Caring for a loved one with anxiety can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with the condition. Just know you and your loved one are not alone. The first step to being supportive is to arm yourself with more information about the condition and signs to look out for.
Then, you can help your loved one seek out anxiety treatment centers in Tennessee that will provide them with the care and support they need.
Don’t We All Get Anxious From Time to Time?
Everyone might indeed feel a little anxious from time to time, but the feeling is usually temporary and fades away. Those who suffer from chronic anxiety, however, are trapped in a constant cycle, to the point that it might disrupt their ability to function in their daily lives. If your loved one’s anxiety is interfering with their job, relationships, and hobbies, it may be time to seek help through an anxiety treatment program.
What Are Some Signs of Anxiety?
There are different kinds of anxiety disorders, which can express themselves in different ways. However, in general, the common anxiety symptoms are:
- Restlessness, fatigue, and insomnia
- Feelings of helplessness and guilt
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Inability to focus
- Panic attacks
- Irritability and agitation
Additionally, those with anxiety disorders may experience physical manifestations of their symptoms, such as headaches, pounding hearts, and irritated stomachs.
What Do I Need to Know About Anxiety and Addiction?
Many, although not all, of those suffering from anxiety or other mental health disorders, will have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Although the majority of those suffering from anxiety or other mental health disorders don’t have a co-occurring disorder, many of them do. Some people use drugs and alcohol in an attempt to treat their anxiety symptoms. This never works successfully, though, and unfortunately, substance abuse can worsen anxiety symptoms. For those with a co-occurring disorder, they must find treatment for both disorders to have a long-term, successful remission. If someone you love has anxiety and you’re worried they may also have a substance abuse disorder as well, encourage them to seek dual diagnosis treatment.
Treatment Options for Anxiety
A doctor will be able to perform a physical exam and run tests to ensure an underlying health problem is not the cause of the anxiety symptoms. When other physical ailments, like a thyroid imbalance, are ruled out, the doctor may prescribe medications and refer your loved one to a psychotherapist. Therapists often use cognitive-behavioral therapy to train the brain to utilize different thought patterns to counter anxiety.
Those who have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder should also seek dual-diagnosis treatment. This is a treatment plan which will identify all the underlying conditions and how they may work together in a damaging cycle of reinforcement. In these cases, treating only the anxiety on its own will not be effective without also treating substance abuse as well.
Holistic treatments are another option to consider when it comes to treating a loved one with anxiety. Holistic treatments look at the entire body as a whole and can include practices as simple as regular exercise (which is known to reduce anxiety) and a healthy diet. Some additional holistic treatments are mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage.
How Can I Support My Loved One With Anxiety?
Many people with anxiety worry about bothering you with their problems. Make clear to your loved ones that you want to hear what they have to say. And don’t forget to also care for yourself. Some outpatient centers offer support systems for family groups as well. By taking care of your own needs, you better equip yourself emotionally to help your loved one through this process.
Where to Go From Here? Find Help at Encore Health Group
If you have a loved one with anxiety, know that there are treatment options available. Encore Health Group offers comprehensive treatment plans using a collaborative case management philosophy, which ensures patients receive the right care for them. Contact Encore Health Group to speak to our trained team and make an appointment today.
