Anxiety and Addiction: Signs You Need Mental Health Support
When you have an addiction, you know that you need consistent support for it, abstaining from use and caring for your overall mental health. When you also struggle with anxiety, whether diagnosed as a disorder or not, that adds to the complication and makes it much harder for you to get through the day.
Often, people think of anxiety as something they should be able to deal with on their own. That may be the case in some situations. But for those with a substance use disorder, it’s incredibly challenging to try to manage the anxiety symptoms you have along with addiction. Sometimes it’s not possible to do this well on your own at all.
If you are struggling with anxiety and addiction, seek out support from a mental health professional. When you do, you’ll find out:
- Your feelings are worth addressing
- You can control your anxiety with behavior modifications sometimes
- You may benefit from medications to help you to manage symptoms
- There are numerous holistic treatments to reduce anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges
- You are not alone
How do you know, though, that you need mental health support? The best way to find out is to talk to a doctor or therapist. What do you have to lose?
Don’t Wait – Here’s Why
Anxiety can lead to numerous mental health challenges. Did you know that about 12.5% of adults in the U.S. struggle with routine feelings of being nervous or anxious? That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, 57.2 million people end up in their doctor’s office with mental health concerns, and 6.2 million need to visit an ER.
Sadly, over 48,000 people commit suicide each year as a result of the way they feel. You absolutely do not have to try to fight this battle alone.
5 Warning Signs of Anxiety – That You Need Mental Health Support Now
Whether you are facing a very obvious reason for being anxious right now or you don’t know why your anxiety is strong, there are several signs that indicate you should get help immediately.
1: Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Others
Even simple statements like “I wish I were dead” are warning signs that you need mental health support. This type of thought can mean that your brain is no longer able to manage the symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and substance use alone. If you have thoughts like this, call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free and confidential support.
2: Constant, Uncontrollable Worrying That’s Impacting Life
Anxiety is worrying, but when it is happening so much that you cannot seem to control it and it’s impacting your relationships, health, job, school, or other parts of your life, take action. It’s not normal for anxiety to be so pervasive–don’t let it become a way of life.
3: You’re Experiencing Behavioral Changes
Anxiety disorders can cause behavioral changes. Here are some examples:
You are engaging in self-injuring behavior.
You are no longer interested in spending time with friends or family. You just want to be alone.
You experience periods of lost time where you don’t really remember what you were doing.
You experience delusions or believe you see things that are not really there.
Things you loved to do are no longer interesting to you.
When anxiety affects your behavior, recognize it as a time to get help. Reach out to a mental health professional.
4: Your Body Is Telling You Something Isn’t Okay
Often, we think of anxiety as being an emotion, but it has a direct impact on your physical health as well. You may notice numerous physical changes in yourself when your anxiety is getting well out of hand.
Sweating, nausea, a feeling of needing to vomit, or a high heart rate occur frequently.
You cannot sleep but also want to sleep all of the time.
There’s a change in your sex drive, either withdrawal or a willingness to engage in risky behavior.
You don’t feel like eating, or you are increasing your food consumption.
Your body just hurts, and you feel a constant level of tension.
5: Your Loved Ones Are Telling You That You Need Help
Listen to them. They can see the outward signs of what’s happening sooner than you can. They can also notice the changes in your personality, your actions, and your overall risk of relapsing. When you have a supportive group of people behind you, talk to them about your mental health. Recognize the value in reaching out now.
Seek Mental Health Support with Us Today
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette, LA, our highly talented team of professionals is available to work with you, guide you, and support you on an ongoing basis. Don’t wait. Contact us now for immediate help.
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