The Dangers of College Binge Drinking

College binge drinking is a harmful behavior that causes problems for students and their current and future health. Binge drinking dangers include alcohol poisoning, risky behaviors that lead to physical injury and legal problems, long-term health problems, and even death. 

Drinking alcohol in college, even as an underage student, is not uncommon. Understanding the dangers of binge drinking can help students make the decisions best for their success. Research on college-age drinking shows students who know the risks and consequences make better decisions. Educating college students about alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder and increasing their awareness of the associated dangers provides the knowledge they need to make healthy and safe decisions.

What is Considered Binge Drinking?

The definition of binge drinking is consuming alcohol in a pattern that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. Typically this equals five or more drinks in two hours for a male and four or more in the same timeframe for a female. 

A drink is considered one 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled alcohol, such as whiskey, tequila, or vodka. And drinking twice that amount is called “high-intensity drinking.” Knowing what is considered a drink helps track consumption, but a serving may be more than the typical size in some environments. 

How Common is Binge Drinking in College?

Alcohol consumption and college seem to go hand in hand. In one study, 93% of college students said they drank in the past three months, a percentage that’s been consistent for about two decades. The same study reported that binge drinking is decreasing slightly, but high intensity drinking is increasing. 

Some parts of college life, like more free time, limited interactions with parents and authority figures, and widespread availability of alcohol, can lead to student drinking. College students have higher rates of driving under the influence and binge drinking than peers not in college. Incoming first-year students are especially vulnerable during the first six weeks considering the different structure and peer pressure.

“College is a whole new experience for young people whose brains are not fully developed,” said Teresa Mock, BSN, Director of Admissions at Integrative LIfe Center. “They’re thrown into a new environment where it seems like everyone is drinking and no authority figure is there telling them what not to do. What seems like fun at first can quickly have dangerous, long-term consequences.”

Other causes of college binge drinking include:

• Growing up in an environment that normalized drinking
• Peer pressure
• Accessibility of alcohol
• Stress and anxiety
• Social acceptability

The Dangers of College Binge Drinking

While drinking may seem like part of college life, binge drinking can have consequences, now and in the future. 

“Young people have a tendency to think nothing bad will happen to them. Unfortunately, we’ve seen that proven inaccurate time and again with students who binge drink. Binge drinking or encouraging someone else to do so can have severe consequences,” Teresa explained.

Physical Injury

Binge drinking may lead to alcohol poisoning and other physical injuries. In addition, engaging in risky behaviors while impaired by alcohol may lead to immediate harm. Suicide rates also are higher in college students who drink alcohol. Long-term health issues like an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or cirrhosis can result from binge drinking. 

Mental Health Issues

Drinking can lead to anxiety and depression in college students. Of course, alcohol use also may be an adverse way of coping with these mental health concerns. It creates a cycle of attempting to feel better, then crashing again. The need to feel better and repeat this cycle can result in addiction.

Legal Trouble

The outcomes of collegiate drinking aren’t limited to the individual. They affect others too. Legal problems from binge drinking are common. Legal issues students often face include driving under the influence, vandalism, or assault. The likelihood of involvement with the police increases for college students when they binge drink. These poor decisions after alcohol consumption can follow you for the rest of your life, making it difficult for you to get a job or even keep a driver’s license.

Academic Problems

College students who binge drink frequently get worse grades than those who don’t. Students who drink often or binge drink are more likely to miss classes. They’re also less likely to have strong study habits. Both factors are tied directly to lower grades. 

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction, is the inability to stop or control alcohol use. It can affect anyone and causes adverse outcomes like health issues, failed relationships, and an inability to get or keep a job. About 20% of college students qualify for an alcohol use disorder diagnosis. Once you have an addiction, staying sober is a life-long process.

Death

Nearly 2,000 college students ages 18 to 24 die each year from alcohol-related incidents. These incidents include car wrecks, hazing, concussions or other injuries from assaults, and aspiration during sleep.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse in College Students

Alcohol abuse in college can have long-term negative consequences on a young person’s mental and physical well-being. But how do you know if you or a college student you love is abusing alcohol? If binge drinking, as described above, is a regular part of the student’s behavior, they might have a problem. 

“It’s really better not to drink alcohol because no amount of alcohol use is considered safe,” Teresa stated. “If an adult chooses to drink, they shouldn’t drink more than one or two drinks on occasion. They should never drink and drive, and they should only drink with people they trust and in places where they feel safe.”

Other signs of alcohol abuse include:

• An inability to control how much you drink at any given time
• Trying to quit using alcohol unsuccessfully
• Continued drinking despite negative consequences like poor academic performance or legal issues
• Neglecting responsibilities like going to work or attending class
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Needing increasingly more alcohol to get the same effects
• Spending increasingly more time drinking alcohol or recovering from drinking
• Craving alcohol
• Lying or being secretive about how much or how often you drink
• Having relationship difficulties, especially if they’re directly tied to things you do or don’t do when you’re drinking

Preventions for College Binge Drinking

The good news is that you can curb or stop drinking anytime. Depending on how much you drink and how often, you may need professional help to address the addiction, but it is possible. Many methods help prevent or stop binge drinking or excessive drinking in college.

Stop binge drinking through:

• Education and Awareness. Developing programs to educate students, especially those in higher-risk groups such as first-year students, students in sororities and fraternities, and student-athletes, can provide awareness of the dangers of binge drinking. Education is proven to lower the amount of binge drinking on college campuses.
• Developing Healthy Habits. College students should develop healthy habits in relation to sleep, eating, and stress management to help them succeed. Tips on staying healthy in college, both from school and home, can support students during their college journey.
• Restricting Alcohol Availability. Rules restricting the possession or consumption of alcohol on campus can help keep students safe.
• Providing Support. Providing students with a strong support system and people to turn to when they need to talk about life stressors can help them avoid adverse coping mechanisms.
• Offering Help. Identifying the signs of excessive drinking and offering mental health support to those students can help identify alcohol-related issues and hopefully begin treating them early.

How ILC Can Help

College binge drinking harms student drinkers, their health, and their success — during and after university. The students themselves should understand the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder to help them make the best personal choices. And students should know they are not alone in their college journey.

Schools and families can support at-risk college students and provide educational resources to assist in informed decision-making. Education and awareness provide students resilience as they navigate risky situations, arming them to make choices in their best interest now and in the future.

