Mental wellness and recovery from addiction go hand in hand. Coping with depression, trauma,  or anxiety can be a challenge. You may have even used drugs or alcohol to cope with these concerns. Once you have started the journey of recovery, you will be better able to have emotional and mental wellness.

Anxiety can feel debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be. You will find it important to treat anxiety and dependency issues at the same time. Treating one and not the other is counter productive. You can start by talking with a medical professional about the anxiety you experience. Your doctor may recommend that you talk with a psychiatrist and/or a therapist.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Heart palpitations
• Feelings of dread or doom
• Racing thoughts
• Trouble breathing
• Inability to focus

The first step towards talking to your doctor is honesty. You should be seeing a physician with whom you feel comfortable and can share. If your medical professional meets these criteria, schedule an appointment to talk about anxiety.

When you meet with your doctor, explain the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Some people find it helpful to write down the symptoms that they have. Ask your doctor for their opinion about your symptoms. Your doctor may advise seeing a psychiatrist and/or a therapist to follow up and seek treatment.

If your physician or psychiatrist recommend anxiety medications, you should inform them that you have a history of addiction. The purpose of talking about your history is to make sure that you aren’t prescribed medication that causes dependency. Some anxiety medications, like Benzodiazepines, do.

Medications are not the only intervention for anxiety. Your doctor will most likely encourage you to see a therapist. Therapy can work with you on the cause of anxiety. Therapy will focus on developing skills to combat anxiety symptoms.

With the proper care, anxiety symptoms can subside. You can learn how to live your life to the fullest. You are not anxiety. Rather, you are a strong individual who copes with anxiety. You are strong, you are capable, and can get through this.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your physical and emotional health. We understand that recovery is so much more than alcohol and drug use. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about what treatment means for you. At the Kimberly Center, you can trust that you are in safe hands.