Here's my dilemma: I feel that I have some type of anxiety brought on by claustrophobia (I have never been officially diagnosed with anxiety, but I know I am claustrophobic). I also feel like I have a general anxiety about many things in life and I would love to sort this all out and get to the root of my problem with a psychologist but I am afraid to do so because I hope to work in intelligence/counterterrorism in the next few years after finishing my master's degree and am worried that a record of seeking help for mental health will adversely affect my chance of being granted a security clearance. If I do go to a doctor and it is determined that I do not have an anxiety disorder, does even just the fact that I sought help make me automatically ineligible for clearance or are things looked at on a case by case basis?
2007-07-24 12:57:16 · 5 answers · asked by br0102 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
it would be worse for you to NOT seek help. if you want to work in Intel or the like, you will need to resolve any and all anxiety issues you may have, or you could be disqualified while in training and they surface.
keep in mind: any Meds you are given are a DQ.. you MUST be off of them at least 12 months, and function normally during that time in order to be considered for a waiver.
2007-07-24 13:43:58 · answer #1 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The risk of having your clearance denied is possible but is a much better risk than not seeking treatment and having your problems increase and eventually effect your ability to do an extremely stressful and sensitive job. A diagnosis could disqualify you from certain positions in the military, but again putting treatment off to avoid the issue is sure to lead to more severe problems if you remain untreated and join the military. Seek treatment...it is better for you both now and in the long run.
2007-07-24 16:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never considered the question from before joining, but if someone is already in an intel career field, self-reporting is the *best* way to go. Unless you become a clear security risk (not likely), you're fine. If you don't self-report and it becomes an issue, then you've shown yourself to be a risk, though it's still looked at on a case-by-case basis.
I would say, looking for treatment is still your best option.
2007-07-24 15:22:46 · answer #3 · answered by Beaver1224 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might as well go ahead and get some counseling.....if you are accepted in any intelligence program, they will do it anyway.
They do a FULL work up, complete and tough physical and a complete and comprehensive psych workup.
2007-07-24 13:18:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always case by case.
2007-07-24 13:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by usinf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