San Diego’s Anxiety Treatment Program
“Just because I can’t explain the feelings causing my anxiety doesn’t make them less valid.”
— Lauren Elizabeth
Overwhelmed. Trapped. Panicked. Out of control.
These are just some of the words people use to describe living with anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are very real, mental health conditions that influence the way you’re able to go about your day. They can make activities you used to love and enjoy full of stress and strife. They can turn friendships into sources of fear as your mind conjures up the worst-case scenarios.
If you’re one of nearly 20% of adults who are living with anxiety, you’re not alone. No matter how your anxiety currently impacts you, or if you’re living with other co-occurring conditions, there are care options available here at Wings Recovery.
What We Treat: Anxiety Disorders
We’ve all experienced anxiety at some point in our lives. The difference between worry, fear, and an anxiety disorder, however, is greater than many realize.
Those who are living with an anxiety disorder have their lives disrupted by this condition. Their anxiety will impact the things they want to do, their relationships, their physical health, and more.
Anxiety caused by anxiety disorders doesn’t go away over time and can get worse. These feelings are often overwhelming and can be triggered by a wide range of things. Some people may have triggers others consider to be “normal” reasons for anxiety, such as work or money. Others may have triggers related to trauma, or have them caused by spiraling thoughts or “irrational” fears.
To those living with anxiety, these fears and concerns are very real. They may feel impossible to overcome, but we assure you, they’re not. Our team here at Wings Recovery Center is here to help you manage your anxiety and put your life back on the path you want it to be on.
How We Treat: How a Trauma-Informed Approach Helps Address Anxiety
Here at Wings Recovery Center, we offer gender-specific care programs that are backed by a trauma-informed approach.
Trauma plays a large role in mental health, and many people are unaware of the way their traumas have impacted them. When people think of trauma they often think of “big” events like living through a hurricane or losing a loved one in a car accident. Our brains aren’t so black and white. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes, and by addressing trauma in your care program, you’ll receive a well-rounded approach to your healing. One that seeks to not just address one facet of your mental health, but every piece that makes you who you are.
No matter what level of care you need, our program has options for you. Some people need a space away from their daily lives to focus on healing. Others want to incorporate their healing into their routine so they don’t have to miss work or family events. All of these options are available to you. From residential care to varying levels of outpatient care, our medical team will craft a plan that suits your needs.
Understanding the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
The umbrella of anxiety disorders has a few conditions under it, as well as a lot of overlap with other mental health conditions. The symptoms associated with anxiety aren’t exclusive to anxiety disorders. Many people who are living with trauma, OCD, and more also experience anxiety.
So what makes an anxiety disorder different from the feeling of anxiety? To better understand that, let’s explain the most common types of anxiety disorders.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – Those who experience extreme feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness, often with minimal to no defined “reason” for their feelings. These emotions and experiences persist and interfere with your daily life. These emotions and symptoms will occur frequently for months or even years.
- Panic disorder – Those living with panic disorder will experience frequent and sudden panic attacks. These can have triggers, but can also occur without a clear source. People with panic disorder usually avoid things like social events or even workplaces because they’re worried they’ll have a panic attack.
- Social anxiety disorder – Those who have social anxiety disorder experience symptoms of anxiety targeted specifically at social situations and the relationships the individual has with those around them. These fears are intense, stemming beyond simple nervousness or shyness. The anxiety surrounding social situations can start weeks leading up to a planned outing and generate great distress, sometimes leading to physical responses such as nausea or tremors.
- Phobias – The term “phobia” refers to strong fears of something that poses little or no true danger. Phobias come in all shapes and sizes and don’t have to have a trigger or known reason for why the person develops it. The person with the phobia will experience intense, anxiety symptoms whenever their phobia is involved.
What is a Panic Attack?
While people with anxiety may experience panic attacks, not everyone who has panic attacks has a panic disorder.
Panic attacks are intense moments of fear that overwhelm the individual. They can lead to shortness of breath, chest pains, intense fear, rapid heart rate, and a disconnect from reality. Panic attacks often last a few minutes, though the exact timeframe will vary in every situation.
Anxiety is a lingering sensation that doesn’t physically incapacitate someone to the same degree as a panic attack.
Knowing the Impact – How Many Californians Have Anxiety?
Anxiety is prevalent across the United States as a whole, but we want to focus on how it’s impacting our state, and our communities in particular.
On average, nearly 1 in 3 adults in California reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in 2023. At the same time, nearly 6% of minors, or 1 in 16 minors, in California reported living with anxiety. Despite this, over 1.5 million Californians who needed mental health care did not receive treatment.
Awareness of these statistics and further education on anxiety and mental health care can lower these numbers and get people access to the support they deserve.
How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?
Like with many mental health conditions, a medical professional will first work with you to help eliminate any physical conditions that could be the source of your symptoms.
After a physical exam, medical professionals will look into your family history and also work through a psychological evaluation with you. Depending on your provider, they may do the evaluation themselves, or refer you to a mental health professional.
If you’re diagnosed with an anxiety-related mental health condition, your medical team will talk through your treatment options with you.
Are There Medications That Treat Anxiety?
There are a variety of medications that have been used for treating anxiety disorders. These range from anti-anxiety-specific medications to antidepressants and other non-traditional approaches. Mental health medications and their success rates vary from person to person and many medications are used off-label when addressing anxiety.
The important part of utilizing medication for anxiety is to be open and honest with your medical team about your results. Medications are best used in combination with talk therapy and other treatments to help set you up for long-term success in your healing journey.
Anxiety Treatment Options Available Here in California Through Wings Recovery
If you’re ready to take the first step toward tackling your anxiety, contact us today. At Wings Recovery Center, we’re dedicated to providing quality care at whatever level you need.
Our gender-specific programs allow you access to the best care possible in an environment that understands your unique life circumstances. You will have a dedicated support network through your therapists, who will work with you along every step of the way.
There’s no wrong way or time to get started on your journey of healing. Wings Recovery Center is driven by our passionate team, with an understanding of trauma and mental health as the backbone of what we do. We want to help, so give us a call at 888-790-9377 to get started.
Wings – Rising to Meet Recovery