time at UW, I developed an odd eating habit that really effected my mental state and my performance. It started around this time last year and slowly became worse up until I moved back home halfway through my second semester. I finished out the school year online (everything was already online so it wasn't a huge deal) with a cumulative 4.0 after two 18 credit hour semesters, got back to normal eating habits, was incredibly happy and optimistic, then found out just a couple of weeks before I-Day that I received an appointment. It was a crazy year in my life where a lot of good change happened and by the time I left for the academy I was in the best mental and physical place I could have been.

I-Day hit and still is a massive blur in my head. I enjoyed plebe summer, especially morning workouts around Farragut. However, halfway through the summer the eating habit kicked back in. I immediately went to MDC (the counseling center for Midshipmen) because I knew I needed to figure this out sooner rather than later. Although MDC can't make official diagnoses I was diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder in my second meeting with them. I won't go into the intricacies of the illness but do look it up to get a better idea of what is happening to me.

Here I am, at the start of the 12 week exam period, struggling more than I ever have in my life. These binges happened five to six times a week and completely control my life. It's not like they're stressed induced either; sometimes these waves of the illness come at my least stressful times when I'm honestly quite relaxed. It has gotten to the point where some type of treatment is necessary. One option on the table is finishing out this semester then taking a leave of absence to go to treatment for a couple of months. The only kicker is, after treatment I would redo plebe summer and everything I have already done. It would be my 3rd and 4th time taking courses like Calc I and II, Gen Chem I and II, and Literature. Doing all of this over again is not an option for me; what would be ideal is doing treatment next semester then coming back as a youngster but having to do summer school every summer.

There is only so much information I can divulge in a post so it doesn't become a novel, but at this point treatment is necessary for me to be successful in my future years at the academy. It's not the plebe stuff that triggers the disorder, it's the very nature of the academy like King Hall, mandatory events, PRT's, etc that are around every class year while I'm here. I need to learn some strategies to deal with the disorder that simply aren't feasible to learn on top of everything else while I'm here at the academy. Like I said, going to treatment to learn these things is necessary for my survival at the academy.

Ultimately, it's coming down to choosing to DOR. There is such a stigma around a DOR here at the academy and even back home. The thing right now that is holding me back the most is disappointing friends and family back home who were so proud of me coming here. Back home, I already combatted this eating disorder (even though I didn't know what it was) with the resources available to me. Things like preparing my own meals, grocery shopping, a free schedule to have time to reflect on how I'm feeling, mountains close for hiking and trail running, and the ability to get away from academics whenever I wanted made getting better possible. I know I can get better back home and still be successful, but I don't know if I can do that here. The dream of becoming a pilot or NFO completely goes out the door because I will be restricted line if I receive treatment. All of the opportunities like NOLs courses and LREC's go away because of mandatory summer school. Everything I was looking forward before coming here is being taken away already.

I want to feel like myself again more than anything. Getting better is at the top of my priority list, and even though it is things continue to get worse. The disorder becomes worse and worse as the weeks pass by and the depression I had to waiver through is beginning to show it's face again. I've talked to Chaplains, my Company Officer, my Platoon Leader, classmates, MDC, friends back home, and family but the more guidance and advice I can get, the better.
Sorry to hear about your condition. I have a DS currently in a Foundation school. This is just my two-cents as a 30-year Army vet. Just think for a minute if you’re now on Active Duty (AD). Your entire Chain of Command, Sailors, Chaplain, and family will worry about you. Take care of yourself first… be healthy. The same courage, commitment, drive, and intelligence that got you in USNA will always be there. There are other options to serve our Country: FBI, NSA, CIA.
 
@MonteFitzRoy, November is here and before you know it you're into December. Christmas leave follows quickly after, then you’ll have time to decompress and really access your situation. Be gentle with yourself. Hang in there as best you can even with all the stressors you'll encounter in the following weeks. Continue working with the chain of command and those you trust.

I wish you good luck. More importantly, I wish you good health to enjoy it.
 
You have great advice already. Absolutely your health comes first. You have a very open and mature outlook, that will take you far in life. And this struggle may be the thing that ultimately helps form your path on your journey of who you are to become. Take each day as it comes. You dont have to have everything figured out now. Take care of you, first.