If you or someone you love needs help with alcohol use disorder, Integrative Life Center can help. Contact ILC to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.

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Mental Health and College Athletes: The Challenges

College athletes seem to be living their dreams. They’re accomplishing their educational goals and getting at least part of their schooling paid for by playing the sport they love. College athletes also are under intense pressure from family, friends, teammates, coaches, and even their fans. College athletes also put pressure on themselves to excel at their sport and in the classroom. Mental health and college athletes are subjects that must be linked and considered.  

What Percentage of College Athletes Experience Mental Illness?

Researchers estimated that about 30% of college student-athletes have a diagnosable mental health disorder. These disorders range from anxiety and depression to eating disorders. 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) publishes the most widespread research on mental health and college athletes. In its most recent study of 9,800 athletes, the NCAA found that mental exhaustion, homelessness, anxiety, and depression were just some of the concerns student-athletes experienced. 

The survey’s findings included:

• Mental exhaustion was the most common concern the athletes reported. Women (38%) reported this concern more highly than men (22%). Female athletes were also more likely to report loneliness or hopelessness.
• Most student-athletes (69% of women and 63% of men) said they know where to go on campus if they have mental health concerns, but more than half said they weren’t comfortable seeking mental health assistance on campus.
• About half (55% of men and 47% of women) said their mental health is a priority to their athletic department.
• Only 59% of men and half of women said their coaches took their mental health concerns seriously. They reported that their teammates took mental health concerns at least as seriously (men), if not more (women). And almost 60% of each group said they knew a teammate struggling with a mental health issue.
• About half of the student-athletes were pleased with their ability to balance academics and extracurricular activities, including athletics. Men (56%) reported more confidence in this ability than women (47%).

Overall, the study suggests that student-athletes experience the same mental health concerns as other students, but they have the added pressures of athletics to add to those concerns.

“Imagine being in your 20s and having thousands of people watching and cheering for or criticizing you as you play a game,” said William Feck, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Therapist at Integrative Life Center. “These are the unique situations that college athletes face.” 

The Challenges College Athletes Face

While many college athletes try to push past their stress and come out on top, not all can actively or positively move forward. Many factors can affect the mental health of college athletes, depending on the individual and their unique circumstances. 

Challenges college athletes face include:

• Academic Stress. Like other students, college athletes must keep up in classes and with grades, causing academic stress. But this stress is unique for college athletes who frequently miss classes to attend games or matches and must keep a certain GPA to keep their scholarships and meet eligibility requirements.
• Pressure to Perform. Student-athletes have pressure to perform in their sport. This pressure comes from coaches, parents, peers, fans, and themselves. It’s a unique and public pressure that other students don’t experience.
• Scheduling. College students balance many things, including classes, jobs, studying, and social lives. Student-athletes strive for that same balance but add practices and games to the mix.  
• Financial Strain. Most college athletes don’t receive full scholarships, so they must determine ways of covering tuition, housing, and other expenses. They also often can’t work even part-time during their athletic seasons because of the scheduling demands of their sport. Some student-athletes can secure endorsement deals, but those also come with performance standards.
• Love and Hate from Community. Student-athletes are public figures. How they perform during competitions results in either admiration or criticism from the public, who often doesn’t consider their age or experience levels.
• Race and Gender Equity. Not all student-athletes receive the same treatment. Some athletes face problems with opportunity differences, unequal access to resources, and discrimination or harassment within their sport. 
• Transferring Schools. Thousands of student-athletes transfer schools each year. Whether they’re looking for a better fit, a more successful team, or fleeing conflict with coaches, transferring means starting over in a new place with unique challenges.
• Limited Social Life. Student-athletes don’t always get much time to spend with anyone but their teammates. Their schedules mean they have limited free time to socialize or engage with peers. This limitation can be isolating, especially when there is conflict on their team.
• Injury Risk. College athletes are at higher risk of injury resulting from their sport. These injuries can take a physical and emotional toll. 
• Career Prospects. Most college athletes don’t get post-collegiate jobs in their sport. That means they also have the stress of knowing that they’re spending time and energy on a sport that won’t provide them with a career path after graduation.

The Mental Health Effects of College Athlete Challenges

College athletes can arguably face more challenges than the typical college student as they also have pressures from their coach, teammates, parents, school administrators, fans, recruiters, and future job prospects. With pressure from so many places, it’s easy to see how mental health and college athletes are worth considering. 

Mental health issues college athletes face include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Extreme stress and pressure
• Hopelessness
• Loneliness  
• Burnout
• Eating disorders
• Substance use

College athletes face many of the same issues as other students, with some additional concerns. 

“College students aren’t necessarily unique in the mental health concerns they have, but what stands out is the sometimes unusual circumstances that result in these concerns,” William explained. “Some of the pressures these students face are even greater than those of adults who have fully-developed brains.”

Finding Support

As shown in the NCAA mental health study, college students who face mental health concerns may be uncomfortable seeking help from campus resources. They may fear that the information won’t remain private or will result in negative coach responses. But seeking support, resources, and professional help can greatly reduce mental health concerns and foster healthy coping strategies. Student-athletes deserve access to mental health care they can trust.

“Imagine needing help for a mental health concern, knowing help was available, and still not feeling confident that you could trust it,” William said. “This situation is often what college students experience. They have access to free mental health services, but they aren’t sure that what they say won’t get back to coaches or, even worse, media outlets.” 

Taking care of mental health is as important as caring for physical health. Students who don’t feel comfortable using campus mental health resources should seek professional mental health assistance. Their parents or other trusted individuals can help them locate such resources locally or even online. 

“There are a ton of mental health resources out there, William said. “Everyone deserves to have access to care that they can trust and feel confident in.”

Integrative Life Center Can Help

Integrative Life Center offers various treatment options to fit individuals and their unique needs. All of our treatment is confidential, so you never have to worry about privacy. Let us help you achieve your goals and become the person you were always meant to be. Contact ILC and start the healing you deserve.

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Finding a Suicide Treatment Center

It’s crucial to find help and support for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Care through a suicide treatment center may be the best choice for many people with suicidal ideation, self-harm, and overwhelmingly negative thoughts. 

It can be challenging to know how to help someone with suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm. Always seek emergency assistance for immediate life-threatening situations and have a plan for treatment options as soon as the situation stabilizes. While seeking help isn’t always easy, getting the proper support for the person dealing with thoughts of suicide is paramount to saving their life.

