Anyone who lives through a traumatic experience can be triggered into an onset of panic. It is most likely that the veteran firefighter, EMT, or law enforcement officer has likely assisted someone going through a panic attack. Yet, regardless of their experience, first responders themselves can also be prone to experiencing panic.
These episodes may not occur for weeks, months, or even years following the traumatic experience. A panic attack often leaves individuals feeling especially weak or vulnerable. First responders who have become particularly dependent on alcohol and/or substance use are at an increased risk of abusing these self-medicating habits.
With the hope of escaping the feelings of anxiety and hopelessness associated with panic attacks, addictive habits might seem like a quick fix. However, the use of alcohol and/or substances buries the underlying causes for the panic attack, rather than effectively working through them.
After recovering from a panic attack, some may be quick to dismiss the incident. Moving on from a panic attack — or failing to recognize that a panic attack has even occurred — is a common occurrence, as the experience may register as a heightened state of fear and/or anger.
At the onset of a panic attack, some report feeling shame or increased anxiety that confiding in others about their experience will result in being judged as a hypochondriac. Knowing the symptoms of panic attacks and various options for treatment can prevent triggers for addiction and further health complications.
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
When panic attacks begin, they are marked by increased feelings of stress and anxiety. An overall sense of unease or discomfort builds in intensity as a panic attack ramps up. Early symptoms may include sweating, chest pain, and shaking. Many experience paralyzing thoughts, which linger despite any attempts to rationalize their legitimacy.
Usually, around ten minutes into a panic attack, the episode begins to peak, exhibiting a variety of chills, numbness, and even the sensation of choking. Most first responders are familiar with these symptoms, as many have assisted people experiencing panic attacks in their line of work.
With the ability to assist others in these moments of crisis, it should seem easier for first responders to identify their own panic attacks. But the work culture of many first responder departments contributes to unhealthy exercises in toughness — also referred to as toxic suffering.
Despite feeling the same symptoms as the people they help on a daily basis, many first responders will suppress the experience of panic within their own lives.
A Tale of Two Attacks
There are two types of panic attacks one can experience: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary panic attacks can be triggered through obsessive and/or unhealthy thought patterns. Fixating on fearful concepts sends the mind spiraling until the “fight, flight, or freeze” response triggers multiple reactions within the body.
The production of adrenaline throws fuel onto the burning fire of panic. Before long, these self-manufactured thoughts snowball into a debilitating sequence of intensified physical and mental reactions. Involuntary panic attacks, which are less common, can be brought on by incomprehensibly large stressors.
As the mind attempts to wrap around the enormity of incoming stress, the body anticipates taking it on with the physical reaction of a panic attack. These experiences are fairly rare, as they hinge upon the brain immediately projecting the implications of a stressful event, which is not typically how the mind processes stress.
Some involuntary panic attacks result from underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, sleep disorders, and/or many other conditions.
Respond To Panic Attacks Without Alcohol or Substance Use
Following a panic attack, the mind and body tend to experience high levels of exhaustion. In many ways, the effects of a panic, although very intense, are not inherently unhealthy. Given the relatively short duration of panic attacks — anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes — the cycle of this sympathetic nervous system response is a regular function of the human body, despite the fact that it may be occurring at an inopportune moment in time. It is, first and foremost, important to acknowledge that a panic attack is taking place. Once recognized, there are many options for healthy response which do not include using alcohol and/or substances. Focusing on breathing, reminding yourself this feeling will pass, directing your vision towards a still object — all of these strategies can help to reduce overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Panic attacks can be jarring, and if left unrecognized, can heighten paranoia of the surrounding world. However, for first responders who admit their panic attacks, seeking treatment can increase their ability to prioritize their mental health and avoid relapse.
First responders and their families experience more acute stress and trauma than the general population, and the statistics are staggering. With years of experience serving First Responders, our Family of Companies has a distinctive view of their career and family life – from new recruit training, wellness visits, peer support services, counseling, crisis support, department training, and long-term treatment. We are here to help. Email info@frhealth.com or call 888.443.4898 to connect with our culturally competent team.
