In today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming world, mental health challenges are increasingly common. Two terms that frequently surface in conversations about mental health are panic attacks and anxiety attacks. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually describe different experiences. Understanding the distinction is crucial not only for those experiencing them but also for loved ones and mental health professionals working to provide compassionate support.
At Wings Recovery, we believe in the power of knowledge, community, and healing. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone else, this article will help clarify the differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks—and offer insights into how to manage both.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. It often feels overwhelming and uncontrollable, with both physical and emotional symptoms. Many individuals describe it as feeling like they’re having a heart attack, dying, or “losing their mind.”
Common Symptoms Include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or detachment
- Fear of losing control or dying
Panic attacks can happen without warning and are not always triggered by a specific event.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
The term anxiety attack is not formally defined in the DSM-5, but it’s widely used to describe an episode of heightened worry, fear, or distress that builds gradually in response to stress or anticipated danger.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Excessive worry or fear
- Restlessness or irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle tension or fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Racing heart
- Nausea
- Sweating
Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are typically tied to known triggers and build up over time.
Shared Symptoms and Overlap
Although different, both panic and anxiety attacks can share similar symptoms, such as:
- Racing heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sweating
- Feeling overwhelmed or detached
These overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish between the two, especially without clinical support.
Common Causes
Panic Attacks:
- Trauma or PTSD
- Genetic predisposition
- Phobias
- Brain chemistry imbalances
Anxiety Attacks:
- Chronic stress
- Work or relationship pressure
- Medical conditions
- Caffeine or certain medications
- Unprocessed trauma
At Wings Recovery, we explore the root causes of distress, not just the symptoms.
Coping Techniques
For Panic Attacks:
- Practice deep breathing: Calm your nervous system.
- Use grounding techniques: Focus on physical sensations.
- Repeat reassuring phrases: “This will pass. I’m safe.”
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Release tension in the body.
For Anxiety Attacks:
- Identify the trigger: Understand the source of fear.
- Challenge anxious thoughts: Replace with rational ones.
- Write it down: Journaling can provide clarity.
- Create a calm environment: Minimize sensory input.
Treatment and Recovery Options
If anxiety or panic attacks are impacting your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. Wings Recovery offers personalized, trauma-informed care, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Somatic Experiencing
- Medication Management
- Supportive Group Therapy
Our holistic approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit—because true recovery is about more than symptom relief. It’s about rediscovering your sense of peace, purpose, and power.
When to Reach Out
You may need professional help if:
- Attacks are becoming more frequent or intense
- You’re avoiding situations out of fear
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed or disconnected
- Anxiety or panic is affecting your work or relationships
- You’re relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms
- You’ve experienced trauma that continues to affect your wellbeing
At Wings Recovery, we’re here to help you break free from fear and reclaim your life.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Experiencing panic or anxiety attacks doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re human. These responses, though distressing, are manageable with the right tools, support, and care. Healing is possible. Recovery is real.
At Wings Recovery, we’re committed to walking with you on your journey—toward understanding, healing, and hope.
Contact Us
Ready to take the first step toward healing?
Reach out today for a free and confidential consultation at 888-790-9377
What Is the Best Way to Support Someone with BPD?
Loving someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. BPD is a complex mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. Individuals with BPD often struggle with intense emotions, fears of abandonment, unstable relationships, and difficulty trusting—even those closest to them. At Wings Recovery, we recognize the emotional toll BPD can take on individuals and their support systems. This May, in honor of Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on how to support loved ones with BPD—with understanding, patience, and compassion. Whether you’re a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or caregiver, this guide is designed to help you navigate the journey of supporting someone with BPD while also caring for your own emotional well-being.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by:
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Unstable and intense relationships
- Rapid mood swings
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Impulsivity (e.g., risky behavior)
- Anger that is inappropriate, intense, or difficult to control
- Distorted self-image
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
These symptoms are not just “moodiness” or “drama”—they are the result of deep psychological pain, often rooted in trauma, attachment wounds, or emotional neglect. Many individuals with BPD feel emotions more intensely and for longer periods of time than others. These emotional experiences can lead to a cycle of instability that’s painful not just for them, but also for the people who love them.