When is Treatment for Suicidal Ideation Needed?

Seek treatment for yourself or a loved one with suicidal ideation as soon are you’re aware of the issue. You shouldn’t take these thoughts lightly or think they will go away. A person experiencing thoughts of self-harm needs assistance.

“When it becomes clear that a person is considering suicide, they’re often crying out for help,” said William Feck, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Therapist at Integrative Life Center. “Get them the help they need as quickly as possible.”

On average, there are 130 completed suicides per day in the United States. This number doesn’t include attempts at death by suicide. With an increased emphasis on prevention through the federal government and private organizations, suicide rates overall have decreased slightly in the last few years. But, suicide rates for some groups, including people of color and LGBTQ+ youth, have increased. 

There is no one reason for suicide. But feelings of hopelessness and despair from stress or depression are often involved. Suicide prevention and treatment are vital for someone with suicidal thoughts or at risk of suicidal behavior. 

“Suicide often is linked to depression, but there are a myriad of reasons that someone may experience depression,” William said. “A mental health assessment by a professional can allow you to understand the root cause of these thoughts and start to heal from it.” 

Ways to help someone at risk include:

• Provide access to mental health care resources
• Maintain connection with them
• Stay supportive
• Guide them to help
• Seek immediate help in an emergency situation

“If you think that a person is an immediate threat to themself or others, it’s best to contact emergency services,” said William. “Otherwise, don’t leave them alone and seek treatment as soon as possible.”

What Happens in Suicide Treatment Centers?

Suicide treatment centers can provide the overall support a person needs to recover safely. These programs offer counseling to help identify the issues causing these feelings and heal from them. They also offer education and support for dealing with future concerns. 

The trained staff at suicide treatment centers start with an assessment and then provide medical assistance, therapy, and education as a person moves through the program. Some centers use various therapies that include research-based and experiential treatments. Programs that include a personalized approach to treatment often provide the best chance for healing and recovery.

“People get the expert help they need at suicide treatment centers,” William explained. “Threats of suicide or other self-harm are overwhelming and frightening. When the person is in a treatment center, you know they’re safe and actively working to heal.”

Benefits of a Suicide Treatment Center

The overwhelming benefit of a suicide treatment center is to keep a person from dying by suicide. The treatment options available at suicide treatment centers offer the best coping, support, and recovery opportunities. Suicide treatment centers offer various benefits to help you or your loved one heal.

Immediate Access to Care

A suicide treatment center provides immediate access to various medical and mental health professionals to assist you in your times of greatest need. These people focus on keeping you safe while helping you heal.

Identify Risk Factors

Mental health professionals at a suicide treatment center will perform an assessment that identifies risk factors for suicide. Once identified, treatment plans may mitigate those factors. In addition, the center’s ability to work with co-occurring disorders should be a deciding factor, as treating the root issues behind suicidal thoughts and considering the whole person as part of the treatment is vital to long-term success. 

Provide a Safe Space

Treatment centers provide a safe space to learn new coping behaviors and tools to improve well-being. The trained staff follows the treatment program determined at the initial assessment, and updated treatment plans continue throughout the program.

Give Encouragement

Receiving encouragement from others in the program, as well as counselors and staff, helps build confidence. The belief that those in the program are worthy and are now empowered to seek support for their health is a necessary step in healing.

Promote Understanding

Allowing space and time in treatment to understand your needs while learning to be resilient is an important step in suicide treatment. Knowing that negative thoughts happen and feeling confident you have the tools to process those thoughts and emotions in the future is another crucial healing point in a treatment program.

“People in crisis often feel out of control,” William said. “Learning what’s happened to them and how their mind and body are naturally responding to it can help them heal. It gives them a greater understanding of themselves and normalizes their responses to unique challenges.”

Follow-Up Care

Mental health professionals at a suicide treatment center will provide you with an aftercare plan to continue ensuring your safety and healing as you integrate back into your regular life. This plan may include ongoing counseling and group support.

Resources for Finding Suicide Treatment

There are many options available for treating suicidal ideation. Some treatment programs include residential, outpatient, support groups, and medical treatment. Using directories such as the National Institute of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help.

Additional resources to consider when looking for a suicide treatment center:

• Primary care or mental health providers
• Local or state agencies
• Federal resources
• College health centers
• Professional organizations and suicide prevention groups

Suicide prevention is the top priority of suicide treatment facilities. The first step is recognizing the situation and working with trained professionals to start an individualized program.

Finding a Suicide Treatment Center

Don’t take suicidal ideation lightly. If a person is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For other situations that may be escalating, the CDC has a list of helpful resources to get help and guidance on how to proceed.

When considering a suicide treatment center, request referrals from a primary care physician or mental health provider. Then, look at the facilities that meet the treatment needs based on what you know and identify the resources of each potential treatment center. 

Identify the risks and severity of the individual situation and determine if the facility can meet the support and safety needs. And work with insurance providers and the treatment centers to be sure you are aware of what insurance covers within the programs and what is the patient’s responsibility.

Suicide Treatment at ILC

The suicide treatment program at Integrative Life Center provides a trauma-focused and heart-center team to help with your healing. 

The team understands that trauma can have a profound impact on the way a person functions. Therefore, the ILC team makes it their mission to identify potential trauma and help clients process and cope with their experiences.

Being heart-centered is at the core of ILC. It means they use caring and guidance to help you reconnect with your true self and heal your entire person.

“Our goal is to help a person heal and give them the tools they need to live their most authentic lives,” William explained. “We want to free them from fear and pain that resulted in them experiencing suicide and show them that a happier future is possible.”

Suicidal thoughts threaten someone’s life and well-being, and seeking help is critical. Treatment at a suicide treatment facility should be trauma-informed, focused on the individual’s well-being, professional and caring. 

Integrative Life Center can provide all this and more along the path to healing and recovery. Contact us today to learn more.

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Benefits of a Bulimia Treatment Program

Bulimia Nervosa, often called bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by consuming or binging a large amount of food quickly, followed by purging. The purging may be done through self-induced vomiting, diuretics, diet pills, laxatives, or other medications. People with bulimia may also eat little or sometimes not at all, and some exercise excessively or hide food to binge and purge when they’re alone. 

