Since the early 1990s, April has been designated in the U.S. as Stress Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to increasing public understanding of both stress and related symptoms of anxiety. It’s also dedicated to highlighting the need for anxiety treatment and awareness. Anxiety treatment and awareness go hand in hand. Therefore, the greater your awareness of the effects of anxiety, the greater the chance that you will seek help when needed.
Understanding the Need for Stress and Anxiety Awareness
Stress is your body’s natural way of responding to certain events and situations. It occurs when you feel pressured, and your fight-or-flight response is activated. This response can help you focus, act quickly, and avoid potential danger. However, it can put your mind and body under undue strain in the long run.Â
Anxiety is a common consequence of stress. When it’s active, you may feel a range of unpleasant emotions, including:
- Fear
- Dread
- Worry
- Nervousness
- Panic
Anxiety can also alter the normal function of your heart, lungs, and other key organs.
All people have a maximum level of tolerance for stress and anxiety. This level differs from case to case. When you exceed it, serious problems may follow. That’s especially true when high stress and anxiety are ongoing or chronic.Â
Stress and anxiety are known factors in substance abuse and addiction. They are also the basis for a group of mental health conditions known as anxiety disorders. Taken together, these disorders are America’s most common forms of mental illness. Proper treatment can help you cope with anxiety and reduce your risks for future problems.
The Goals of Stress Awareness Month
By itself, stress is not an illness. However, its role in triggering illness is undeniable. The impact of stress goes far beyond contributing to substance problems and anxiety disorders. Conditions linked to its harmful effects in one way or another include:
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- AsthmaÂ
- Tension and migraine headaches
One of the main goals of Stress Awareness Month is to make these widespread effects more well-known. Organizers of the month also seek to raise awareness of the treatments available for stress-related conditions. In addition, a focus is placed on busting myths that decrease your chances of seeking treatment.
Healthcare professionals across the country take part in increasing stress and anxiety awareness. Public health experts also participate. Avenues used to increase awareness include pamphlets, dedicated websites, and media campaigns. They also include online and in-person discussion groups and forums.Â
Stress and Anxiety Treatment Options
Self-care can help you keep your stress and anxiety levels under control. An effective routine typically involves regular sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet. You may also benefit from participation in a stress management program or talking to a therapist.
If you’re affected by addiction or an anxiety disorder, you need professional help to recover. You also need expert care to recover from combined cases of addiction and serious anxiety. Medication and therapy may be used to treat both of these problems. Your specific options depend on the details of your situation.
Seek Addiction and Anxiety Treatment at New Start Recovery
New Start Recovery specializes in the treatment of drug and alcohol problems. We also specialize in treating anxiety in the context of addiction recovery. During Stress Awareness Month and throughout the year, you’ll receive a customized plan that fits your specific situation.Â
This approach helps ensure that you receive the full benefit of your treatment. It also helps you establish a long-term pattern of health and wellness. For more information on addiction and anxiety treatment at New Start, call us today at [Direct]. You also have the option of filling out our online form.