And more than ANYTHING, your family and friends want you healthy. You may feel you are disappointing them, when in reality, they couldn’t be more proud of you recognizing your struggles and tending to them. That is SO BRAVE! You will be able to help people also struggling in an empathetic, compassionate way that only you can. Hang in there, lean on others to help you through. It’s ok, and you GOT THIS ♥️
 
While I’m not qualified to give advice about eating disorders, here is what comes to mind regarding the academy:

Have you put up a special request chit to keep a fridge in your room? Maybe having additional food options in your room that you buy on the weekends could help you, just a thought.

Based on my experience at the Academy and limited time on summer trainings, often times the offered meal sucks but you don’t have any choice. You may be able to deal with that but just know it’s a challenge that doesn’t go away.

Are you sure you would need to repeat classes if you took a LOA? If you already took Calc and Chem and had a 4.0, you should have validated them. And if you pass them this semester and return to the Academy later, you won’t need to retake them. You may want to speak with your Ac Advisor regarding this.

Things like NOLS and trips abroad shouldn’t be a motivation for staying at USNA. Not only are they not guaranteed even if you don’t have summer school, you can easily still do them as a civilian.

Even after Plebe Year the Academy is still quite a stressful (and at times just unpleasant) place to be. Life definitely gets a bit easier but don’t think you’ll no longer be under so much stress.

Don’t worry about what people in your hometown will think. Do what’s right for you. No one’s opinion of your career choice matters except for YOURS. The truth is other than your immediate family, I bet nobody is paying much attention to your life. And whoever is wants what’s best for you too.

You got accepted on academics, and you made it through the hardest part of the Academy while dealing with this issue. That means you have a bright head on your shoulders and you can definitely still find success if you apply yourself elsewhere. If you stay, there are some really outstanding career paths in the restricted line. If you have to separate, there ought to be no shame in it. You gave it your all and you can still go out and do great things.
 
In our day, DOR was pretty common. Some of those who did it may (and I emphasize may) have had short-term stigma at USNA or at home. HOWEVER, it does not last, at least WRT USNA. We have quite a few folks who DOR'ed come to reunions. They are treated the same as a graduate -- no stigma. As we all get older, we get wiser. We realize that a SA isn't for everyone -- for all sorts of reasons and come to understand that those who left made the right choice for them at the time.

Most (if not all) of the DORs go on to live happy, successful lives. They go to a civilian college, graduate, work, get married, etc. More than a few have kids who attend and graduate from USNA (happened to one of my roommates).

If people in your home town -- or anywhere else -- have a problem with you making the best decision for you, it's their problem. Move to a new town.:) I understand why your USNA peers may give you some flack (not endorsing it, but understand how it happens). Just keep in mind that they are young people under stress themselves. Their views will change.

As others have noted, there are many ways to serve your country. In WW2, my grandfather couldn't serve in the military because he had only one good eye. So, he became the block captain for air raid drills (lived on the west coast). You do what you can do, give what you have.

Best of luck to you!
 
You are talking about how to handle the Academy...what about when you are serving? Will you be able to do what you need to cope if you are deployed?
 
After reading countless threads and posts on this website and others I came across some good advice, but not the advice that I need exclusively. Some background on me: I went to the University of Wyoming this past year and studied Architectural Engineering, I decided that the civilian college life was not for me and went down the route of applying to USNA and USAF. I won nominations to both, then after a tedious process of getting a medically waivered because of depression that occurred in my early years of high school, I was offered an appointment to the Naval Academy.

Prior to attending the academy, during my time at UW, I developed an odd eating habit that really effected my mental state and my performance. It started around this time last year and slowly became worse up until I moved back home halfway through my second semester. I finished out the school year online (everything was already online so it wasn't a huge deal) with a cumulative 4.0 after two 18 credit hour semesters, got back to normal eating habits, was incredibly happy and optimistic, then found out just a couple of weeks before I-Day that I received an appointment. It was a crazy year in my life where a lot of good change happened and by the time I left for the academy I was in the best mental and physical place I could have been.

I-Day hit and still is a massive blur in my head. I enjoyed plebe summer, especially morning workouts around Farragut. However, halfway through the summer the eating habit kicked back in. I immediately went to MDC (the counseling center for Midshipmen) because I knew I needed to figure this out sooner rather than later. Although MDC can't make official diagnoses I was diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder in my second meeting with them. I won't go into the intricacies of the illness but do look it up to get a better idea of what is happening to me.

