Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of anxiety or fear when the feelings and behavior is excessive or uncontrollable. They can cause people to avoid situations or places that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Not surprisingly, it impacts people’s jobs and families.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19%) have an anxiety disorder and approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people with anxiety disorder develop symptoms before age 21.

Scientists believe that many factors combine to cause anxiety disorders. Two of them are genetics and environment.

• Genetics. Anxiety disorders appear to “run in families,” as some families have more anxiety disorder among relatives than other families.
• Environment. Stressful environments and traumatic events are often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder.

People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Physical symptoms not from exercising or physical illness

• Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
• Sweating, tremors, and twitches
• Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia
• Upset stomach, frequent urination, or diarrhea

Emotional symptoms

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Feeling tense or jumpy
• Restlessness or irritability
• Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger

• Generalized anxiety disorder: a constant state of worrying about everything
• Social anxiety disorder: feeling very uncomfortable around people and worrying about being judged
• Panic disorder: short episodes of extreme anxiety with pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: repeated unwanted intrusive thoughts or images, and compulsive behavior such as checking, washing, etc.
• Phobias: excessive fear of an object or situation which is not naturally dangerous (such as, fear of dogs, spiders, enclosed spaces, flying).

Anxiety disorders are especially prevalent for law enforcement, firefighters, EMT’s, dispatch, corrections, and other public safety professionals who are constantly exposed to stressful situations, trauma, and adverse circumstances. To cope, some people may turn to gambling, compulsive spending, drinking excessively, over or under eating, or using substances.

Anxiety Disorders are especially prevalent among first responders and public safety professionals. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of them seek help due to stigma. However, delaying treatment can worsen symptoms. The symptoms and how you respond to them affects you, your job and your family.

Most anxiety disorders can be treated. For treatment, there are options.

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive processing therapy or narrative exposure
• Medications that reduce the intensity of the anxiety
• Self-management strategies, such as exercise and mindfulness techniques
• Service animals, especially dogs, can help soothe some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders

If not treated, anxiety reduces your ability to function and enjoy life, and can have long-term detrimental impact on your brain and physical health.
For more information on how to access a provider for assessment and treatment of possible anxiety disorders please see:
https://fst5.org/treatment/

https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders

https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/mental-wellness/anxiety/

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/health/life-you-evolved-for-partner/index.html

https://theconversation.com/the-exercise-pill-how-exercise-keeps-your-brain-healthy-and-protects-it-against-depression-and-anxiety-155848