Understanding Anxiety Disorders
A certain amount of anxiety or worry is part of life. Everyone experiences these feelings from time to time. What differentiates an anxiety disorder is that in a disorder these feelings are persistent and may become worse over time. Anxiety may be provoked by circumstances, but a person with the disorder my just as easily feel anxiety when there appears to be no reasonable trigger to the outside observer. The sort of situation anxiety that most people experience may be tied to romantic relationships, money, career or school to name a few possible triggers. Again, what makes this type of anxiety different from an anxiety disorder is not so much the trigger as it is the manifestation.
When Does Anxiety Become a Disorder?
For example, a person who is experiencing situational anxiety over their job may be able to compartmentalize the feelings to an extent that they don’t interfere with everyday living. They will likely seek a resolution. Perhaps they begin a job search and find a new job that suits them better. The source of the anxiety is thereby removed and the person find relief. If they cannot change their circumstances immediately, they may turn to a healthy coping mechanism to help manage the anxiety in the short term. In either case, the anxiety does not remain with them indefinitely and it has a definite source. The most common type is generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Many of its symptoms are similar to situational anxiety, again the main difference is the persistence of the symptoms. Someone with GAD lives in an almost constant state of worry that interferes with everyday life.
Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder vary from person to person. They may be influenced by the type of disorder the person has, their living situation or circumstances and even the person’s unique physiology. But there are definite common traits that are shared among these disorders. The lists below are for reference only. A formal diagnosis can only be performed by a trained clinician, so identifying with several of the symptoms listed does not necessarily mean a person has a disorder. However, if you or someone you care about has persistent symptoms of anxiety that do not subside or improve with time, it’s worth considering seeking a formal diagnosis. Anxiety can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. There are effective, evidence-based treatment methods for anxiety, however. An anxiety treatment plan that includes therapy, learning healthy coping mechanisms and sometimes medication which can completely transform a person’s experience.
Here are some symptoms which are commonly seen in anxiety disorders:
Emotional Symptoms:
Feelings of foreboding or dread
Feeling jumpy or nervous
Agitation and irritability
Apprehension and fear of sudden danger
Physical Symptoms:
Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
Sweating, tremors and twitches
Headaches, exhaustion and sleeplessness
Stomach cramps, diarrhea
Living with an Anxiety Disorder
A person living with an anxiety disorder may find themselves worried about things that logic and reason tells them should not be troubling them. For example, a person with agoraphobia feels intense fear at the thought of being in a place where it seems like escape would be difficult. Being alone in an unfamiliar city far from home or flying on a plane are examples of situations which could exacerbate the symptoms of this disorder. The person may be fully aware that they are safe being alone in a crowd or that air travel is statistically safer than driving.
Someone who is just shy or a nervous flier may find comfort in practical information like this. But for the person living with an anxiety disorder, these rationalizations by themselves are unlikely to relieve symptoms. This is where treatment enters the frame.
The 5 Primary Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Phobia
Anxiety Disorder Treatment at TruHealing Centers
Entering a mental health treatment program like those offered at TruHealing Centers offers an opportunity to be formally diagnosed and begin to work through your condition in meaningful ways that will change your life. Even those who have been diagnosed and seen a therapist on an outpatient basis usually benefit from the attention only a residential mental health treatment program can deliver. TruHealing Centers residential programs provide an immersive experience that allows clients to focus entirely on their treatment and recovery.
Therapists and clinicians are able to spend much more time with each client which leads to more accurate diagnoses. People who have “plateaued” in their progress in outpatient treatment frequently find breakthroughs in an inpatient program. The evidence-based treatment methods we use at TruHealing Centers range from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to pharmacotherapy (medication) to wellness practices including meditation, exercise and therapeutic yoga. The most effective treatment plans generally include more than one of these components. In combination, they usually provide the client more relief and resolution than they might have otherwise experienced.
TruHealing Centers: A Trusted Partner
TruHealing Centers is dedicated to helping people living with mental health disorders. We are also proactive in supplying information and resources to people with mental illness and their families. TruHealing Centers believes that education is an essential part of the solution. Our mission is to help people recover from and mental illness, find and help foster long-term recovery. TruHealing Centers is more than a healthcare provider. We’re a partner for recovery. We are ready to give you or your loved one everything they need for successful recovery. All that’s needed to begin is enough willingness to try.
You Don’t Have To Go It Alone
If you or a loved one would like more information on dual diagnosis treatment, TruHealing Centers can help! Contact us today to discuss your treatment options with an addiction treatment specialist.
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