May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Each May, mental health organizations and advocates around the world work to increase understanding of BPD and reduce the stigma surrounding it. At Wings Recovery, we join this mission by promoting education, empathy, and hope for healing. BPD Awareness Month is a vital time to:
- Challenge myths and stereotypes about BPD
- Celebrate the courage of those in recovery
- Equip loved ones with tools for support
- Advocate for compassionate, trauma-informed care
Together, we can change the narrative around BPD—from one of fear and frustration to one of possibility and connection.
How to Help Someone with BPD: 10 Compassionate Strategies
1. Educate Yourself
The first and most important step is to learn about BPD. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and emotional patterns of the disorder can help you respond with empathy instead of judgment. Helpful resources include:
- Books like “I Hate You, Don’t Leave Me” by Jerold J. Kreisman
- Educational videos and webinars
- Articles from trusted mental health organizations like Wings Recovery
Knowledge is empowering—for both you and your loved one.
2. Listen Without Trying to Fix
People with BPD often feel misunderstood. When they share their pain, resist the urge to offer quick solutions. Instead, offer your full, nonjudgmental presence. Try saying:
- “I hear how hard this is for you.”
- “You’re not alone. I’m here.”
- “I may not understand everything, but I want to.”
Validation goes a long way in helping someone with BPD feel seen and safe.
3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Supporting someone with BPD doesn’t mean sacrificing your own mental health. It’s okay—and necessary—to set and maintain healthy boundaries. This could include:
- Saying no to verbal abuse or manipulation
- Taking time for yourself when you feel overwhelmed
- Defining what support you can realistically offer
Boundaries help both people feel secure in the relationship.
4. Encourage Professional Treatment
Therapy is a critical part of recovery for people with BPD. Treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-Focused Care are especially effective. At Wings Recovery, we specialize in:
- DBT skills (emotion regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness)
- Individual and group therapy
- EMDR and somatic trauma therapies
- Integrative healing for co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance use, eating disorders)
Encourage your loved one to seek professional help—and offer to support them through the process, whether that’s driving them to an appointment or helping them find a provider.
5. Avoid Triggers, But Don’t Walk on Eggshells
Certain situations or words may trigger intense emotional reactions in someone with BPD. Learn what these are and try to be sensitive to them—but remember, you don’t need to silence yourself or walk on eggshells. Instead:
- Use calm, clear communication
- Speak from a place of love
- Practice patience when conversations become emotionally charged
Staying grounded and consistent helps create an environment of safety and trust.
6. Recognize the Signs of a Crisis
Because of the intensity of their emotions, people with BPD may experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors during times of stress. It’s important to recognize the warning signs and know what to do. Red flags include:
- Talking about feeling worthless or wanting to die
- Withdrawing suddenly or going silent
- Increased impulsivity or risky behavior
If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Encourage them to call a therapist, crisis hotline, or accompany them to a hospital if necessary.
7. Celebrate Small Victories
Progress with BPD is not always linear—but it is possible. Celebrate small victories with your loved one, such as:
- Going a day without self-harm
- Attending a therapy session
- Communicating a need calmly
- Using a DBT skill in a stressful moment
Acknowledging their effort builds motivation and reinforces hope.
8. Don’t Take Things Personally
This one is tough. People with BPD may lash out, withdraw suddenly, or say things they don’t mean. Remember, these reactions are often driven by deep emotional pain—not you. While it’s okay to be hurt, try to see the bigger picture:
- Their behavior reflects their disorder, not your worth
- Your consistency and calmness can help de-escalate emotional storms
- Forgiveness (with boundaries) fosters healing
9. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Loving someone with BPD can be emotionally draining. You deserve support just as much as they do. Make space for:
- Therapy or support groups for caregivers
- Time with friends and hobbies
- Rest and relaxation
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself models healthy behavior for your loved one and ensures you can continue to show up for them in a sustainable way.
