It is common to experience feelings of anxiety or stress from time to time. For example, you may feel anxious before public speaking or during a job interview. But if these feelings of anxiety persist and spill into other areas of your life and cause distress, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 40 million adults in the U.S., or 19.1% of the population, struggle with anxiety disorders. However, just because anxiety disorders are common does not mean that you have to continue to suffer. There is help available.
Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a leading provider of acute inpatient mental health treatment for adults age 18 and older. Adults who are suffering from anxiety can discover peace and healing at our safe and welcoming anxiety disorder treatment center.
Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder can be incredibly disruptive to someone’s life and well-being. Anxiety can make you feel like your life is out of control or that you will never experience peace. Anxiety disorders consist of various related conditions, each with a set of unique symptoms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) outlines common traits among all anxiety disorders. These general symptoms include persistent or unrelenting worry or fear, especially in the face of nonthreatening situations.
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders also include:
- Feeling on edge, restless, or constantly tense
- Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, muscle tension, and headaches without any underlying medical cause
- Sudden episodes of intense fear, dread, or discomfort
- Overwhelming fear or anxiety in social situations
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
An anxiety disorder can significantly impact someone’s ability to live a full and balanced life. If you or someone you love is displaying any signs or symptoms of an anxiety disorder, we encourage you to reach out for help.
Anxiety Disorder Statistics
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and NIMH report the following statistics on anxiety disorders from surveys of adults age 18 and older in the U.S.:
- More than 30% of adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
- Females are twice as likely as males to suffer from anxiety disorders.
- 56.5% of adults who have an anxiety disorder suffer from moderate to serious impairment in their life as a result of the disorder.
- Many people who have an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, and the people who suffer from them may face many challenges in their daily lives. Addressing an anxiety disorder requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that considers every aspect of someone’s mental health. Early treatment and intervention are essential, and Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital is here to offer the support you need.
Potential Effects of Untreated Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder can have a profound effect on someone’s life. If left untreated, an anxiety disorder can significantly impair someone’s physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Potential effects of untreated anxiety disorders include:
- Impaired quality of life: Constant worry, fear, and the avoidance of certain situations can limit someone’s enjoyment of social activities, impair their relationships, and hinder their career advancements.
- Development of other mental health disorders: If an anxiety disorder is left untreated, it can increase someone’s risk for suffering from depression or another mental health disorder. This can worsen anxiety symptoms and make treatment more complicated.
- Chronic physical health problems: Persistent anxiety can lead to health problems like headaches, gastrointestinal or digestive problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, and chronic muscle tension.
- Interpersonal difficulties: Anxiety disorders can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Irritability or constant worry can lead to frequent disagreements, social isolation, and a diminished support network.
- Increased risk for substance abuse: People who have untreated anxiety disorders may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate or temporarily relieve anxiety symptoms. However, this can lead to the development of substance use disorders and can worsen anxiety symptoms in the long run.
- Educational or occupational challenges: Anxiety can interfere with work or school performance, productivity, and professional relationships. It can also contribute to overall decreased job satisfaction.
- Increased risk for suicide or self-harming behaviors: In severe cases, untreated anxiety disorders can elevate the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Persistent feelings of hopelessness, despair, and anxiety can be overwhelming and require immediate professional intervention.
The effects of untreated anxiety disorders are far-reaching and can be severe. It is important to understand that timely and appropriate treatment can significantly alleviate these potential effects. By seeking professional help at an inpatient treatment center, people who have anxiety can learn coping strategies and symptom management so that they can regain control of their lives.
Benefits of Anxiety Disorder Treatment
By receiving care at an inpatient anxiety disorder treatment center, you can begin healing from anxiety. An inpatient treatment center can offer immediate stabilization in a safe and secure environment for people who are suffering from an acute mental health crisis.
By receiving inpatient treatment for anxiety disorders, people can learn to manage symptoms associated with the condition, such as overwhelming worry or fear, panic attacks, and the physical manifestations of anxiety.
Additional benefits of anxiety disorder treatment may include:
- Improved emotional well-being
- Better physical health
- Increased self-awareness
- Strengthened coping skills
- Improved relationships
- Enhanced work or school performance
By addressing anxiety symptoms, patients at an inpatient treatment center may feel more confident, capable, and comfortable engaging in social activities, pursuing personal goals, and maintaining fulfilling relationships. Treatment can help people learn valuable coping skills and techniques to manage anxiety symptoms.
Therapies Used in Anxiety Disorder Treatment
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health professionals provides care in a setting that is designed for healing. There is no single treatment for anxiety disorders, so people often benefit from a combination of methods. At Bronson, we provide the following therapies and services at our anxiety treatment center:
- Individual and family therapy sessions guided by licensed social workers and counselors
- Daily group therapy sessions led by licensed therapists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, behavioral health technicians, and recreational therapists
- Medication management services provided by licensed psychiatrists and mental health nurse practitioners
Patients at our anxiety disorder treatment center can benefit from comprehensive care, peer support, and the opportunity to grow and heal. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to anxiety disorder treatment, and our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to guide you through care.
Therapies at Bronson incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people who have anxiety recognize unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and work on developing healthy ways to combat them. Group therapy sessions cover topics such as healthy coping skills, medication education, identifying triggers, life skills, and more. This thorough approach to treatment promotes greater healing and continued success for people who are struggling with anxiety.
How To Choose the Right Anxiety Disorder Treatment Center
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we recognize that it might feel overwhelming when looking for the right treatment center for an anxiety disorder. We aim to provide a compassionate and supportive environment as you pursue stabilization and restoration. Our dedicated team of trained professionals understands the unique challenges associated with anxiety disorders and is committed to delivering the highest-quality care.
When you enter our treatment center, you can expect to be greeted with empathy and understanding. We prioritize creating a safe space where you can openly express your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Our staff members have extensive experience working with people who are struggling with anxiety disorders. They possess the knowledge and expertise to provide you with a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we will prioritize your comfort and safety throughout your treatment journey. Our state-of-the-art, 96-bed anxiety disorder treatment center is designed to provide a calming and nurturing environment, allowing you to focus on healing without distractions. We offer a range of amenities and therapeutic activities that encourage recreation, self-care, and personal growth.
Choosing Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital means choosing a dedicated team made up of professionals who are committed to helping you improve your mental health and well-being. We are here to support you every step of the way, guiding you toward a life of increased resilience, improved coping skills, and greater emotional stability.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital.