Anxiety and security clearance?

Question:

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?

Answers:
When you apply for a federal position you will have to report any mental health counseling that you have receieved by listing the name of the counselor/physician and the period of time that you saw them. However by law government agencies are only allowed to ask specific questions of your mental health providers. These questions simply ask whether or not you can be trusted with secrets of national security and with a weapon, if you will be working in a weapon carrying position. They are not allowed to ask specifics about your diagnosis or symptoms.

Your inkling that it may be time to seek help is a good one. If you want to work in a stressful career that will likely present anxiety provoking situations, the time to get help is now. The sooner you learn to deal with your anxiety and claustrophobia the better.

My advice would be to look into the resources that your school may have for you. Colleges and universities often provide no- or low-cost services to their fee paying students. Their counselors are often in training, but are a great help to people with mild issues. Even if they feel that the current struggles you have are beyond their area of expertise they can be a great resource for hooking you up with clinics and practitioners in your area who can help you more.

If that is not a viable option for you, for whatever reason, you may want to consider seeing a regular family physician. They can provide referrals to services and help you find a quality mental health practitioner.

You don't have to give up your dream job because of your mental health situation...you just have to work hard and get help. Go for it!

If you have trouble with stress now how do you think you will be in a security role?

Anxiety is caused by how you think about what you are doing and what is going on around you.

Change your focus to your strengths.

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email me with quesitons.

I take Calms Forte and if you take it as a relaxant for anxiety the dose is different compared to sleepness & insomnia. It temporarily relieves simple nervous tension and sleeplessness. You can buy it from any health food or vitamin store in the homeopathic medicine section.

Anxiety and security clearance?

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