Are you an individual who is experiencing pre-treatment anxiety? Or do you have a loved one who is currently going through the anxiety? You are not alone. Pre-treatment anxiety is a common concern that almost everybody faces. The good news is there are several different strategies and techniques that can help you cope with this anxiety. In this blog, we will go through the various ways you can help the anxiety, allowing you to have a more calm and peaceful mindset before starting your recovery journey. Say goodbye to worry and anxiety, and hello to a more confident and relaxed you.
Understanding Pre-Treatment Anxiety
Common Causes and Triggers of Pre-Treatment Anxiety
When it comes to addiction and mental health treatment, there are a few different reasons that may cause you or your loved one anxiety which include:
- Fear of withdrawal symptoms and discomfort during the detoxification process.
- The stigma that is often associated with addiction and mental health issues as the individual may worry about the judgment from others for entering a rehab center or the impact it could have on their personal relationships or their professional lives.
- Facing deep-rooted emotions and past trauma.
- Fear of the unknown and not knowing what to expect during the recovery process.
- Financial worries
- Etc…
The Emotional and Physical Symptoms Experienced
When an individual becomes overwhelmed by anxiety, there are many different emotional and physical symptoms that they may experience. Emotionally, anxiety can cause one to feel excessively worried, scared, and have a sense of impending doom. They may also find it difficult to control their thoughts and only focus on potential threats or negative outcomes. The constant emotional distress can lead to intense restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. On the physical side of things, anxiety can cause increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and chest pain. Digestive issues such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea can also be physical symptoms associated with anxiety. The physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety can be overwhelming and impact the individual’s quality of life, highlighting the importance of learning how to manage pre-treatment anxiety.
Strategies to Manage Pre-Treatment Anxiety
Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises
Mindfulness and relaxation exercises are powerful tools that will help fight against anxiety. These exercises are about bringing your attention to the present moment and creating a sense of calmness and clarity. Their are many different exercises you can perform to get these benefits.
One exercise is focused breathing, when you focus on the way you are breathing in and out of your body. This exercise will help calm the mind, reduce stress, and provide relaxation. Meditation is another effective exercise you can perform. Sit somewhere quietly and focus on your thoughts, breathing, or a specific object. This will provide a sense of awareness, reduce anxiety, and increase mental clarity.
Engaging your senses can also be soothing and help reduce anxiety. You can do this by practicing mindful eating and paying attention to the tastes, smells, colors, and textures of the food you are eating. You can also take a mindful walk, this will help you connect with nature by focusing on the scenery, sounds, and feelings of each step.
When consistently performing these exercises, they will help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions which will help you respond to stressful situations with a more calm state of mind and increased clarity. It can also reduce how often these stressful situations occur and how intense they can be.
Exercise and Physical Activity
When you participate in exercise and physical activity, there are a few different benefits you can receive from this. Physical activity has been proven to have positive effects on mental health. When we work out or do some sort of physical activity, there are endorphins that are released into our bodies which are known as “feel-good” hormones. When these endorphins are released they help elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being. These endorphins act as natural stress and anxiety reducers.
Exercise also acts as a distraction from worries and negative thoughts that are usually associated with anxiety. When you shift your focus away from the worries and stresses and focus on the physical activity you are doing, it can provide temporary relief from the anxious thoughts. Exercise will also help improve your quality of sleep which is very important for maintaining good mental health.
Dietary Adjustments
When it comes to reducing anxiety, diet often gets overlooked. While diet alone may not completely eliminate anxiety, it can help with reducing anxiety symptoms and providing a more balanced state of mind.
You should consider eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna
- Herring
- Sardines
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
And foods that have complex carbohydrates like:
- Brown rice
- Wild rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Corn
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to lower levels of stress, and complex carbohydrates help promote the production of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Seek Social Support
The journey towards recovery can be scary and overwhelming, and having a support system around you can play a big role in reducing anxiety. Reaching out to trusted friends, support groups, or family members who can provide a safe space to express your feelings, fears, and concerns will help lighten the burden of pre-treatment anxiety. Connecting with other individuals who have been down the same path and through similar challenges can give a sense of trust, validation, and encouragement, reminding individuals that they are not alone.
Journaling and Expressive Writing
Journaling refers to regularly writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private and personal setting while expressive writing is writing freely and openly about emotions and experiences.
Journaling allows individuals to process their own thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental space. By putting their feelings down on paper into written words, individuals can gain clarity and insight into their anxiety. This helps with identifying patterns, triggers, and the underlying causes of the anxiety which can help with problem-solving and decision-making.
On the other hand, expressive writing encourages the release of built-up emotions and provides a sense of emotional catharsis. By freely and openly writing about these topics and expressing anxieties, fears, and worries on paper, individuals can experience a feeling of relief.
Engaging in Hobbies and Activities
When we participate in activities we enjoy such as painting, singing, writing, hiking, cooking, or drawing, our focus shifts away from the worries that are associated with anxiety. Hobbies provide us with a sense of purpose and direction, giving us something to look forward to and get excited about. They also offer an effective outlet for expressing emotions and relieving tension. Another important part of participating in these activities is they involve concentration and mindfulness, allowing our attention to be on the present moment, and having that temporary escape from anxiety.
If you’re approaching your treatment journey, remember that you are not alone. There are strategies and support available to help manage pre-treatment anxiety. Take the time to prioritize your mental well-being and embrace the journey to a more confident and relaxed you.
Being an alcohol and drug addiction rehab in Kaysville, we understand the anxiety that happens leading up to the treatment process. If the anxiety is taking over, and you can’t manage it, give us a call and we will help you.
