If you have GAD,depression, or any other anxiety disorder once in your life, are you at a higher risk of getting it again?

[worrykid]

If you have GAD,depression, or any other anxiety disorder once in your life, are you more at risk of getting it again? The reason I ask this question is because as crazy as this might sound my dream job is to be a police officer in the RCMP. However, since all my anxiety issues with what i want to do in life and if il be good at it has taken over my life, I now wonder if i beat this now and go off and become a cop, will it come back to bite me in the a** down the road. I am very aware that police officers are put under high levels of stress daily and in the US the suicide rate is very high amung police officers. This is whats scaring me away from my dreams, How do I know if i can handle being a cop? If any of you are police officers or know someone who is, please just ask them that simple question and let me know.

[bosnianworrier]

Unfortunately yes. You have higher rate of getting one of those illnesses you mentioned than someone who has never had it. I believe in Canada you are allowed to have only 1 episode of depression in the past to join RCMP. At least that was the case 15 years ago maybe it changed now.

But you never know, if that's the job you LOVE then find a therapist/psychologist who will help you eliminate the fear and make appointment with a police station staff and ask them all the questions you have.

[bosnianworrier]

Regarding your last sentence, I am not a police officer nor do i know any, it was just my personal opinion. Hopefully others will give you better advice.

[Paxiled]

My brother in law is in the LAPD.  And what he'd tell you is, nobody can tell anyone what will happen when they face the pressures of being a cop, past problems or no.  As to whether your problems will come back, nobody can tell you that, either.  Depression usually comes back at intervals, but it depends on whether you know why you're depressed and dealt with it or not.  Most cops go through depression at one time or another just from frustration, so you won't be alone.  Anxiety again depends on whether you know the reason for it or it just came out of nowhere, but again, nobody can tell you the future.