10. Hold Onto Hope
People with BPD are not “too much” or “beyond help.” With treatment and support, many go on to build fulfilling lives and relationships. Recovery is real—and it’s worth fighting for. At Wings Recovery, we’ve seen firsthand the resilience and beauty in individuals living with BPD. With the right tools, environment, and support network, healing is not just possible—it’s probable.
BPD in the Context of Trauma
Many individuals with BPD have a history of trauma, including:
- Childhood emotional neglect or abuse
- Abandonment or attachment disruptions
- Sexual assault or domestic violence
Understanding this link can help shift our view of BPD from “difficult behavior” to “a survival response to pain.” Trauma-informed care recognizes this and works to rebuild safety, trust, and emotional regulation. At Wings Recovery, we treat BPD within the context of trauma, using evidence-based practices tailored to each person’s unique experience.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
If you’re supporting someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, know this:
- You are doing meaningful work, even if it feels hard.
- You deserve support, education, and rest.
- You can love someone deeply without losing yourself in the process.
This May, during Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month, let’s commit to increasing compassion—for those living with BPD and those who love them. Let’s challenge stigma and celebrate progress. Let’s hold space for healing. At Wings Recovery, we’re here for the journey—offering professional treatment, family support, and a path to lasting recovery. Need Support? We’re Here. If you or your loved one is struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, Wings Recovery offers personalized, trauma-informed programs to help you heal—together. Reach out today for a free and confidential consultation at 888-790-9377
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of California, around 1.2% of people have OCD. This is equivalent to more than 473,000 individuals, or more than 30% of San Diego’s population.
Despite this, more than 20% of California residents in need of mental health treatment in 2021 didn’t receive care. Whether this is due to inaccessibility in their area or a misunderstanding of how support can help them – our team at Wings aims to fill this gap. Through our comprehensive treatment approach and open-door policy to any and all who need help, we want to make a difference.
One program that we offer is our obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment. This is available for our women’s and men’s programs at all levels of care. Let’s talk about how we can provide you with the healing you deserve.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition defined by intense thoughts and rituals that regularly interfere with your happiness and day-to-day functioning. These thoughts and rituals are known as obsessions and compulsions, and they’re not something the individual is always able to control.
OCD will never look the same from one person to the next. The source of a person’s obsessions and compulsions can come in many forms and can develop and evolve.
If you find yourself living in a cycle that you can’t break out of, our team at Wings Recovery is here to help. OCD doesn’t have to hold the reins in your life, our team can help you learn the skills you need to manage your OCD successfully.
How Does Therapy Help Reduce OCD Symptoms?
Here at Wings Recovery, our program is backed by our trauma-informed approach. Trauma is a leading cause of many mental health conditions, OCD included. Many people live through trauma and don’t realize how deeply it’s impacted them.
Our expert team will work with you to find the root cause of your OCD. We don’t just want to heal one facet of you, we work on a full-person approach to build a strong foundation for lasting healing.
OCD is treatable and manageable. By addressing what’s causing your OCD to worsen or intensify, you’ll be able to better recognize triggers and find new coping strategies that allow you to live life how you want once more.
Spotting the Most Common Symptoms of OCD
The symptoms of OCD consist of two things: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are the intrusive thoughts that are the source of a person’s stress or anxiety. They occur unprompted and are unwanted and distressing. Compulsions are the actions a person takes to try and alleviate the negative emotions stemming from their obsessions. These are often repetitive behaviors or rituals that lead to temporary relief from their obsessions.
