Thank you for reading my post.

I'm not sure where to look for answers so I'm hoping that someone here can provide some insight. This doesn't pertain to me but my daughter.

Some background. My daughter attended West Point Military Academy for 2 years, her freshman and sophmore year. At the beginning of her junior year just before she was to sigh her committment she choose to leave on her own terms. She decided that military life was not a match for her. She has been out of the academy now for 3 years. She went on to complete her college degree at another school and did very well. She graduated with a 3.96 GPA.

Now the issue. Ever since she left the academy she has been plagued with severe anxiety. She seems to have developed almost like a social disorder where she has difficulty in social situations. She has become very unsure of herself and seems to have lost her confidence. Before she attended the academy she was just the opposite. She was outgoing and social. She was very confident and sure of herself and had no signs of anxiety.

Anyone who is familiar with the academy knows the intense physical, psychological and academic demands so I suspect that may have been a big contributor. For a female cadet these demands I'm sure can feel even greater.

Does anyone have any insight or opinions on what may caused this drastic change?

You might want to look into the possibility that she has developed some degree of PTSD from trauma that she hasn't told you about.

Bad things happen to innocent young women in and out of the military. I'm sorry. This must be horrible for a daddy to watch.

I would suggest having her see a counselor.

She may need some help with "reintegration" so to speak. She was in a very regimented environment for a couple of years. Leaving that for a much freer environment can be problematic.

No matter what is going on with her, I feel counseling could be a benefit for her. Sometimes we can talk to a "stranger" about things we would not tell our family members.

Big hugs to both of you. And, I congratulate you for looking for help for her. Having your support and love will help her I'm sure.


Sgt Mom

Having never gone through a military academy, I went enlisted, the only idea I can offer is that she got out while still in the "Break them down" stage and never made it to the "Build them back up the military way" stage.

I wish you and her the best of luck.

Don
Proud father of a U.S. Marine