Lets face, it life can get tough and seem out of control at times. As we transition through the many stages of life there are events that will naturally cause us to move out of our comfort zones. This change is essential for growth and evolution of self. However, At times, those stressful events can creep up on us, they accumulate and fester at a rate that simply pushes some a bit too far and too fast. It is this feeling of loss of control that causes some to experience anxiety. Anxiety is not always a bad thing. The feeling itself can motivate us to do the things we need to do to get things done. Usually, the anxiety is short lived and the restlessness, and anxious feelings resolve after the triggering event is over. However, that is not the case for some. For many, uncomfortable feelings never seem to never go away. Often these feelings appear for no reason, and continue to produce a level of fear that is paralyzing, confusing and seriously threatening to ones state of health. The condition turns their life into a continuous journey of unease and fear and can interfere with their relationships with family, friends and colleagues. When one experiences this level of anxiety, it can become not just a temporary state. Anxiety becomes as serious medical problem that requires medical intervention. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may be suffering from one of the many identified anxiety disorders.
Common anxiety symptoms may include:
- Excessive worry
- Sleep Problems
- Irrational Fears
- Muscle Tension
- Chronic Indigestion
- Stage Fright
- Self-consciousness
- Panic Attacks-pounding heart, numb hands, chest pains, breathing problems, hot and cold feelings, stomach pain, gripping feeling of fear
As far as we have come in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders there still exist a great stigma associated with a medical condition that seems to be all in our minds. This very stigma keeps many away from treatment. Human beings have an innate survival mechanism that kicks in to mange stress, but when anxiety symptoms reach a clinical level some often resort to unhealthy coping mechanism in order to get relief. Unfortunately, some find their relief in the form of substance use, opioids in particular. Opiates are substances that are very similar in effect and in structure to morphine and which are derived from the opium obtained from the opium poppy. Deaths from prescription pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone have quadrupled since 1999, leading to nearly a half-million fatalities by 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Opioid use has quickly become an epidemic in our country. Using them for any other purpose other then what is on a labeled bottle with your name on it indicates you are heading for trouble. Opioids are one of the most addictive substances on the planet. What small amount you once used to get relief from your anxious symptoms quickly requires more of the opioid to achieve the same effect. Often what happens is you try to get relief from the anxiety symptoms with the opioid, and then you become increasingly more anxious when the effects of the opioid start to wear off. This is called tolerance and is one of the signs of addiction. Using opioids in the management of anxiety soon puts one in a hamster wheel that they just can not seem to escape. Don’t let this be you!
There is help and you deserve to get it. Diagnosing and treating co-occurring Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use issues is making great headway. A proper diagnosis is key to putting a person on the right treatment path. There is help and it available for you. Your anxiety most likely has existed for the better part of your life. The way you ended up managing it is not a character flaw. There is a great life free of panic and stress, its right around the corner. The first step is to ask for help.