Let’s discuss how different obsessions and compulsions may manifest depending on their source.
| Type |
Obsession |
Compulsions |
| Contamination |
Excess concern about becoming ill/sick or dirtying up one’s home/safe space |
Excessive hand washing, excessive cleaning, not leaving the house, taking extreme precautions when in public |
| Responsibility |
Fear that a lack of forethought or preparation will lead to themselves or others being hurt |
Triple-checking that doors are locked, turning off large appliances repetitively, avoiding even potentially dangerous scenarios |
| Perfectionism |
Fear of judgment from being incorrect, fear of disappointing others, and/or a fear of losing important things or forgetting important events |
Having strict organization systems, setting dozens of alarms, seeking reassurance constantly, hoarding items, doing tasks multiple times until they’re “perfect” |
| Violent/Sexual |
Fear of suddenly lashing out at oneself or others, seeing disturbing and unwanted gorey/sexual images, fear of acting sexually upon others |
Isolation, seeing reassurance from others, hiding objects that could be used for harm, developing superstitious rituals to “prevent” unwanted thoughts |
The above examples are just some of the ways that obsessions and compulsions may manifest. The specific compulsions often come from learned behaviors or develop as a result of trauma. Two people may both have primarily contamination OCD and still have no overlapping compulsions, so don’t take this list as the only possible option for symptoms.
What Causes OCD and Who’s Most Impacted by It?
While science is still learning more about the specific causes of OCD, continued research has led to several leading theories about how it can occur.
The primary factors are genetics and trauma.
If someone within a family has OCD, their descendants are more likely to have OCD. Additionally, like with many mental health conditions, trauma, and overall mental development play a hand in OCD, too. Our brains are complex yet sensitive and develop unique coping mechanisms when we’re faced with hardship. OCD is just one of many potential ways your mind may adjust to trauma.
On average, OCD will become prevalent as a teenager or young adult. This doesn’t mean that you can’t develop it later in life, however. On top of that, women are more likely to have OCD than men.
What’s the Difference Between OCD and OCPD?
Based on the acronyms alone, you may assume that OCD and OCPD are similar conditions, but this isn’t true. OCPD stands for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. While there can be overlap in symptoms, which is common amongst most mental health disorders, these are two separate diagnoses.
As the beginning of their names implies, OCD and OCPD both deal with obsession and compulsions. The difference stems from why each person has obsessions and compulsions. For OCD, these thoughts stem from anxiety and frequently cause distress. OCPD, on the other hand, specifically is derived from feeling out of control. This leads to the development of rigid beliefs in how the world and others should function.
How Is OCD Diagnosed and Managed?
In order to diagnose someone with OCD, most medical providers will first try to eliminate other possible diagnoses. This process could include a physical examination, a look into your family’s medical history, and more.
Depending on where you are seeking your diagnosis, your medical provider may refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation.
It’s not uncommon for the symptoms of OCD to be misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. This can stem from a misunderstanding of how symptoms are forming and impacting day-to-day life. OCD isn’t the only condition that comes with compulsions and obsessions, and it’s not uncommon to have OCD alongside other mental health disorders.
Start Your Chapter of Healing in San Diego Today With Wings Recovery
If you or a loved one are living with obsessions and compulsions that are taking control of your life, our team at Wings Recovery can help. We’ll work with you to find the root cause of your OCD and then equip you with the skills you need to tackle it moving forward. With long-term support and housing options, we’ll be here for you as long as you need us. If you have any questions, you can contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Healing doesn’t have to wait. You deserve it now. At Wings Recovery, our whole-person approach is designed with you in mind. Give us a call now at 888-790-9377 to get started.
Wings – Rising to Meet Recovery
“The hardest part for me was acknowledging the problem. I thought postpartum depression meant you were sobbing every single day and incapable of looking after a child. But there are different shades of it and depths of it, which is why I think it’s so important for women to talk about. It was a trying time. I felt like a failure.”
– Gwyneth Paltrow
In 2021 alone, there were more than 420,000 births across California. If you also take into account that nearly 7% of San Diego County residents got treatment for mental health in 2019, the overlap between the two statistics is high.
Even just one person living with an untreated mental health condition is one too many. For those who are pregnant or recently gave birth, postpartum depression can make an already large change in life much more difficult.
