Need advice on Psych Test and Physical

CaseyJones · 09-28-2010, 13:02

I have some personal questions that I was wondering if someone could help me on. It's in regards to the psychological testing that you take during selection. If anyone knows about this, can I shoot you a PM about it? Thank you.

**The Reaper** · 09-28-2010, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseyJones

I have some personal questions that I was wondering if someone could help me on. It's in regards to the psychological testing that you take during selection. If anyone knows about this, can I shoot you a PM about it? Thank you.

You do not need any G2 about the tests.

You need to show up and answer questions truthfully.

This very question causes me to doubt your suitability.

You now have my full attention. If I find out that anyone does provide you with info pertaining to the tests, I will ban both you and the provider.

Follow all instructions and do your best.

TR

CaseyJones · 09-28-2010, 16:46

Well, I wasn't looking to get secret info on how to BS the psych test .. but since now that's how it seems I'll put out my question. About 3 months ago I was blown up by an RPG in Afghanistan when we got ambushed on the side of some mountain. When I came around in BAF I had a big anxiety attack cause I didn't know what was going on. So they gave me Ativan. I got sent to WRAMC for my TBI, but they also had me see a psychiatrist because of when they gave me Ativan. I was still a little jumpy at loud noises and had a lot of trouble sleeping so she kept me on the Ativan for about two months for "acute stress disorder". I'm off psych meds but they're making me follow up once a week in behavioral health while I'm being treated for TBI which is going to take a few more months. What I wanted to know, was if this "acute stress disorder" on my medical records was going to get me DQ'd in the psychological testing for selection. This has been my dream for my entire life, and I want to find out if it's now out of the cards for me. Sorry for the confusion, but now I hope you see why I didn't really want to just post this on the board. Better that than you all thinking I'm trying to cheat out.

**The Reaper** · 09-28-2010, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseyJones

Well, I wasn't looking to get secret info on how to BS the psych test .. but since now that's how it seems I'll put out my question. About 3 months ago I was blown up by an RPG in Afghanistan when we got ambushed on the side of some mountain. When I came around in BAF I had a big anxiety attack cause I didn't know what was going on. So they gave me Ativan. I got sent to WRAMC for my TBI, but they also had me see a psychiatrist because of when they gave me Ativan. I was still a little jumpy at loud noises and had a lot of trouble sleeping so she kept me on the Ativan for about two months for "acute stress disorder". I'm off psych meds but they're making me follow up once a week in behavioral health while I'm being treated for TBI which is going to take a few more months. What I wanted to know, was if this "acute stress disorder" on my medical records was going to get me DQ'd in the psychological testing for selection. This has been my dream for my entire life, and I want to find out if it's now out of the cards for me. Sorry for the confusion, but now I hope you see why I didn't really want to just post this on the board. Better that than you all thinking I'm trying to cheat out.

I see nothing wrong with you stating that you are being treated for a combat related injury and want to get a feel for its impact on your application for SF assessment and selection.

You may need a waiver to attend, but I am not certain. The doc who signs off on your physical should know that from AR 40-501. You can always request a med waiver if you are deemed unfit.

When you get to the psych eval, just tell them the truth and let the consequences follow.

Best of luck.

TR

1stindoor · 09-29-2010, 06:17

As for the psych test...there is no way you can "bs" the results anyhows. Be honest, let your record speak for itself. Having a TBI, or being "jumpy" after getting "blown up"...is nothing to be ashamed of...thank you for still considering our side of the Army and good luck to you.

alright4u · 09-29-2010, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stindoor

As for the psych test...there is no way you can "bs" the results anyhows. Be honest, let your record speak for itself. Having a TBI, or being "jumpy" after getting "blown up"...is nothing to be ashamed of...thank you for still considering our side of the Army and good luck to you.

The truth is the best way. Many a person I know admits to have been nervous in crowds after serious combat and wounds, but; that goes away over the years. I was shot twice and after release from Womack, I had some panic and anxiety attacks. The panic attacks did go away after years of them. You will not die from a panic attack. The anxiety may last?

I can only state what I know. I was already in SF. Still, I would be honest. They did not know about this PTSD in 1969. They damn sure would not load up any SF officer or NCO with antidepressants and/or tranquilizers. Ativan is serious crap. Try to get off of it. Run and exercise. Stay physically tired, not mentally tired. This Army today is sold on PTSD and mental crap.

CaseyJones · 09-29-2010, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by alright4u

The truth is the best way. Many a person I know admits to have been nervous in crowds after serious combat and wounds, but; that goes away over the years. I was shot twice and after release from Womack, I had some panic and anxiety attacks. The panic attacks did go away after years of them. You will not die from a panic attack. The anxiety may last?

I can only state what I know. I was already in SF. Still, I would be honest. They did not know about this PTSD in 1969. They damn sure would not load up any SF officer or NCO with antidepressants and/or tranquilizers. Ativan is serious crap. Try to get off of it. Run and exercise. Stay physically tired, not mentally tired. This Army today is sold on PTSD and mental crap.