Bulimia tends to develop during adolescence. About 626,000 people have bulimia. People with bulimia often have a negative self-image and distorted view of their body shape and weight, even if their weight is healthy. Bulimia can be difficult to notice in others as they may binge and purge privately. All eating disorders can harm you or your loved one’s health and well-being. They can even result in death, making it vital to get help for bulimia through a bulimia treatment program. 

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

People with bulimia may frequently use the restroom, be worried about their body image, and continually watch their weight to be sure they aren’t gaining. They may feel out of control or experience other mental health concerns like depression or anxiety. Many feel guilty or ashamed of eating and hiding their eating habits, and some withdraw socially from friends and family.

Physical symptoms of bulimia may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Occasional fainting
• Dehydration
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Bloodshot eyes
• Gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux and constipation
• Dental problems like teeth discoloration and enamel erosion or the start of tooth decay

“The symptoms of bulimia may differ slightly for every person, but it’s essential to seek help from a trained mental health professional if you notice food behaviors that result in physical concerns,” said Mackenzie Reeser, MPH, RDN, LDN, Director of Nutrition Services at Integrative Life Center.

Causes of Bulimia

Eating disorders, including bulimia, are mental health conditions that can be life-threatening. There is no one cause for eating disorders, but research shows genetics and family history increase the chances of developing an eating disorder. People with family members with eating disorders are also more likely to develop unhealthy food-related ideas and behaviors.

Other factors, including societal standards and popular culture, may contribute to developing an eating disorder. The stress and pressure, perceived or actual, to look a certain way can negatively impact self-esteem and body image. That stress, combined with other life stressors and not feeling in control, can lead to eating disorders like bulimia.

There also is a clear link between trauma and eating disorders. People who experience emotional trauma may use control over their body and food as a way to exert some control in their lives when they feel they don’t have any. 

“The relationship between trauma and eating disorders is so prevalent that it’s important to seek care from professionals who understand trauma and how it impacts people’s physical and mental health,” Mackenzie said. “Getting to the root cause of the eating disorder will help a person truly heal from it.” 

Types of Bulimia Treatment Programs

Eating disorders treatment is necessary for long-term healing and recovery, and many people have co-occurring conditions that mental health professionals can treat simultaneously. Bulimia treatment programs use various therapies, nutritional support, counseling, holistic treatment options, and aftercare to ensure long-term success.

Outpatient Programs

One form of treatment for bulimia is through outpatient programs. With these programs, the therapy selected for recovery is done regularly, but the client remains in their home with their regular work or school schedule. 

Outpatient programs are not for everyone, especially when beginning the treatment program, but may work as part of an aftercare or step-down program. 

Outpatient programs may not be a good fit for people who need around-the-clock care or for those who don’t have a stable home environment.

Residential Programs

Inpatient or residential programs provide full-time accommodations that allow 24-hour monitoring of medical conditions while treating the client with valuable therapies. The break from the outside world may also benefit some, providing a safe space in a medically supervised facility to focus on healing and ending the cycle.

Therapeutic Approaches in Bulimia Treatment Programs

The approach to treating bulimia depends on the individual and their needs. Most bulimia treatment programs include individual, group, and experiential therapies. A bulimia treatment program also may include work with a nutritionist and even hands-on cooking of healthy meals. Here is a look at some of the therapies bulimia treatment may entail.

“Every person is different, so a therapist should consider a client’s unique needs and the therapies that will most benefit them,” Mackenzie stated. “An individualized treatment program provides the best chance for healing and recovery because it considers the person and their needs, instead of being a one-size-fits all.” 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works to identify negative thought patterns and ultimately challenge them. A form of talk therapy, CBT works to curb triggers due to negative thinking and existing habits. CBT is done one-on-one with a mental health professional.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy used to develop mindfulness skills related to acceptance while analyzing behaviors and finding healthy ways to cope and respond. It helps with changing negative thought patterns, learning to work with others, developing new skills, and receiving support from others. DBT also is done one-on-one with a mental health professional.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma-informed therapy works to understand all facets of the trauma. Trauma-informed care means understanding trauma’s emotional, neurological, psychological, social, and biological effects while working with other therapy modalities toward long-term healing and recovery. Trauma-informed therapy can be an approach to other types of therapy or a form of talk therapy all its own. It also is done one-on-one with a mental health professional.

Experiential Therapy

Adventure and experiential therapy work to strengthen the connections between the mental and physical. The physical experience allows clients to become involved and benefit from the activity, which may include guided imagery, role-playing, and other therapeutic activities that connect the mind and body.

Experiential therapies may include: 

• Joyful Movement. This therapeutic approach can include gentle and playful movement modalities such as martial arts therapy, dance therapy, and/or therapeutic yoga. Joyful movement employs meditative and spiritual practices to help release trauma while helping clients learn embodiment, boundaries, and grounding.
• Art Therapy. Art therapy creates a safe and personal space to explore thoughts and feelings through art. Using the creative process to express emotions can increase self-awareness and connection with others.
• Music Therapy. Music therapy bridges emotional learning with social and spiritual growth while building self-confidence.
• Mindfulness Therapy. Mindfulness and meditation creates awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery help clients learn to control their responses to other people and situations.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be beneficial in bulimia treatment programs. Individual therapy allows you or your loved one to work with a therapist solely on their program, following their pace and addressing their needs. But group therapy also has benefits, such as learning to work with others, building relationships, trusting others, and understanding you are not alone in your struggles. The strength of support from a community of peers can make a massive difference in the success of long-term recovery.

Holistic Approaches

A treatment approach using holistic therapy looks at the whole person. Holistic therapy understands a person is more than their disorder and considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental aspects that can help healing and recovery. 

Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition therapy works with many treatment programs but is especially beneficial in bulimia treatment programs. Clients learn how to improve their diet while also learning about holistic healing through nutrition and community.

Bulimia treatment programs include nutritional therapy sessions and education with a registered dietician or nutritionist. Part of recovery for people with eating disorders includes creating a healthy relationship with food grounded in knowledge.

ILC’s bulimia treatment programs support clients needing help with grocery list-making, budgeting, and cooking skills. Trained nutrition staff facilitate weekly meal planning and grocery shopping, allowing clients to learn the skills needed to succeed long-term.

Bulimia treatment programs have medically trained staff to work with clients during meal planning to ensure nutrient deficiencies are noted, and foods to fill those needs are included. 

The staff also works with each client on their nutritional needs and monitors their physical health to ensure they have the skills to be successful in their recovery.

