Is it possible?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2003
Is it possible?
3
Sat, 07-09-2005 - 1:41pm
Hello all. Hopefully some of you all remember me and some of you all will just learn about me now. My name is Kevin, I have panic attacks and an anxitey disorder, also im almost turning 21 on the 20th of this month. Im excited and then again somewhat afraid. The reason why is because when I turn 21 I lose my medical benifits that I have had from the military. Now that really frightens me because I feel like if I get sick I have no where to go, and it always comfort me being able to go to the hospital if i felt i needed to. Now I havent really been doing much like working since I've been able to, I think I let my disorder be the downside of me when I shouldnt, and maybe I make it my most common excuse for things which I shouldnt either. Now my question is it possible is, Is it possible for someone like me to make it in the Air Force, I tell myself the only thing that would scare me is going overseas. Im just not the type to been in combat. But i know going into the Air Force the job i would want is dealing with computers. But then I think what if i panic during basic training, I havent been away from my home (my comfort zone) for such periods of time and I also feel that I will freak out and go crazy or something. I feel like the military though is my only option for me to test myself and to actually get to doing something. Thanks for reading if you did and repling if you do, hope you all do well, I usually read through the posts everyday.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: k210
Sat, 07-09-2005 - 4:07pm

Hey Kevin


I'm a Bipolar Air Force wife. I think in this life you can do anything you want to but yes it will be stressful at times and of course with the military there are never any guarantees as to what kind of assignment you will get. At this

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
In reply to: k210
Sat, 07-09-2005 - 6:37pm

Hey Kevin, good to hear from you and to know that you are doing so-so. IMHO yes anything is possible, but I know your background and like you said you have not been out of your comfort zone, much. I personally do not think this to be a good idea. Kevin you know that I went along time without health insurance, years. Thank goodness I have it now but could be taken away tomorrow. My hubbys company that he works for has been sold to some investors and we do not know what that holds in store for us. Kevin I have always been straight up with you. You've grown up with your Dad being a lifer, right? Still live at home? Going to school? Sure the military is a way of getting health insurance but at what cost, ya know? You can go into computers here. I know a man that does house calls and makes $40 bucks each time. He has been to my house 3 times. Kevin I am behind you in whatever you choose but please think it through. So glad to know that you are doing okay. Your friend Debbie

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: k210
Sat, 07-09-2005 - 10:55pm

Hi, Kevin! It's so good to hear from you. It's been quite awhile & you've been missed. This is a very difficult decision & I can see both Danielle's & Debbie's points of view. I think talking to the military recruiters would be a good idea. Entering the military requires a different sort of committment than a civilian job. Also, there's the health history that is required for most positions nowadays & I am wondering if it's more rigorous for the military. Having an anxiety disorder *MAY* be deterrent. I know that coping with anxiety is possible & any job that you want is available to you in most cases. But ppl, including the military *MAY* have a less than ideal view of what a person can or cannot do with anxiety. It's that old stigma come back to roost.


As a nurse, I never panicked on the job. I understand anxiety & know my disorder. What causes me to panic is NOT ppl beeding or suffering severe pain or these emergency room situations that you see on TV. It would never occur to me that panic was an option. However, the uninformed & even those in the medical profession who should be informed, have asked me how I ever worked in the operating room. Frankly it makes me so mad. TBH, in an emergency *I* would want to be *MY* nurse, because I know my capabilities. Unfortunately there are plenty of ppl out there who are clueless. I hope that helps in some way.


Good luck to you, Kevin. I happen to know that you have overcome some great personal odds. I believe that you can do anything you want. I am more confident in you, than you know. I want the best for ya, kiddo! Keep in touch. Let us know what happens. We care! (((hugs))) jan