Feelings of anxiety are a universal part of the human experience. However, not all people experience these feelings to the same degree. Most people experience temporary anxiety that does not harm their ability to function. In contrast, others must deal with more extreme forms of anxiousness. If your anxious feelings significantly disrupt your life, you may have a diagnosable disorder. In these circumstances, anxiety treatment in Colorado can help you regain your sense of wellness. You can also do things on your own to make it easier to live with anxiety.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are widespread throughout the U.S. In fact, they affect more people than any other mental health issue. The list of diagnosable anxiety-related conditions includes:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias, also known as simple phobias
All types of anxiety disorders produce feelings such as dread or intense worry, or fear. However, for each condition, these feelings arise in different circumstances.
For example, people with social anxiety disorder experience symptoms while in some kind of social situation. If you have a generalized anxiety disorder, you feel excessively anxious most of the time. If you have panic disorder, you experience unpredictable bouts of extreme fear. If you have a specific phobia, you have a fear of certain things, situations, or activities. Common phobias include a fear of heights, specific animals, needles, or flying in an airplane.
Recommendations for Living With Anxiety
If you have a diagnosable disorder, you need help to make living with anxiety easier. There are treatments available for each type of anxiety disorder. Your treatment plan may include anti-anxiety medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both options.
It’s essential that you follow the recovery plan created by you and your treatment team. You can also support your efforts with a variety of additional actions. Common expert recommendations include:
- Educating yourself about the effects of your anxiety disorder
- Identifying the things, activities, or situations that make your anxiety worse
- Establishing a regular sleep routine that provides plenty of rest
- Staying physically active
- Abstaining from drugs and alcohol
- Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Using a journal to keep track of your symptoms
You should also recognize that certain substances, like caffeine and cigarettes, can increase anxiety. If you feel that these recommendations for anxiety control methods aren’t working, then you may need to ask your treatment team for additional help.
Addiction and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are common in people with serious substance problems. This combination of addiction and mental illness is known as a co-occurring disorder. Specialists also use the term dual diagnosis to describe the same illness overlap.
If you have an anxiety disorder, treatment for its effects supports your recovery from addiction. The reverse holds true if you don’t get proper anxiety treatment. In other words, your chances for a stable recovery generally decrease. A well-designed program will address both of your problems, not just one. This approach supports your progress in addiction treatment. It also promotes effective control of your anxiety disorder.
Turn to Northpoint Colorado for Help Living with Anxiety
Are you affected by serious anxiety as well as addiction? The professionals at Northpoint Colorado can help. We specialize in treating this form of a co-occurring disorder.
All treatment plans are completely customized. In this way, we make sure you receive targeted services that meet the specifics of your unique situation. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient care, you’ll find options that support your recovery. To learn more about anxiety treatment at Northpoint Colorado, call us today at 888.231.1281. We’re also available through our online message form.