The staff in ILC’s bulimia treatment programs monitor a client’s physical health and are present to address any physical health-related complications. The trained staff also manages the physical symptoms of co-occurring conditions while monitoring nutrient intake.

The Importance of Aftercare

The path to long-term healing does not end once the bulimia treatment program is complete. Aftercare and alumni services are crucial to continue recovery and continue a robust support system. Creating a structure for life outside of treatment can be difficult, and aftercare helps provide skills and coping mechanisms to continue recovery.

“Recovery doesn’t stop once you leave treatment,” Mackenzie said. “You have to continue the work so you don’t fall back into unhealthy habits. Aftercare and support are critical to your continued recovery.”

Recovery is Within Reach

Bulimia can lead to potentially life-threatening health concerns. If you or your loved one has bulimia or another editing disorder, professional help and support are critical to long-term recovery. Integrative Life Center’s bulimia treatment program can make a difference in a successful healing journey. Contact ILC to learn more about how you or your loved one can begin the path to recovery and healing.

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Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Whats the Difference?

Panic and anxiety can feel like similar experiences. Both conditions activate your fight-or-flight response and can make you feel physically sick. But panic and anxiety are not interchangeable. There are important differences to be aware of when it comes to understanding panic attack vs. anxiety attack symptoms.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal stress response. It can even be helpful. Feeling anxiety about a job interview may prompt you to take special care in preparing or practicing potential interview answers with a friend. 

But when feelings of anxiety are so intense they overwhelm you, or if they appear for no apparent reason, it could be a sign you have an anxiety disorder.

“Anxiety disorders make people feel intense fear, even when they know what they’re afraid of or worrying about isn’t rational,” William Feck, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Therapist at Integrative Life Center, said. “These disorders can cause people to avoid doing things or being around people because they’re so afraid of what might happen. They may start to isolate themselves in an effort to keep themselves safe from the imagined fears. They also may worry increasingly and passively think their worries keep negative things from happening.”

Anxiety disorders that could prompt an anxiety attack, include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Social anxiety disorder
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias

Anxiety is a response to a perceived threat, but people with anxiety attacks typically react to imagined threats. Worries about the future or “what ifs” can cause an anxiety attack. 

Taking a test at school, moving, or getting a new job are all regular life events that most people can get through without overwhelming feelings of anxiety. But, people with anxiety disorders may become debilitated by the high level of anxiety they experience related to events like these.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It may be one reason why people so often misunderstand the two conditions. Panic disorder causes repeated, sudden, and intense feelings of fear. 

“People with panic disorders feel out of control of their minds and surroundings, so much so that the fear keeps them from functioning in their daily lives,” William said.

Panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder. People who experienced childhood abuse or a traumatic event are at higher risk for panic disorder and panic attacks.

The Onset of Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Anxiety and panic attacks can begin during a time of high stress, but there isn’t always an identifiable trigger. People often describe these episodes as “coming from nowhere.” In both cases, the attacks start with uneasiness or extreme worry about random possibilities, such as suddenly thinking, “What if I lose my job?”

Anxiety disorders can affect anyone at any age. Even children can experience anxiety attacks. But the symptoms and behaviors of children with anxiety disorders may be different from those experienced by adults.  

Causes of Anxiety Attacks

The exact cause of anxiety attacks is still unknown. Mental health experts believe many factors play a role in these episodes, including:

• Stress
• Genetics
• Phobias
• Substance use
• Family history
• Changes in brain function
• Depression
• Temperament

People who have family members with anxiety or panic disorders and individuals who have survived traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or the sudden loss of a loved one, are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.

Identifying Anxiety Attack Triggers

The triggers of an anxiety attack can be different for each person. A trigger is an emotion or experience that signals to the brain that something dangerous is near. Triggers may not be based on reality, but the feelings they elicit are real. Triggers may be expected or unexpected.

An expected trigger is one that has caused an attack in the past, such as getting stuck in traffic. If a person has had a panic attack while stuck in traffic, the idea of being in heavy traffic again may trigger anxiety.

An unexpected trigger is one that seems to come out of the blue. For example, a person with anxiety could feel stressed out while waiting in a long line. Even though long lines haven’t bothered them before, they’re running late and fighting to manage their anxiety symptoms on this specific day.

If the result is an anxiety attack, the individual may subsequently get anxiety from thinking about buying something from a busy store, not to mention actually walking into the store. In this way, the unexpected trigger becomes an expected trigger.

The effort to avoid triggers can limit a person’s enjoyment in life. It can cause them to isolate and avoid friends, family, and social events out of fear that they will have an anxiety attack in front of other people. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression and lead to even more mental health concerns.

Causes of Panic Attacks

Medical researchers haven’t found a definitive cause of panic disorder. The factors that scientists believe initiate anxiety attacks are the same factors that influence panic attacks. Like anxiety attack triggers, panic attack triggers can be both expected and unexpected. 

Common triggers of panic attacks include:

• Pre-existing health conditions
• Stress
• Substance or alcohol use disorder
• Caffeine
• Social events
• Reminders of a past traumatic experience
• Conflict
• Unexpected changes in routine

For people with panic disorder, even the fear of having a panic attack can trigger an attack.

“Regardless of the specific cause of either type of attack, the disorders can be treated with the help of a mental health professional and you can learn to control the symptoms, including panic or anxiety attacks,” William stated.

Comparing Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Panic and anxiety are closely related, and it’s possible to experience both anxiety and panic attacks. For example, the idea of starting a new job may cause an anxiety attack, and when you arrive at the new worksite on the first day, it could trigger a panic attack.

Emotional and physical symptoms of panic and anxiety attacks include:

• Distress
• Fear
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Feeling faint
• Fear of dying
• Chest pain
• Dry mouth
• Hot flashes or chills
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache

If these symptoms describe both experiences, you may wonder, “What’s the difference between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack?” Consider the following key differences.

Intensity

One of the main differences is the intensity. Anxiety attacks can be mild to severe. They often build slowly, giving the person time to implement breathing exercises or other tools intended to lower stress levels. Panic attacks are sudden and severe.

Duration

Anxiety attacks typically peak in about 10 minutes but can last several hours as the symptoms slowly decline. Panic attacks set in and end much faster. They’re usually over in about 10 minutes.

