Anxiety

The cause of excessive worry and sustained fear

Defining Anxiety

People who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders often experience intense, sustained fear and nervousness. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point, for nearly one in five people in the US (18%) it develops into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders come in different types, include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — all frequently requiring treatment.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Sex Addiction

Pervasive untreated anxiety can easily become debilitating, which can lead to other disorders including low motivation, substance abuse, sexual addiction, and physical health problems. The risk for self-medicating is higher for those with anxiety disorders, as they may turn to drugs, alcohol, or sex to try to address their unwanted feelings and calm symptoms. While that may seem to work for a while, this only creates additional issues that need to be professionally addressed.

Treating Complex Mental Health Issues

Individuals with panic disorder are likely to avoid crowded public areas like shopping malls or airplanes. Some associate their frequent panic attacks with a specific location, such as a bridge, building, or railroad tracks. When faced with their fears, they are overcome by a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that can be debilitating.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

  • Pounding heart
  • Sweating, stomach upset, or dizziness
  • Frequent urination or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tremors and twitching
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Sadness
  • Low motivation
  • Substance abuse

The therapies used to treat anxiety depends on the type and severity of symptoms as well as any possible causes. Even the most severe anxiety is treatable, but these complex mental health issues require an experienced team that understands how to address them along with any co-occurring conditions.

Change Your Story

Gentle Path is a safe, nurturing community composed of peers where your journey of recovery will include not just dealing with outward behaviors but examining the underlying causes. The goal is to gain the courage to face difficult issues (including grief and loss), heal from emotional trauma, and become accountable for your feelings, behaviors, and recovery.

 

Taking that first step is hard, but there’s a new life of health and hope just waiting for you. The next chapter of your life can begin now, but only you can change your story.

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