If you’re unsure if this is what you or a loved one is living with, or you just want to know what your options for treatment are, you’re in the right place. Our team at Wings Recovery Center has postpartum depression treatment options available for you.
What We Treat: Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD), sometimes referred to as “postpartum” or perinatal depression, is a mental health condition that arises during and after pregnancy. Nearly 1 in 7 pregnancies result in perinatal depression, yet the specifics of this condition are often overlooked or misunderstood.
It’s important to understand that this condition isn’t exclusive to those who can give birth and can happen to their partners as well, though it’s less common.
Pregnancy and childcare, as a whole, come with a myriad of hormonal changes, life changes, and more. These life changes, especially, can contribute to worsening mental health if you get less sleep or disrupt your self-care habits. Both of these are common when an infant is added to the picture.
Here at Wings Recovery Center, we recognize that this condition is often overlooked despite its potential for severity. Postpartum depression impacts not only the one who gave birth but the whole family. Not only that, but it is a treatable condition that doesn’t have to last forever. You deserve support, and we’re here to provide it.
How We Treat: The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Approach to Mental Health Care
You may wonder why a trauma-informed approach would be used for treating postpartum depression. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach is more than just focusing on trauma, though that is the core of it. This approach seeks to address the root causes of mental health concerns instead of just treating the symptoms.
Additionally, pregnancy itself is often traumatic. Even if you’ve given birth before, no two pregnancies are the same. One may go smoothly, while the other has intense symptoms or requires an emergency c-section. Addressing the drastic changes and variances between pregnancy and birth experiences is key for a quality PPD program.
At Wings Recovery, we recognize that untreated trauma is not only common but often unnoticed. Trauma isn’t just living through a massive event, it’s about the fender bender you got into in high school or the bullying you experienced as a kid. Small traumas happen to us all, and through our treatment, we will help you find peace.
When Does Postpartum Depression Require Treatment?
There’s a difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression. Baby blues are incredibly common due to the hormonal, bodily, and circumstantial life changes that occur during birth and immediately after. These periods of high emotions usually only last a couple of weeks after birth. When these feelings and experiences last longer than that, odds are you’re dealing with postpartum depression instead.
How can you know if what you’re experiencing truly requires treatment?
We’re going to talk about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, but it’s important to note that if you feel like you’re overwhelmed and in need of support – then you do. You don’t have to “qualify” for support or suffer to a certain extent before being “worthy.” You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to help.
Understanding the Signs of Postpartum Depression
Even if you have the baby blues and feel better after a few days, this doesn’t guarantee that you won’t experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression doesn’t always occur immediately after you give birth, it can take a few weeks for symptoms to start.
Overall, the signs of postpartum depression share a lot of overlap with the signs of major depressive disorder. The common signs include:
- Feelings of guilt or sorrow without a defined source
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling lifeless or disconnected from reality
- Being unable to care for yourself and/or your baby
- Having changes in your sleep patterns (excessive sleep or inability to sleep)
- Having decreased appetite
- New or worsening difficulties with concentration and memory
- Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to yourself or your baby
- Lack of interest in things you usually enjoy
These symptoms can vary in severity and specificity. For example, one person with PPD may feel separation anxiety when away from their baby, while another may have little desire to be around their baby. What ties these symptoms together is that they’re detrimental to multiple aspects of your life, including your health.
What Are the Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression?
Pregnancy and having a baby in and of itself is a risk factor for postpartum depression. However, there are additional factors that can influence and increase the odds of someone experiencing PPD.
These risk factors include:
- Having untreated mental health conditions
- Having little or no support during or after pregnancy
- Having bipolar disorder or depression
- Having untreated trauma, even if unrelated to your pregnancy
- Having an uncertain living situation, including a rocky relationship with your partner
- Having high and/or unmanaged stress
Some of these risk factors go unnoticed, especially untreated trauma. This is why treatment is so important – you don’t have to find the source yourself. At Wings Recovery Center, our team is trained to help find the root of your postpartum symptoms so you can have a strong foundation of long-term healing.
