Feeling on edge is part of the human experience, but when the sense of dread and worry becomes relentless, it might be more than everyday stress. Anxiety can grip you with a fear that’s hard to shake, and it’s more common than you might think. Does this sound familiar? Contact Northpoint Denver online or call 888.315.3998 today to discuss symptoms and signs of anxiety disorders and how our anxiety treatment in Colorado can help.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety, the body’s natural response to stress, acts like an alarm system for perceived threats. But when this becomes chronic, it can disrupt daily life, leading to issues like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, or social anxiety. These conditions can affect one’s work, relationships, and basic tasks. Addressing anxiety is vital for mental health and life quality.
For those recovering from addiction or managing mental health in Colorado, recognizing anxiety’s signs is critical. Anxiety, influenced by both genetics and environment, causes excessive fear and worry. Northpoint Denver offers a calm, supportive environment where our team helps individuals overcome anxiety with personalized treatment plans.
5 Signs of Anxiety to Watch Out For
1. Persistent Worry and Fear
One of the most common features of anxiety is the persistent feeling that something is wrong or about to go bad. For individuals, this often manifests as a looming sense of doom or apprehension without a distinct trigger. At Northpoint Denver, we teach patients to recognize irrational fears and employ strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy to reframe anxious thoughts.
2. Physical Symptoms
Anxiety isn’t just in your head—it can lead to a range of physical symptoms, such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Headaches
Sometimes, these symptoms might lead to an emergency room visit as the physical sensations mimic more acute health issues. Our dual diagnosis program at Northpoint Denver helps individuals untangle physical symptoms that may arise from anxiety versus those from substance withdrawal.
3. Avoidance Behavior
When anxiety spikes, it’s not uncommon for individuals to avoid situations that might cause discomfort. This avoidance can lead to missed opportunities and a cycle of learned helplessness. Through our intensive outpatient programs, we guide patients through exposure therapy, encouraging them to confront their fears in a controlled and supportive environment.
4. Irrational Irritability
Unchecked anxiety often leads to irritability and mood swings, straining relationships and making social connections challenging. At Northpoint Denver, we include family therapy and process groups in our treatment plans, recognizing the crucial role of social support in recovery.
5. Sleep Disturbances
For many, anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, causing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep or resulting in unsatisfying sleep. At Northpoint Denver, we emphasize restoring healthy sleep patterns as a core component of recovery, addressing underlying anxiety to pave the way for restful nights.
How to Manage Anxiety
Recognizing the signs is only the first part. Managing anxiety is a multifaceted approach that can include lifestyle changes, therapy, and sometimes medication. At Northpoint Denver, we advocate for a comprehensive treatment plan that may incorporate the following:
- Relaxation techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, to manage acute anxiety
- Regular exercise as a natural stress reliever, proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety
- Healthy eating habits to fuel the body and mind optimally
- Medication, when necessary, to address chemical imbalances that may be contributing to anxiety
- Support systems and social connections can provide the necessary sounding board and validation for one’s fears while offering perspective
Remember, anxiety can be a formidable foe, but it can be managed with the right plan and support, and a life of wholeness can be found beyond its tethers.
Start on Anxiety Treatment in Colorado with Northpoint Denver Today
Battling anxiety is not a solitary undertaking. At Northpoint Denver, we provide a compassionate and professional approach to managing anxiety in the context of addiction recovery and mental health. We design our individualized care to support you as you incorporate these manifestations into a comprehensive wellness program. If you recognize these signs within you or a loved one, take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow by reaching out online or calling 888.315.3998 today.