Feeling nervous is a perfectly normal reaction to the stress that one might experience in their day-to-day routine. There are, in fact, many ways that the body can react to stress. Some people get nervous, and some feel afraid. For many people, however, stress can be a great contributor to feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is an intense, extreme, and consistent sense of worry. Typically, people get anxious in uncomfortable situations where the outcome is either unknown or uncontrollable. Unfortunately, these feelings can arise at almost any moment for those suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are many anxiety disorders, so a wide range of anxiety treatment methods is critical for success. At New Horizons Recovery Center, our dual diagnosis treatment program in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania supports people struggling with mental health and addiction. For more information, call 267.435.3134 today.
What Is Anxiety?
Being cautious is typically a good trait. It can be a great defense mechanism in times of struggle and uncertainty. But too much caution can cause more harm than good.
When suffering from an anxiety disorder, getting through everyday life can feel like an uphill battle. Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive feelings of worry or fear, which stay consistent or build over time. One of the most significant benefits of talking to a therapist is uncovering the exact type of anxiety someone is experiencing. There are many different forms of anxiety, some of which include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder – Characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety that negatively impact the quality of life and the ability of someone to meet obligations. Symptoms include restlessness, feeling on edge, irritability, inability to control feelings of dread, disturbances in sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
- Panic disorder – Characterized by frequent and spontaneous panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear, dread, and a lack of control over a situation. Symptoms include a racing heart, trembling, feelings of impending doom, sweating, and chest pain.
- Social anxiety disorder – Characterized by persistent feelings and fear of being watched or judged by others. These feelings can arise from almost any social situation, such as school, work, or even home. Symptoms include a pounding heartbeat, difficulty making eye contact, persistent feelings of self-consciousness, blushing, sweating, and trembling.
- Phobia-related disorder – Characterized by extreme anxiety triggered by a specific object or situation. Typically, those suffering from a phobia-related disorder will experience feelings of fear that are disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the situation. Symptoms include irrational or excessive worry over coming into contact with a particular object or situation, actively trying to avoid that object or situation, and experiencing intense and extreme anxiety when that object or situation is encountered.
Professional help should be sought for anyone who feels that their anxiety is negatively impacting their life. These impacts can manifest themselves in work performance, social life, family obligations, and even in someone’s solitary personal life.
What to Expect from an Anxiety Treatment Program
Luckily, anxiety is a well-understood mental health issue and is treatable. Recovering from an anxiety disorder can be difficult, and professional help can provide many tips and tricks that can significantly ease the burden brought on by the condition. The most typical form of treatment is therapy. The type of therapy one might receive highly depends on their emotional state and the anxiety disorder. Types of therapy typically associated with anxiety disorders are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
Anxiety treatment programs allow clients to explore their feelings, emotional history, and trauma and do so in a way that highlights how the three might interact with one another. Anxiety can also be treated with medications prescribed for those who have trouble controlling feelings of persistent and excessive worry.
A Chester County, Pennsylvania Anxiety Program at New Horizons Recovery
It is not uncommon for those suffering from an anxiety disorder to carry feelings of shame over their ability to cope with certain situations. This should not be the case. At New Horizons Recovery, we understand the havoc anxiety can wreak on an individual’s quality of life. We have assembled a team of dedicated, experienced specialists to ensure that we provide the highest level of care possible to each client who walks through our doors. For more information on our anxiety treatment program or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 267.435.3134.