Anxiety is a common experience that most people have during the course of their lifetime. For some people, though, anxiety becomes intense, persistent, and overwhelming. Some anxiety sufferers even have anxiety attacks, which are episodes of intense anxiety that can have physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
If you or someone you care about has experienced symptoms of an anxiety attack, it may be time to seek anxiety disorder treatment. It can help reassure people who live with anxiety as well as loved ones to learn more about symptoms of anxiety attacks and how treatment can help. Contact True Life Center at 866.420.1792 today for more information.
What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether or not feelings and symptoms are from an anxiety attack or from some other issue. In fact, people who are having anxiety attacks are often worried that they could be experiencing a medical crisis. This is why understanding the symptoms of an anxiety attack is important.
During an anxiety attack, the following symptoms can be noted:
- Shaking or trembling
- Hyperventilation (shallow, uneven breathing)
- Intense fear of losing control or ‘going crazy’
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Feelings of choking
- Derealization, or a feeling that things aren’t real
- Dizziness
- Pounding heartbeat
What Is Anxiety Disorder and How Is it Different From Normal Anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Stress and even occasional moments of panic are part of life. However, for a person who is living with an anxiety disorder, these feelings are much more frequent, intense, and often not connected to a specific concern or event. In the case of anxiety disorder, anxious or panicked feelings are a severe disruption to daily life. Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that can be treated with appropriate professional care. To be diagnosed with anxiety disorder, individuals must see a doctor or licensed mental health care professional.
What Is the Connection Between Anxiety Disorder and Substance Abuse?
Like many other mental health conditions, anxiety disorder brings many uncomfortable symptoms with it. Individuals who experience these symptoms may not realize that they are living with a mental health condition but recognize that they are uncomfortable and having difficulty managing their feelings. This can lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol, which can mask the symptoms, but only worsen the underlying anxiety disorder. Conversely, some substances can cause intense anxiety when abused, especially over a period of time. It is actually very common for people who are living with a mental health condition such as anxiety disorder to report abusing drugs or alcohol, and it is also common for people who seek treatment for substance abuse problems to find that they are living with an undiagnosed mental health condition. This can sometimes be called ‘co-occurring disorders.’
How Does Treatment Help Anxiety Disorder Improve?
During treatment, clients work together with caregivers to process issues that could be contributing to their anxiety. Clients may also find that they will be helped by taking medications that can help reduce unwanted symptoms over time. Most importantly, clients also work to develop coping skills and techniques to help them more effectively manage their symptoms, thereby reducing the impact of anxiety disorder on their daily life.
True Life Center Offers Treatment for Anxiety Disorder
At our treatment center in San Diego, California, our staff and clients work together. Each client receives an individualized care plan that works for their specific situation and lets them set and achieve their own goals. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with anxiety and anxiety attacks, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 866.420.1792.