What Should You Do if Someone Has Postpartum Depression?
Whether you notice postpartum depression in yourself or a loved one, the most important thing you should do is seek care. No one needs to live with untreated mental health. It can make life complicated, exhausting, and much worse when it doesn’t have to stay that way.
If you’re concerned about a loved one, showing your support is key. Talk with them about their feelings and ask how you can best be there for them. For some, this can mean helping them look for treatment, while for others, it may mean taking on a few more household tasks or giving them a day off. There’s no wrong way to support someone if it works for both of you.
While treatment is the best, surefire way to address and overcome PPD, here are a few simple tricks you can do from home to help manage PPD.
- Make sure you take care of yourself, even in small ways. Any care is better than no care.
- Do your best to maintain good nutrition and hydration. Our bodies and minds need it to thrive. They can best focus on healing whenever they have the energy.
- Try to find a consistent sleep routine. This doesn’t always mean 8 hours of continuous rest a night, babies aren’t always so understanding. But having a sleep routine will help your body more, even if you break up when you sleep.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. More people love and care about you than you realize. It’s okay to want and need support, especially when a new baby and your well-being are involved.
Get Support and Treatment for Postpartum Depression Today at Wings Recovery in San Diego
You don’t need to wait to find good treatment and support, our team at Wings Recovery is here to help. With our gender-specific support groups, you’ll find people who truly understand your experiences and provide you with the quality care you deserve. With supportive housing and outpatient options, there’s no reason not to get started today.
Healing is always an option. At Wings Recovery, our team is committed to you and your needs. Through our trauma-informed approach, we’ll work to find the root of your mental health concerns so you can have long-lasting healing. Call us now at 888-790-9377 to learn more and take your first step towards a better life.
Wings – Rising to Meet Recovery
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
1 in 3 California adults experience symptoms of anxiety or depression every year. In 2022 alone, more than half a million California residents sought mental health support. This leaves many people who experienced symptoms but didn’t get help – why? For some, it boils down to misunderstanding or lack of education. If you don’t understand the symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing, it’s easier to overlook treatment as an option. At Wings Recovery Center, we not only educate on mental health conditions but also provide top-quality care to all who need it. If you’ve experienced consistent symptoms of anxiety but are unsure where to turn, we’re here to help.
What We Treat: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
We all experience stress and worry from time to time, but for people living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), these emotions are long-lasting and often without a clear source. They interfere with daily life, causing you to change your routines in an attempt to quell your concerns. On top of that, GAD can contribute to a range of physical ailments, too, such as a worsened immune system and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. If you don’t have generalized anxiety disorder, it’s easy to be dismissive of their lived experiences. Sayings like, “It’s not that big of a deal,” and, “You’re overreacting,” are common, unfortunately. The general misunderstanding of how anxiety disorders function and impact individuals leads to stigma and lack of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder is more than just a little worry, it’s a mental health condition outside of a person’s control. It deserves support and compassion, and through treatment, it can be managed. Our team at Wings Recovery Center has years of experience guiding people to a life of healing. We’re here to help you reclaim your time and provide long-lasting support for generalized anxiety disorder.
How We Treat: Our Trauma-Informed Approach to Mental Healing
While anxiety can develop due to genetics, the most common source behind anxiety is learned and lived experiences – otherwise known as trauma. Trauma is a vast and complicated thing that occurs more often than you think. In fact, 1 in 4 San Diego County residents say that they experienced 4 or more adverse childhood experiences before the age of 18. How many of these people found support and treatment to address these ACEs? Through our trauma-informed approach to healing, we focus on you. It’s not just about trauma, though that is at the root of what we do. A trauma-informed approach seeks to find the cause of your mental health and address that directly alongside your healing. This provides a strong foundation for long-term healing.
