Living with an unmanaged anxiety disorder can feel like a never-ending nightmare. Constant nervousness, worry, and fear can present roadblocks to a successful life. If left unmanaged, an anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with many aspects of life. Although an anxiety disorder can feel defeating, professional support can help people manage the effects of these issues. Fortunately, Avalon Malibu provides its clients with various psychotherapy options for treating anxiety disorders. Nutrition management can also be an effective option for overcoming an anxiety disorder and creating a better quality of life.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), having occasional feelings of worry regarding one’s health, family, or finances is a normal response to certain events. On the other hand, having consistent feelings of worry that do not go away could signal problems with an anxiety disorder. If left unmanaged, anxiety can get much worse over time.
Although there is no one specific cause of anxiety disorders, it is thought that genetics and environmental factors can play a role in these mental health conditions. For example, having a history of stressful or life-threatening events can contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. Having a family history of anxiety disorders can also predispose a person to develop a disorder. Additionally, a negative childhood upbringing can lead to the development of various anxiety disorders. Different types of anxiety disorders include the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobia-related disorders
- Separation anxiety disorder
Common Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms can be different for everyone and can vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity. If an individual has a dual diagnosis, though, their symptoms may be more intense. For example, a dual diagnosis may include anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder (SUD). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), common anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- A feeling of being wound up or on edge
- Difficulty focusing
- Restlessness
- Intense irritability
- Fatigue
- Unexplained pains
- Sleep difficulties
- Nausea, diarrhea, or profuse sweating
The Value of Dual Support
Knowing that the effects of anxiety disorder can consume various aspects of an individual’s life, dual support can be highly beneficial. This is where a person combines two different forms of care to gain the most out of their treatment plan.
Dual support can make a significant difference in a person’s treatment experience and outcome. Combining two different types of care can increase the likelihood of gaining long-term healing. For example, the combination of psychotherapy and nutrition management can be an effective approach to overcoming the effects of an anxiety disorder.
What Is Nutrition Management?
When addiction and mental illness take control of an individual’s life, they may begin to lose awareness of the healthy priorities and needs of their body. Therefore, nutrition management is an essential part of recovery. Avalon Malibu’s goal is to guide its clients in adopting and maintaining better eating practices that will help them build consistency in sobriety practices. At Avalon Malibu, a variety of strategies and regimens are provided that are specific to each patient’s nutritional needs and culinary interests.
Through nutrition management, Avalon Malibu strives to help its clients gain strength both physically and psychologically. Everyone who arrives at Avalon Malibu for rehabilitation first has a nutritional assessment and guidance session. If, for any reason, someone exhibits signs of malnutrition, a program of metabolic support is initiated. Sometimes, clinicians may find it necessary to increase levels of protein and restore immune competence.
What’s more, combining different psychotherapies with nutrition management can increase treatment efficacy and facilitate healing. Effective psychotherapies and holistic treatment methods for treating anxiety disorder include the following:
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Couples and family therapy
- Art, music, and writing therapy
- Massage therapy
- Aqua activities (seasonal)
- Ropes course (seasonal)
Self-Help Strategies to Stay Dedicated to Psychotherapy and Nutrition Management
Combining two different forms of care can seem like a lot. When an individual starts feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to fall off the grid and feel discouraged. Intense frustration and distress, of course, can worsen one’s anxiety. Therefore, it is critical for people to use the skills learned in therapy outside of treatment to maintain progress.
If an individual faces difficulty maintaining dual support, following a few different strategies can help them stay on track to recovery. Effective strategies that can help individuals maintain ongoing healing include:
- Choosing the right therapist
- Working with a recovery coach
- Keeping a structured routine
- Being open and honest with the care team
- Setting achievable goals
- Practicing gratitude
- Staying in contact with family and friends
- Practicing mindfulness
- Setting boundaries
- Staying patient
- Setting alarms
- Marking the calendar
- Seeking additional support
At Avalon Malibu, we impart strategies that fit your lifestyle and empower you to make smart choices to improve your own health. Our purpose is to help you build a better lifestyle, including improving your nutrition. Our expert team of professionals excels in providing both standard nutritional intervention and dynamic dietary support. Throughout your treatment, the process of nutritional screening and intervention will offer frequent feedback about healthy living practices. As your nutritional status improves, you will achieve better sleep, have more energy, and develop a more positive mindset. Good nutrition leads to an overall stronger recovery. Call our mental health and addiction treatment center at (844) 857-5992 to gain support for overcoming your anxiety disorder or other issues.Â
