Pre VA Q&A, MDD, Anxiety, & More

Hey everyone. I'm currently going through the ipeb process. Last I heard two weeks ago was that I am in the pre va stage. I was just looking for some tips or advice to help get through this.
Back in February my C&P exams were done. I've read over those and determined what the possible ratings va side might be etc. What I'm really concerned about right now is it taking forever. I'm stationed at the Naval Academy and work full time. The work I do is not connected to my rate, and basically janitorial and manual laboring work. This is rough because at least once a week I have to work 12 hour nights. All of this on top of all of my anxiety and depression is really starting to get rough. About three weeks ago my command tried to send me to inpatient again but I managed to get out of it. I'm married but my husband is stationed in Georgia. I know people are saying oh you're almost done, there's a light at the end of the tunnel but most days it doesn't feel like it. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I really want to ask him to help me with my work situation but I don't think there's anything he can do. I wish I could focus on preparing for the future and taking care of myself but I'm too exhausted- mentally and physically to even try to think about the future. I guess my main question is if anyone has any advice on the possibility of moving departments or maybe even trying to get my chain of command to help me. It feels like I'm talking to a brick wall whenever I try to reach out for help here.

 

[Pac942]

Hey keep your head up! Pre VA doesn't actually mean anything one way or the other unfortunately. Its altogether a long process that if you think about it to much will drive you up a wall. My best advise is to get your mind off of it however you can! occupy yourself. Because worrying wont make it go any faster, there is no one to call and nothing you can do to expedite the process. as far as changing units ect that's going to be up to your chain. If your doctor agrees that your treatment would be best facilitated in a different unit, he could work with your chain to get you into a TPU possibly. That's what they do out here in Pearl Harbor anyway. Hope this helped some what...

 

[SailorGirl09]

Hey everyone. I'm currently going through the ipeb process. Last I heard two weeks ago was that I am in the pre va stage. I was just looking for some tips or advice to help get through this.
Back in February my C&P exams were done. I've read over those and determined what the possible ratings va side might be etc. What I'm really concerned about right now is it taking forever. I'm stationed at the Naval Academy and work full time. The work I do is not connected to my rate, and basically janitorial and manual laboring work. This is rough because at least once a week I have to work 12 hour nights. All of this on top of all of my anxiety and depression is really starting to get rough. About three weeks ago my command tried to send me to inpatient again but I managed to get out of it. I'm married but my husband is stationed in Georgia. I know people are saying oh you're almost done, there's a light at the end of the tunnel but most days it doesn't feel like it. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I really want to ask him to help me with my work situation but I don't think there's anything he can do. I wish I could focus on preparing for the future and taking care of myself but I'm too exhausted- mentally and physically to even try to think about the future. I guess my main question is if anyone has any advice on the possibility of moving departments or maybe even trying to get my chain of command to help me. It feels like I'm talking to a brick wall whenever I try to reach out for help here.

Hey Girl! Based on your diagnoses they shouldn't have you working 12 hour shifts anyways... Are you on LIMDU? Cause if not you should of been put in a LIMDU status during this whole process... My LIMDU orders state that I'm not allowed to work longer than a 40 hour work week... and that I am to attend all the groups I sign up for... which would also be my suggestion, depending on where you're stationed... attending stress and anxiety groups reeeeeaaally helps!! I'm in like 4 a week! And since my LIMDU paperwork says I can't work more than 40 hours a week including going to appointments and stuff it's really relieved a lot of stress... it also says... no night shifts... no duty... or watches alone... etc. Maybe talk to your doctor tomorrow and ask about stress groups you could attend or a way to get your command to alleviate some of that stress you're having... cause it's supposed to be a time where you help to get better... and working hella and not going to any sort of support group or individual counseling will really wear on you... especially if you're working a ton.

Stay positive!!! I say just keep praying about it and planning for your future!!! AND if, worst case scenario, you're found fit... It's okay... not the end of the world...(something I struggled with myself) No doctor you're working with will sign off you deploying anywhere with symptoms of MDD and Anxiety.. especially if you voice your concerns of unstableness. So you'll end up on shore duty till you get out... but even that's unlikely just reading what you've posted already. Stay positive girl!!! It will all work out according to God's plan for you! Keep the faith! and know that everything happens for a reason!! I know exactly how you're feeling and it sucks but it'll all work out!