Anxiety is taking people out. As suicide rates continue to climb this year. Overdoses are increasing as well. As someone who is in long term recovery and as someone who works with people fighting to take back control of their life everyday I can tell you that anxiety is mostly always present. This is why I wanted to take the timeout to discuss the impact of anxiety, especially on someone battling addiction.
Anxiety is the fear of things that haven’t happened yet, it’s also fear driven by past experiences or things witnessed. If you’ve experienced anxiety, then I’m pretty sure you have your own definition. It manifests in different ways, generalized anxiety, panic disorder and more. The causes of anxiety are many and can be broken down into biological, environmental as well as social impacts being some of the main elements.
Anxiety can be caused by biological factors like genetics and brain chemistry. Environmental factors like past trauma and stressors related to past negative living experiences. Lastly, we can’t forget the social factors that can cause anxiety like relationships and societal expectations. Some people have been negatively impacted in more than one of these areas and the level of anxiety they feel daily is one of the culprits in a person reaching for a substance and struggling with addiction.
When it comes to the symptoms of anxiety, where should I start. Physical symptoms can include racing heart, sweating and trembling. Emotional symptoms like fear, irritability and restlessness can also be present. Cognitive symptoms like difficulty concentrating and racing thoughts can be present as well. Symptoms may vary, but these are a few that you or a loved one may be able to relate too.
Anytime we discuss the problem, we want to make sure we discuss some solutions as well. When it comes to healthy coping skills for anxiety mindfulness and meditation are great things to implement. Physical activity and breathing excercises help the body therefor help the mind. Building a support system is key as well. Connect with family and friends who support your recovery. Seek professional help and attend support groups like the ones we facilitate online here every Saturday.
Daily routine is so important as well. Establishing a schedule that supports sobriety and helps battle anxiety helps daily. I also always encourage people to set daily goals to help build confidence that’s needed when being on your recovery journey and battling anxiety as it tries to surface. Being disciplined in your routine overtime will help strengthen a needed foundation of sobriety.
So yes, anxiety is present in most people’s lives and the driving force behind a lot of mental battles and battles with sobriety, but with proper coping strategies and support we can overcome the anxiety as it comes and continue down a path of sobriety and recovery. Anxiety impacts many daily in a negative way, but you can overcome it and keep going as you live a great life!