Physical Symptoms

Both anxiety and panic attacks can cause physical symptoms. But, severe physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, sweating, and nausea are more typical for a panic attack. Often, people who are having a panic attack feel afraid that they might be having a heart attack. 

Emotional Symptoms

The emotional symptoms for both events are similar but can be more severe in panic attacks. People who experience panic attacks may feel overwhelmed, have a sense of doom, or have an urgent need to escape.

Cognitive Symptoms

Anxiety attacks rarely cause cognitive symptoms. Panic attacks can cause a person to have flashing visions or feel disconnected from their body.

Risk Factors for Untreated Panic and Anxiety

Anxiety and panic attacks are serious mental health concerns that respond positively to treatment. Many people think or hope that their anxiety disorder will go away with time, but in many cases, symptoms get worse if left untreated.

Short-term effects of anxiety and panic attacks include:

• Problems at work or school
• Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
• The need for frequent medical care
• Increased risk of developing an addiction 
• Financial problems
• Loneliness and isolation

The long-term effects of untreated panic and anxiety are even more serious. Anxiety disorders can lead to depression and other psychiatric disorders. They also increase suicide risk.

“Panic or anxiety disorders won’t just disappear. They’re going to get worse over time if left untreated,” William stated. “You deserve help healing so you can live your most authentic life.”

Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference in Treatment?

Clinicians don’t diagnose anxiety attacks, but they do diagnose anxiety disorders. Panic attacks are also a diagnosable occurrence. Treatment methods for both conditions may include a combination of modalities, including:

• Psychotherapy
• Medications to control symptoms as you work through the cause
• Lifestyle changes to manage stress
• Self-help techniques, such as breathing exercises for relaxation

“Many options are available for treating panic or anxiety disorders,” William stated. “You only have to decide to take the step to get help. Then you can partner with a therapist to find the right course of treatment for you.”

Get Help for Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Panic and anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and leave you feeling out of control of your mind and body. Don’t let panic or anxiety attacks disrupt your life. Contact Integrative Life Center for more information about our anxiety disorder treatment programs.

The post Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack-what-you-need-to-know/

What Causes an Anxiety Attack?

Stressful situations, large or small, can cause an anxiety attack for people with an anxiety disorder. While many people face anxiety attacks, some don’t know what causes an anxiety attack or the steps to take to prevent them. By understanding what an anxiety attack is, what causes it, and how to prevent it, you positively impact your physical and mental well-being and reduce the frequency and severity of such attacks. 

What is an Anxiety Attack?

The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize “anxiety attacks,” but mental health professionals use the term to describe a heavy, concentrated moment of anxiety. Most people don’t associate an anxiety attack with life-threatening circumstances or phobias but rather involve powerful feelings of fear and stress.

“Anxiety attacks are frightening for those who experience them,” said Kathy Reynolds, LCSW, Executive Clinical Director at Integrative Life Center. “They make a person feel afraid and out of control, which only heightens their feelings of anxiety.”

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack

Often, people use the term “anxiety attack” interchangeably with “panic attacks,” but they’re quite different. Anxiety may culminate in a panic attack involving intense and often overwhelming fear or stress. Gradually building up over time, anxiety attacks create an inability to deal with anxiety or stress. 

An anxiety attack occurs when you’re pushed to the breaking point with your anxiety levels. While anxiety attacks share the same symptoms as panic attacks, including rapid heartbeat, sweating, and racing thoughts, anxiety attacks are usually less severe. It may not involve a specific trigger, phobia, or fear of the specific place where the attack took place. 

It’s crucial to your healing journey that you can spot the signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack to help better equip you with the right coping strategies when faced with your anxiety attacks. 

Signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack:

• Cognitive Signs. Having difficulty thinking or focusing or uncontrollable and obsessive thoughts are just a few cognitive signs that you’re having an anxiety attack. 
• Emotional Signs. Feeling irritable, tense, nervous, uneasy, or having a sense of dread can bog down your emotional well-being, triggering an anxiety attack. 
• Behavioral Signs. High anxiety and stress can change your behaviors and make you act differently than normal. These signs include the inability to sit still or relax, social withdrawal and isolation, or lacking the capacity to complete day-to-day responsibilities and tasks.
• Physical Symptoms. You might experience sweating, increased heart rate, trembling, or fatigue during intense anxiety attacks, as the attacks can affect you physically. 
• Emotional Symptoms. You may find that you can’t concentrate, become distracted quickly, and sleep terribly. Emotional symptoms can include irritability, increased sadness or worry, and the feeling of dread or inadequacy.  

What Causes an Anxiety Attack? 

Many factors can contribute to an anxiety attack. Every person has triggers and stressors that can affect their anxiety differently. Take the time to identify moments and situations that push your anxiety further than comfortable levels and try to find a way to manage those stresses to prevent future attacks. 

Causes of anxiety attacks include: 

• Buildup of stressors 
• Being in uncomfortable situations or situations that feel unsafe
• Major life changes like moving or changing jobs
• Being forced into social situations or having to go places with a lot of people
• Health problems
• Financial concerns 
• Heavy caffeine use 
• Trauma

“Anxiety attacks happen when an event or series of events causes a person to move into such a heightened state of anxiety that they can’t control their mind and body’s response to the stressor,” Kathy said. “There’s no formula for what causes an anxiety attack. It’s different for everyone.”

What to Do During an Anxiety Attack

During an anxiety attack, you might feel like you don’t have control of the situation, but you do. You can take steps to help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress and reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks. Work with a mental health professional to determine what coping strategies will work best for you and apply them to your treatment plan. Some coping strategies may be participating in hobbies you already enjoy or finding a new passion. 

Ways to calm yourself during an anxiety attack:

• Recognize What’s Happening. It’s frightening to have an anxiety attack because you feel out of control of your body. Often you may even think you’re having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown of some kind. Recognizing that the sensations you’re feeling are an anxiety attack will help you gain some control over it.
• Find a Private Space. Get to a private place where you feel comfortable and safe, whether in a bedroom, your car, or a public bathroom. It’ll be easier for you to get the anxiety attack under control if it isn’t happening in front of others.
• Practice Intentional Breathing. Take slow, deep breaths and count to 10. Try to ground yourself by clearing your mind and focusing on positive thoughts. 
• Focus Your Mind. Focus on the present moment. Try to clear your mind of any regrets from the past or worries about the future. 
• Communicate. Contact a trusted loved one or mental health professional who can speak to you calmly and rationally and help talk you down from the peak of your anxiety.