Here I am, at the start of the 12 week exam period, struggling more than I ever have in my life. These binges happened five to six times a week and completely control my life. It's not like they're stressed induced either; sometimes these waves of the illness come at my least stressful times when I'm honestly quite relaxed. It has gotten to the point where some type of treatment is necessary. One option on the table is finishing out this semester then taking a leave of absence to go to treatment for a couple of months. The only kicker is, after treatment I would redo plebe summer and everything I have already done. It would be my 3rd and 4th time taking courses like Calc I and II, Gen Chem I and II, and Literature. Doing all of this over again is not an option for me; what would be ideal is doing treatment next semester then coming back as a youngster but having to do summer school every summer.

There is only so much information I can divulge in a post so it doesn't become a novel, but at this point treatment is necessary for me to be successful in my future years at the academy. It's not the plebe stuff that triggers the disorder, it's the very nature of the academy like King Hall, mandatory events, PRT's, etc that are around every class year while I'm here. I need to learn some strategies to deal with the disorder that simply aren't feasible to learn on top of everything else while I'm here at the academy. Like I said, going to treatment to learn these things is necessary for my survival at the academy.

Ultimately, it's coming down to choosing to DOR. There is such a stigma around a DOR here at the academy and even back home. The thing right now that is holding me back the most is disappointing friends and family back home who were so proud of me coming here. Back home, I already combatted this eating disorder (even though I didn't know what it was) with the resources available to me. Things like preparing my own meals, grocery shopping, a free schedule to have time to reflect on how I'm feeling, mountains close for hiking and trail running, and the ability to get away from academics whenever I wanted made getting better possible. I know I can get better back home and still be successful, but I don't know if I can do that here. The dream of becoming a pilot or NFO completely goes out the door because I will be restricted line if I receive treatment. All of the opportunities like NOLs courses and LREC's go away because of mandatory summer school. Everything I was looking forward before coming here is being taken away already.

I want to feel like myself again more than anything. Getting better is at the top of my priority list, and even though it is things continue to get worse. The disorder becomes worse and worse as the weeks pass by and the depression I had to waiver through is beginning to show it's face again. I've talked to Chaplains, my Company Officer, my Platoon Leader, classmates, MDC, friends back home, and family but the more guidance and advice I can get, the better.
This is so insane. As a plebe, I am literally in the same situation this year, and it just so happens to be last week was 12-weeks. I also was diagnosed with a binge eating disorder and other mental illnesses. I was told I am only eligible to commission as a SWO. I am thinking of DORing. Did you make that decision? If so, how and what are you doing now? Do you regret it? Did you get better?
 
After reading countless threads and posts on this website and others I came across some good advice, but not the advice that I need exclusively. Some background on me: I went to the University of Wyoming this past year and studied Architectural Engineering, I decided that the civilian college life was not for me and went down the route of applying to USNA and USAF. I won nominations to both, then after a tedious process of getting a medically waivered because of depression that occurred in my early years of high school, I was offered an appointment to the Naval Academy.

Prior to attending the academy, during my time at UW, I developed an odd eating habit that really effected my mental state and my performance. It started around this time last year and slowly became worse up until I moved back home halfway through my second semester. I finished out the school year online (everything was already online so it wasn't a huge deal) with a cumulative 4.0 after two 18 credit hour semesters, got back to normal eating habits, was incredibly happy and optimistic, then found out just a couple of weeks before I-Day that I received an appointment. It was a crazy year in my life where a lot of good change happened and by the time I left for the academy I was in the best mental and physical place I could have been.

I-Day hit and still is a massive blur in my head. I enjoyed plebe summer, especially morning workouts around Farragut. However, halfway through the summer the eating habit kicked back in. I immediately went to MDC (the counseling center for Midshipmen) because I knew I needed to figure this out sooner rather than later. Although MDC can't make official diagnoses I was diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder in my second meeting with them. I won't go into the intricacies of the illness but do look it up to get a better idea of what is happening to me.

