Anxiety affects people of all ages every day. Stressful lives, social expectations, and fear of failure contribute to anxiety in people across the United States. Unfortunately, this mental health disorder is rarely discussed. In fact, many people believe that stress and anxiety are normal, as a part of daily life that is unavoidable. Anxiety, however, is treatable. Here are common signs and symptoms that it may be time to seek an anxiety treatment program.
If you or a young man in your life is living with anxiety, Red Oak Recovery® is here to help. Our holistic anxiety treatment programs cater to young men ages 18-30 in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Learn about our holistic treatment programs now at 866.457.7590.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotional, physical, and mental experience. When someone suffers from an anxiety disorder, their nervous system becomes dysregulated, elevating their heart rate, making them feel nervous, and making it hard to rationalize. This dysregulation keeps the body in either fight, flight, or freeze mode. This reaction is the body’s natural response to life-threatening situations. Unfortunately, anxiety does not occur during life-threatening conditions. Instead, anxiety focuses on the past or future.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
When a person feels anxious, they ruminate about the past or the future. Their body goes through various symptoms in a heightened state of arousal. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Tension headaches
- Feeling nervous or a sense of danger
- Elevated heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Trembling and shaking
- Weak muscles and exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
Once someone’s anxiety is triggered, it’s difficult to calm the nervous system. During moments of anxiety or panic attacks, a person will struggle to be in the present moment, feel their body, and regulate their breathing.
Holistic Approaches to Treating Anxiety Symptoms
Many people try to avoid anxiety. For some, this approach may work. However, most people should seek professional treatment for anxiety. Here are some holistic approaches to reducing anxiety at home and helping you and your family return to the present moment.
Drinking Less Coffee
Caffeine can mimic and enhance anxiety symptoms. Drinking less coffee can reduce anxiety triggers and help the nervous system re-regulate more quickly once triggered.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is essential to combating anxiety. Because anxiety starts with ruminating on the past or future, returning to the present moment eases anxiety. Mindful practices help people connect to the present moment, often through breathwork. For many people, mindful exercise and meditation can relieve anxiety and help them understand the roots of their anxiety.
Eat, Sleep, and Learn to Recognize Potential Triggers
Nutrition and sleep hygiene can affect anxiety. By recognizing and understanding food intolerances, diet, and overall health, people can spot anxiety patterns in their life. For many, work or school can be a source of anxiety. Recognizing and understanding these triggers can help people practice mindfulness before and during triggering activities. Exercise, especially outside, can help promote healthy sleep habits and reduce anxiety by processing adrenaline.
Seek Holistic Anxiety Treatment Programs for Men in Asheville, North Carolina
Whether you or a young man in your life is struggling with anxiety, know you are not alone. The team at Red Oak Recovery® is here for you. Our North Carolina-based treatment center helps young men with dual diagnosis treatment for anxiety, addiction, and other co-occurring disorders. We focus on experiential, wilderness, and cognitive-behavioral therapies for holistic health. Young men at Red Oak Recovery® learn to disconnect from anxiety triggers and discover the root causes of their anxiety.
Call Red Oak Recovery® Now to Get Started
Learn more about the benefits of experiential therapy and wilderness therapy for anxiety and mental health. Call us today at 866.457.7590 to get started with our anxiety treatment programs.