Roger on that .. I made them taper me off the Ativan cause after two months on it I felt like a zombie .. exercise is hard, I spent a lot of time laid up in the hospital bed so now I'm more focused on walking 10 times around the track than trying to run 6 min miles again, but I'm getting there. I agree the Army overdoes this whole PTSD thing, and I think a lot of soldiers here play into to get med boarded out and such. I just want all of this crap to go away.

09-29-2010, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseyJones

....I just want all of this crap to go away.

Say that one more time, I didn't quite hear you.

Again.

A little louder please.

Good.

Now what are you going to do?

Little brother, decide now the path you're going to take, and regardless of events beyond your control, decisions made by others, circumstances, etc.,you have the ability to control your own life. What you must do, and do for yourself is replace one action with another. When you would normally take a tablet, say to yourself, "maybe later, not now, I want to run." When the doc asks, "How are you feeling", say to him, "better, when I can exercise".

Trust me when I say, the anger, the fear, the anxiety, and all the stress from that event will pass and evently go away. I would not trust a soldier who didn't retain some level of edginess, that my young friend will keep you alive. Trust your gut, trust your team.

Everything you need to be successful is here, friends, coaches, mentors and a few old guys too.

Stay focused, you'll do well.

Wet Dog

Nightfall · 09-29-2010, 22:58

I don't pretend to have the slightest clue what you are going through psychologically, nor do I say this from the perspective of a person who has been a QP. I'm only interjecting my two cents in because of the comments of things outside your control bothering you and making yourself mentally prepared. Regarding those things, I offer a couple of quotes for you to think on while you get ready for the trials ahead. I read a lot of philosophy, perhaps too much, but I've found the Stoics reasonably applicable to real life, particularly the work of Epictetus. Reading his disertations have helped me throughout my life, and I keep them close at hand for my upcoming personal journey into military life.

The couple that come to mind while reading this are:

"So when the crisis is upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a tough and stalwart antagonist... that you may prove a victor at the Great Games."

As well as,

"When I see anyone anxious, I say, what does this man want? Unless he wanted something or other not in his own power, how could he still be anxious? A musician, for instance, feels no anxiety while he is singing by himself; but when he appears upon the stage he does, even if his voice be ever so good, or he plays ever so well. For what he wishes is not only to sing well, but likewise to gain applause. But this is not in his own power."

If I have overstepped, I apologize in advance. Again, other than what I've read here I know nothing of your circumstances. I only know that this stuff has helped me in the past, and I'm sure will help me in the future. Hopefully it will put you in the right frame of mind for what you have to come and help you as it does me. As Wet Dog stated, the residual will eventually go away, and as stated, will in the end make you better. Regardless, good luck, be safe and thanks for your service.

JJ_BPK · 09-30-2010, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightfall

If I have overstepped, I apologize in advance.

You have strayed from your lane and will be encouraged to recover..
Do not comment on topics you have absolutely no education nor practical experience in.

Quote:

Served in the following units: Have not have the privilage.

Go do 500 push ups...

CaseyJones · 10-05-2010, 17:45

Thanks to all the QP's and everyone else for their advice. I will just carry on and see how it goes, better to have tried and failed due to things that are out of my control than to have never tried at all. Giving up on my own is something I can't live with. Plus, TBI clinic has finally changed my profile to allow to me to workout again! It's been hell just laying in a bed for the past two and a half months and only being able to walk around a 1/4 mile track.

CJ

Green Light · 10-06-2010, 05:26

CJ

You've been through combat. Good! You have experiences that will serve you well later. If you're finding it hard to exercise, find someone, preferably a combat veteran, to exercise with. It doesn't have to be much, but make it your mutual hobby. Your brain can get "rewired" through trauma, physical, psychological, or both. The trick is to break out of the behavior cycle that you're in right now. Small steps, IMO, are the key.

Instead of looking at the 300 meter target (SFAS), look at the 5 or 10. Keep your goals simple and build slowly. As was said before, all of this fades, but you can help it along. If you keep on trying, you will be stronger mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually than when you started. Realizing that you have some things to overcome is a great first step.

You have my respect for your service. Thank you for putting yourself in danger for the rest of us. Never quit. Stay with it Brother!

AF Doc · 10-10-2010, 19:02

CJ,

If I can offer some advice from the medical side of things:

1) Make sure your providers understand your goals.

2) Be honest about what you are experiencing.

3) If you try to game the testing or your providers, it will be obvious and you will be held accountable.

4) Ask about treatment options. Treatment works.

5) If you are experiencing Acute Stress Disorder:
a) it will get better
b) it is treatable, more so for motivated individuals
c) it is not inherently unfitting for service

6) Give yourself a little time to recover fully.

Thank you for your service and best of luck in your future goals!

dennisw · 10-10-2010, 22:43

I really dig the advice you folks are providing this young man. Casey, "He is the winner who perseveres." Keep on keeping on young man. We're proud of you and thank you for your service.

CaseyJones · 11-03-2010, 20:06

Thanks to all of the QP's on here for their advice. I've been off those meds for a while now and haven't had any problem whatsoever. With every upside there's always a catch, and now mine is that my TBI has gotten reclassified to moderate. So it looks as though the road to get to selection will be atleast a year away. My focus won't get shifted though, this is just a minor hiccup.