Chronic anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and persistent fear. It can also cause debilitating physical symptoms. For this reason, a person struggling with chronic anxiety must get the help they deserve through anxiety treatment programs.
The signs of chronic anxiety can interfere with a person’s daily activities to the point that their overall quality of life diminishes. Chronic anxiety symptoms can make it difficult for the individual to attend school, hold a job, or cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships. If you or a loved one struggles with chronic anxiety, call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate team at Promises Behavioral Health about how our programs and services across the United States can provide proper mental health support and treatment.
What Is Chronic Anxiety?
What is chronic anxiety? It’s a persistent feeling of fear and a loss of control.
Common Signs of Chronic Anxiety
Some of the most common chronic anxiety symptoms are:
- Feeling on edge
- Inability to relax
- Intense fear of losing control
- Irritability
- Excessive fear and worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- A fear of dying
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
Chronic anxiety is related to a group of anxiety disorders. Although symptoms differ from one person to another, some signs are typical.
Physical Symptoms Accompanying Chronic Anxiety
Many physical symptoms can accompany chronic anxiety, some of which include:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach aches
- Muscle tension
Physical signs can also include severe symptoms like ulcers, chronic headaches, and even asthma attacks in those with asthma.
Causes of Chronic Anxiety
There is no single factor or group of factors that cause chronic anxiety. Each person has their own set of triggers and factors that can contribute to the condition. What one person finds anxiety-producing, another may not think about at all. However, some common factors are often cited as triggers of chronic anxiety, including:
- Substance use
- Stressful life events like a job loss, divorce, or death in the family
- Side effects of certain medications
- Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, heart disease, and diabetes
- Traumatic experiences, such as neglect or abuse
People may try to avoid situations that bring anxiety, leading to seclusion, isolation, or depression. People may struggle with panic attacks, social anxiety, and other conditions. A family history of anxiety disorders is another chronic anxiety risk factor.
Treatment for Signs of Chronic Anxiety
No single treatment is ideal for everyone struggling to manage chronic anxiety. Different combinations of treatment modalities can be helpful for people depending on their needs, personality, strengths, and specific condition. Some of the most effective treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Therapy
Therapy is a powerful treatment tool that can help people understand their chronic anxiety. As a person goes through treatment, they learn skills and coping mechanisms to help them deal with their anxiety triggers.
Medication
Medication can help reduce chronic anxiety symptoms and make the condition more manageable. Several medications are available, from beta-blockers and antidepressants to anti-anxiety drugs.
Lifestyle Changes
Several lifestyle changes can be combined with medication and therapy to change the lives of people struggling with chronic anxiety positively. These changes include eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
Find Anxiety Treatment with Promises Behavioral Health
Chronic anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the proper personalized treatment, chronic anxiety can be managed despite being a challenging mental health condition. If you think you or someone you care about needs the support and resources of a mental health treatment center for chronic anxiety, contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn how we can help.