The Impact of Chronic Anxiety on Overall Health
Undiagnosed or unmanaged chronic anxiety significantly affects mental and physical health. According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, “Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other anxiety disorders, major depression, somatic symptom disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders.” Many mental health issues involve symptoms of anxiety. Individuals with multiple co-occurring disorders may be misdiagnosed or unaware of an underlying anxiety disorder.
Untreated anxiety has the potential to affect moods and behaviors. Some common side effects include the following:
- Difficulty remaining focused
- Feeling constantly on high alert
- Catastrophizing everyday situations
- Panic attacks
- Muscle aches, headaches, and nausea
- Irritable bowel and other digestion issues
Anxiety often interferes with appetite, sleep, exercise routines, and social interactions. Sustained anxiety can cause isolation, lack of sleep, malnutrition, and other health issues. Early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment allow people to manage their anxiety and reduce the risk of developing additional mental health disorders.
Common Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is incredibly common. Most people are unaware of the line between everyday anxiety and anxiety being the symptom of a mental health disorder. Often, people go for months or years without seeking treatment for their anxiety because they do not realize it indicates they may have developed a mental health issue. In many cases, clinical teams diagnose untreated anxiety for the first time during assessments for substance use disorder (SUD).
Many mental health disorders feature anxiety as a primary symptom, including:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Specific phobias, including arachnophobia or agoraphobia
People react differently to anxiety and stressors. Some women may only feel a mild emotional upset when encountering specific phobias, while others may be unable to function when faced with their fears.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests differently for everyone. Some people have difficulty leaving their houses due to anxiety, while others may only have minor functioning issues. Every case is unique. People living with chronic anxiety often develop maladaptive behaviors to cope with their untreated disorder. Substance misuse is sometimes an attempt to self-medicate and manage anxiety or other related conditions.
Avery Lane offers personalized care to ensure clients have the tools to manage their condition effectively. Recognizing the signs of chronic anxiety makes it easier to know when to reach out for help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling restless, agitated, or on edge
- Getting tired easily
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling irritable
- Experiencing muscle tension or knots
- Trouble sleeping, including falling or staying asleep.”
Experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above for prolonged periods may indicate the presence of anxiety-related mental health disorders. Symptoms must cause emotional distress and last for at least two weeks to meet the criteria for most anxiety disorders.
Long-Term Recovery and Managing Mental Health
Women recovering from SUD may experience unexpected complications unless they treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously. According to Psychiatric Annals, “Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for the development of SUDs and may modify the presentation and course of illness for SUDs. Similarly, SUDs may modify the presentation and course of anxiety disorders.” Treatment programs provide clients with life skills, coping techniques, and other tools to successfully manage anxiety and maintain sobriety.
Managing anxiety during recovery usually involves the following:
- Identifying and processing anxiety triggers
- Psychoeducation
- Building a solid support system for coping with everyday stressors
- Creating healthy routines to reduce stress and anxiety
Physical and mental health are connected. People in treatment benefit from establishing healthy lifestyle changes to ensure positive mental health during long-term recovery. Eating nutritional meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep each night reduce stress. Women in recovery generally find it easier to manage anxiety when they feel healthy and less stressed. Treatment programs at Avery Lane guide clients through creating healthier routines and habits to support a sober life.
Avery Lane Helps Clients Heal and Gain Self-Confidence
Women with anxiety and SUD often struggle with low self-esteem and self-confidence. Therapy and other forms of treatment help them accept their circumstances and build confidence in their ability to maintain sobriety. Women also use their time in treatment to gain greater self-awareness and improve their life skills, reducing anxiety.
Anxiety is often a chronic condition, and in many cases, even after treatment, people require additional support to maintain positive mental health. Case managers at Avery Lane ensure all clients have access to other resources to help them transition smoothly from structured care to ongoing recovery. In instances where long-term treatment for anxiety is necessary, people generally benefit from a combination of individual psychotherapy and prescription medications. The clinical team provides clients with alumni services, referrals, and extended support to ensure they thrive during recovery.
Women in treatment rely on their care team to help them move forward and heal from the effects of anxiety and SUD. To learn more about how Avery Lane can help you recover from the effects of anxiety and substance misuse, call our office today at (800) 270-2406.