“Re-establishing a sense of safety and calm is vital to preventing or stopping an anxiety attack,” Kathy stated. “An important first step is to be able to recognize, ‘I’m having an anxiety attack,’ then take actions to calm your thinking.”

How to Prevent Anxiety Attacks

Despite your history and experience with anxiety attacks, you can find steps to take that will help prevent future anxiety attacks’ frequency and severity. Use this opportunity to reflect and become self-aware by identifying your anxiety’s triggers and causes. Speak with a mental health professional to create a safety plan to prevent future anxiety attacks or make them more manageable. 

To help prevent anxiety attacks: 

• Identify Triggers. Reflect on times you’ve had an anxiety attack. What started it or triggered you? Write down those identifiers and work with your mental health professional to resolve those triggers.
• Reflect on Root Causes. Look back at your life and dig into your memories to discover the root cause of your anxiety. By learning what happened to you, you may become more self-aware as to what leads you to respond with anxiety or feelings of stress. 
• Challenge Anxious Thoughts. Shut out the negative voice in your head. Challenge negative or anxious thought patterns.
• Journal Noticeable Spikes. Take 10 minutes out of each day and journal your feelings and responses to situations that happened that day. Take note of when you feel anxious. Eliminate or reduce those stressors, if possible. 
• Seek Professional Help. Mental health professionals are here to help you heal and live a healthy, less anxious life. They can help create treatment plans to keep you on the right track with your healing journey. 
• Rely on Your Support System. Open up to loved ones and allow them to help. When you face difficult times, these people can support and encourage you. You might even find that they relate to your experiences, which creates a stronger bond and helps you feel connected. 

Let ILC Help Stop Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks are frightening and make you feel out of control of yourself. But you can regain control and stop anxiety attacks with the right treatment. 

“You don’t have to live with anxiety attacks. They are a symptom of anxiety and can be treated, controlled, and all but eliminated like any other symptom can,” Kathy said.

Integrative Life Center offers various treatments for anxiety. Contact ILC to learn more about treating anxiety and stopping anxiety attacks.

The post What Causes an Anxiety Attack? appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/the-main-triggers-of-an-anxiety-attack/

Understanding Anxiety Disorder

When you have anxiety, you may know your fears or worries aren’t rational, but you still can’t control them. People with anxiety feel overwhelming feelings like worry, stress, or fear that affect their ability to live their lives. By better understanding anxiety disorder, you can make sense of how your brain responds to stressors and what options exist for getting the help you need and deserve.

What is the Difference Between Anxiety and an Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone experiences anxiety. You have a big job interview, so you can’t sleep the night before because you’re worried about what will happen. Or your child is about to choose which college to attend, and you’re concerned that they’re making such a big decision about their future. These worries are part of regular life and are typically fleeting.

When that anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, and out-of-line with the situation, it becomes a concern. 

“The key with an anxiety disorder is that the feelings don’t match the situation,” said Mark Blakeley, LAC, CSAT, Clinical Resource Advisor at Integrative Life Center. “For example, worry about a job interview is so intense that the person is vomiting and feels unable to leave the house at all.” 

People with anxiety disorders frequently experience intense and excessive worry, stress, or fear about everyday situations. These fears can peak within minutes and cause a physical attack that feels like a heart attack.

By taking the time to understand the various types of anxiety disorders and how to spot the symptoms, you can see how anxiety manifests itself.

“Anxiety comes in various shapes and sizes, but all of its symptoms can be treated or controlled with the right mental health support,” Mark said.

6 Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder people experience, but not all anxiety disorders are the same. There are six common types of anxiety disorders. These disorders can affect your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common of all anxiety disorders. GAD is when a person has common or uncontrollable worries about many things. The worry is out of proportion to the actual circumstance, is difficult to control, and affects how you feel physically. GAD often occurs alongside other anxiety disorders or mental health concerns such as depression. Because there are many possible anxiety symptoms, the problems you experience with GAD might differ from another person’s experiences.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is when anxiety causes a person to have repetitive thoughts, behaviors, or urges. A person with OCD has no choice but to repeat the behaviors in an attempt to calm their anxiety. People with OCD may do things like count steps as they take them or double-check to ensure doors and windows are locked.

3. Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear that reach a peak within minutes. A person having a panic attack may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heart. These panic attacks may lead to worrying about them happening again or avoiding situations in which they’ve occurred. They can cause you to fear embarrassment if witnessed in public, increasing your anxiety in a seemingly never-ending cycle. 

4. Phobias 

Everyone is afraid of some things, but when the fear becomes debilitating, it’s probably time to seek help. Phobias are extreme fear or anxiety triggered by a particular situation, like fear of large bodies of water or objects like snakes or germs. Phobias can provoke panic attacks in some people.

5. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by excessive anxiety for the child’s developmental level related to separation from parents or others with parental roles. It can bleed into adult life by causing anxiety when you have to leave a loved one behind, even to run errands or work. It can seep into your parenting approach, causing you to hover or overprotect in fear of losing your child. 

6. Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder means you experience extreme fear or anxiety triggered by social situations, such as parties, workplaces, or everyday situations where you have to talk to another person. It is also known as social phobia. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders 

Anxiety disorders can affect people differently, even those with the same disorder. Here are some common signs of anxiety disorders to look for. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it may be time to contact a mental health professional.

“While there are sets of symptoms that are common to specific anxiety disorders, people respond differently to stressors,” Mark said. “That means even people with the same disorders can have different sets of symptoms or varying symptoms at certain times.”

Anxiety symptoms fall into three general categories: cognitive, behavioral, and physiological. 

Cognitive

Cognitive symptoms of anxiety are the thoughts or beliefs that come along with the disorders. 

Cognitive symptoms include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Racing thoughts that are out of your control
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Negative self-talk
• Depressed mood
• Catastrophizing or always thinking about the worst-case scenario or expecting the worst possible outcome
• Perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy

Behavioral

Behavioral symptoms of anxiety disorders are actions or behaviors that result from the mental health issue.

Behavioral symptoms include:

• Avoidance of certain situations or activities
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anger
• Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
• Difficulty making decisions
• Withdraw or isolation
• Substance use

Physiological

Anxiety puts your system in fight or flight mode. This state of alertness may be difficult for you to come down from following a stressor. As a result, anxiety can have various symptoms related to the brain, muscles, and central nervous systems. 

