SHAKES AND QUAKES: MANAGING ACUTE ANXIETY DISORDER SYMPTOMS DURING FIELD EXERCISES

Efforts to increase inclusion in the geosciences have progressed much in the past few decades. As inclusion grows our procedures and methods for accommodating individuals’ needs must adapt. Responsible leaders must grow to meet challenges in a way that mirrors modern approaches to dealing with hardships individuals face.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and related conditions are a growing problem among students. Often compounded by the trying nature of field work, individuals with anxiety disorders encounter challenges that can leave the person debilitated and unresponsive. Simple measures can provide support allowing more individuals to maximize their field experiences. While leaders always carry first aid kits and a basic knowledge of treatment of minor wounds, many people are unprepared for aiding a colleague experiencing anxiety-related symptoms such as Acute Panic Attacks (APAs) or induced mutism. This paper describes simple methods for identifying and managing acute symptoms as well as determining when professional medical intervention is necessary. Our aim is to provide Earth scientists of all education levels a basic overview of the acute symptoms of APAs and provide a guide for preventing and aiding affected colleagues in a field setting.