Here I am, at the start of the 12 week exam period, struggling more than I ever have in my life. These binges happened five to six times a week and completely control my life. It's not like they're stressed induced either; sometimes these waves of the illness come at my least stressful times when I'm honestly quite relaxed. It has gotten to the point where some type of treatment is necessary. One option on the table is finishing out this semester then taking a leave of absence to go to treatment for a couple of months. The only kicker is, after treatment I would redo plebe summer and everything I have already done. It would be my 3rd and 4th time taking courses like Calc I and II, Gen Chem I and II, and Literature. Doing all of this over again is not an option for me; what would be ideal is doing treatment next semester then coming back as a youngster but having to do summer school every summer.

There is only so much information I can divulge in a post so it doesn't become a novel, but at this point treatment is necessary for me to be successful in my future years at the academy. It's not the plebe stuff that triggers the disorder, it's the very nature of the academy like King Hall, mandatory events, PRT's, etc that are around every class year while I'm here. I need to learn some strategies to deal with the disorder that simply aren't feasible to learn on top of everything else while I'm here at the academy. Like I said, going to treatment to learn these things is necessary for my survival at the academy.

Ultimately, it's coming down to choosing to DOR. There is such a stigma around a DOR here at the academy and even back home. The thing right now that is holding me back the most is disappointing friends and family back home who were so proud of me coming here. Back home, I already combatted this eating disorder (even though I didn't know what it was) with the resources available to me. Things like preparing my own meals, grocery shopping, a free schedule to have time to reflect on how I'm feeling, mountains close for hiking and trail running, and the ability to get away from academics whenever I wanted made getting better possible. I know I can get better back home and still be successful, but I don't know if I can do that here. The dream of becoming a pilot or NFO completely goes out the door because I will be restricted line if I receive treatment. All of the opportunities like NOLs courses and LREC's go away because of mandatory summer school. Everything I was looking forward before coming here is being taken away already.

I want to feel like myself again more than anything. Getting better is at the top of my priority list, and even though it is things continue to get worse. The disorder becomes worse and worse as the weeks pass by and the depression I had to waiver through is beginning to show it's face again. I've talked to Chaplains, my Company Officer, my Platoon Leader, classmates, MDC, friends back home, and family but the more guidance and advice I can get, the better.
I ache for what you are going through. It's a toughie, I know, and also please know you are in my thoughts. Chin up ... be strong!
 
1 post from the original author on a one year old thread.. Doubt they have ever come back to the forum.

2026usna, talk with your leadership, talk to the chaplain, talk to medical. Make the best decision for yourself and your well being. DOR is a huge choice and feels like the world falling apart on you (trust me, I know), but it is also what some people have to do and in a few years, it will be something in your past as you moved on.

(Oh, and being SWO isn't all that bad! Even if you "5 and dive," you become a jack of all trades, and have tons of real world leadership experience that so many companies want).
 
1 post from the original author on a one year old thread.. Doubt they have ever come back to the forum.

2026usna, talk with your leadership, talk to the chaplain, talk to medical. Make the best decision for yourself and your well being. DOR is a huge choice and feels like the world falling apart on you (trust me, I know), but it is also what some people have to do and in a few years, it will be something in your past as you moved on.

(Oh, and being SWO isn't all that bad! Even if you "5 and dive," you become a jack of all trades, and have tons of real world leadership experience that so many companies want).
I've been thinking of DORing for over a month now, and I finally made my decision to leave yesterday. It was comforting to see someone was in my exact shoes only a year ago. I have a security net, and I know this is right
 
Wish you the best of luck. Hopefully you get the assistance you need, are able to process through things well, and move on to the next chapter of your life.

I left toward the end of Plebe summer when I was there. I felt like I let everyone down (especially my Dad, a career Naval officer). But it was what I needed for myself at that time. I moved on, got two degrees, made a successful career, and raised a family.
 
A Mom’s perspective here. I know the incredible amount of hard work and sacrifice my son has made… for YEARS… to pursue his goals related to the Navy. If he were accepted (he’s a senior and a current candidate) we would all jump up and down for days. DAYS. And yet if he were sick and needed treatment halfway through his plebe year we would be helping him get it. Period.

Put your health first.
 
As I often say (mostly to candidates, not mids), there are many paths to serving one's country and to success in life that don't involve USNA or any other SA.

First, get the help you need, including understanding what triggers your issue so that you can embark on a path that will (to the greatest extent possible) avoid those triggers. Second, if at all possible, find a path to earn your college degree. Third, think about why you wanted to serve -- what appealed to you -- and see if there are other government or non-gov't careers that will get you to a similar place.
 
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