Some physiological effects of anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle tension or aches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Headaches or migraines
• Changes in appetite
• Gastrointestinal concerns
• Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
• High or low blood pressure
• Increased sensitivity to light or sound

“Regardless of the symptoms you have, they can be treated or controlled to allow you to live a productive life,” Mark explained. “You don’t have to try to deal with anxiety symptoms alone or cope without help.”

Understanding Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks share many of the same symptoms, but they are not the same thing. 

A panic attack happens suddenly and involves intense, overwhelming fear. It also includes physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, nausea, or shortness of breath. 

Anxiety attacks are less intense. An anxiety attack involves distress, worry, and fear and typically happens when you anticipate an event, experience, or stressful situation. People experience anxiety attacks differently, depending on their concerns.

You can have both panic and anxiety attacks as a result of an anxiety disorder.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks?

The causes of an anxiety attack aren’t the same for everyone. Different anxiety disorders cause varying symptoms, and there’s no one reason a person might feel triggered into an anxiety attack. However, some factors are likely to cause anxiety attacks in those prone to them.

Common causes of anxiety attacks include:

• Physical health issues
• Medications side effects or substance use
• Stress at work, school, in relationships, or with finances
• Caffeine
• Negative thinking
• Specific situations or events
• Unpredictable or uncertain world events
• Emotional trauma, such as the death of a loved one
• Conflict

Self-Care Methods to Ease Anxiety

If you can identify and understand the causes of your anxiety, it can help you cope and perhaps prevent anxiety or panic attacks. A mental health professional can help you learn coping strategies to handle certain situations when they happen. You’ll also feel more confident in your ability to handle adverse situations when you have more tools to work with.

Some coping strategies for anxiety include:

• Engage with Others. Spending time with loved ones can help you feel supported and distracted from anxious thoughts or behaviors.
• Active Relaxation. Practicing deep breathing exercises like meditation can help reduce anxiety and calm your mind.
• Exercise. Physical activity releases chemicals in the brain that reduce anxiety and improve mood.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol. Both substances can worsen anxiety symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them.
• Sleep Well. Getting enough sleep (six to eight hours a night) can help you feel more emotionally resilient and lessen the feeling of anxiety.
• Eat Well. Maintaining a healthy diet can help you feel better physically and emotionally.
• Journaling. Keep track of when you notice your anxiety. What do you think brought it about? Does your response to the situation fit? How could you respond differently in the future? 
• Therapy. Talking with a mental health professional can help you recognize what triggers your anxiety and learn ways to cope with those triggers. 
• Exploring Your Past. Childhood trauma can be the root of many mental health issues, including anxiety. Taking a step back and looking at the whole picture of your life with a mental health professional can help you heal.

“There are so many things you can do in addition to therapy to help reduce feelings of anxiety,” Mark said. “Therapy also can help you identify what hobbies or behaviors might lessen your anxiety symptoms.”

Diagnosing and Treating Anxiety Disorder

Talk therapies and psychological counseling are the most common treatments for anxiety. They involve working with a trained mental health professional to determine why you feel the way you do and what triggers these feelings. You’ll then learn to reframe your thoughts and behaviors and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Therapies for anxiety include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps you get to the root of self-sabotaging beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT focuses on emotions. It helps you understand, accept, and manage difficult feelings and accept who you are.
• Exposure Therapy. This therapy type focuses on dealing with anxiety-triggering objects or situations. By “facing your fears,” you may gradually become desensitized to them or neutralize them.
• Social Skills Training. This behavioral therapy improves social skills in those with social anxiety.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR focuses on altering the emotions, thoughts, and responses resulting from traumatic experiences.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a new, non-pharmacological treatment that can treat anxiety and depression. TMS uses magnetic pulses delivered to the left prefrontal lobe of the brain. These pulses stimulate the neurotransmitters, which are believed to be imbalanced in the brain of those with mood disorders. Stimulating the neurotransmitters retrains the brain and brings your mood back into balance.

“There are various evidence-based treatments that are proven to help reduce anxiety symptoms,” Mark stated. “The right treatment for you may not be listed above, but it does exist. Working with a mental health professional will allow them to customize a treatment that best suits your needs.”

Anxiety Treatment Programs

Just like everyone’s anxiety is slightly different, anxiety treatment looks different for everyone. The recommended level of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your personal needs.

Anxiety treatment program options include:

• Hospitalization. Hospitalization only occurs in the most extreme of anxiety cases. Hospital care happens if you are in danger of harming yourself or others. It allows doctors to monitor you closely. 
• Residential. Residential care lets you live in a safe and monitored environment while undergoing a full-time treatment plan.
• Outpatient. A part-time treatment plan that allows you to continue living independently while attending regular therapy and counseling sessions.
• Counseling Services. Therapy sessions and help groups for ongoing support. The provider determines your level of treatment based on your symptoms. 

Helping Someone with Anxiety

If you have a loved one who displays signs of anxiety, you’ll probably feel drawn to help them. It’s essential to understand that you can’t cure someone else’s anxiety. You also can’t force them to recognize that they’re having anxiety or to seek help. So, what can you do?

To help someone with anxiety:

• Show Support. Tell them why you think they may be experiencing anxiety and that you’re there to listen and help them if you can.
• Express Specific Concerns. Let them know exactly what behaviors you’ve seen that are concerning. Be sure to tell them why you think these behaviors are anxious without making them feel attacked. Remember that they can’t control anxiety or how it manifests.
• Validate Their Feelings. If they start opening up to you about their feelings, be sure to recognize that it’s a big deal to be open and trusting. Acknowledge their feelings and thank them for trusting you enough to share.
• Ask How You Can Help. Ask your loved one how you can help with their anxiety. Is there anything you can do (or not) to help them feel better? It’s possible that they might need someone to talk to or someone just to be there with them.
• Make Suggestions. Do your research ahead of time and make suggestions for talking with a specific counselor or getting certain treatment. Remember that you can’t force this help, but you can offer it.

Get Help at Integrative Life Center

Anxiety can negatively affect every aspect of your life, but it’s treatable. You don’t have to live with the symptoms of anxiety. Integrative Life Center offers individualized anxiety treatment to heal. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Understanding Anxiety Disorder appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/understanding-anxiety-disorder/