Understanding the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder come in physical, mental, and behavioral forms. No two people will experience the same combination of symptoms at the same severity. However, your symptoms can also change over time, so knowing about the most common symptoms can help you spot them if they happen.
| Physical Side Effects |
Mental Side Effects |
Behavioral Side Effects |
| Having a new or worsening tremor |
Having increased difficulties concentrating |
Being jumpy and/or startling easy |
| Nausea and decrease in appetite |
Decrease in overall sleep quality and consistency |
Avoiding things or people you usually enjoy |
| Excessive sweating |
Having trouble relaxing |
Increased irritability |
| Feeling light-headed or out of breath frequently |
Having increased difficulties in decision-making |
Worrying frequently about small or everyday things |
| New or worsening headaches and overall body pains |
Experiencing anxiety or panic attacks |
Having difficulties controlling your emotions |
How Does Generalized Anxiety Disorder Overlap With Other Conditions?
Many symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder overlap with other similar conditions. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for someone to have co-occurring mental health conditions or more than one mental health condition at the same time. The two types of mental health conditions with the most overlap are others that fall under the same umbrella of anxiety disorders. These include panic disorders and phobias. These conditions also involve overwhelming anxiety that interrupts daily life. Obsessive-compulsive disorder was previously listed as a form of anxiety, though it now has been recognized as its own classification. The same can be said for post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of trauma. These conditions have a lot of overlap with generalized anxiety and anxiety disorders but aren’t exactly the same. People living with a co-occurring condition can also exhibit symptoms of anxiety or develop an anxiety disorder as a result.
When Does Anxiety Need Treatment?
Everyone feels anxious sometimes, so what sets aside occasional anxiety from a type of anxiety that’s in need of treatment? First, it’s important to note that just because one person is living with higher or more consistent anxiety than another doesn’t mean they’re at fault for doing so. Anxiety disorders aren’t a choice. People living with generalized anxiety disorders have their lives disrupted by their side effects. Their anxiety leads to increased stress, minimal or neglected self-care, and can even be a cause of illness. If you’re still uncertain about if your anxiety is worth treatment, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- Are you frequently unable to quell your worries or fears?
- Does your anxiety interfere with activities you want to do and enjoy doing?
- Has your anxiety led to physical side effects like headaches or nausea?
- Has your anxiety decreased your eating and sleep habits?
- Do you often feel like your fears are over the top or excessive, yet you’re unable to do anything about it?
- Have you had to alter the way you live your life in an attempt to feel less anxious?
- Have your loved ones expressed concern about your behaviors?
- Is your anxiety persistent?
- Have your anxious thoughts and feelings taken up most of your time for at least half a year or longer?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you should talk to your doctor about generalized anxiety disorder treatment.
What Does Treatment for Anxiety Consist Of?
Anxiety treatment generally consists of talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy. These are used in combination with other elements of treatment, such as experiential therapies, holistic approaches, and much more. At the core of anxiety treatment is a drive to locate the source of your emotions and reactions. From there, you work with your team to relearn responses and identify triggers ahead of time. Each journey for mental health healing is unique. This is due to how pivotal life experiences are in shaping your overall mental health. No two people are the same, so the skills that work for one person may not work for another. This is why our team at Wings Recovery takes such a hands-on approach to your healing. You’ll have a team committed to your recovery journey, altering and shaping it as you move along in order to best suit your needs.
How is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
When seeking a diagnosis for any mental health condition, it’s not uncommon for your doctor or other medical professionals to do a physical exam first. Several physical ailments lead to behavioral symptoms, so it’s important to rule those out before diagnosing. From there, you may be asked about your family’s medical and mental health history. If you have loved ones who are also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, the odds of you having it are higher. Finally, depending on your doctor, you may be moved to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment. 
Your Treatment Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in San Diego Through Wings Recovery
You don’t need to wait to get started with your healing journey. Anxiety doesn’t have to be in charge of your life, so take the first step now. With our specialized, gender-specific programming and a team dedicated to you and your recovery, you’re in good hands at Wings Recovery Center. We offer supportive housing, residential treatment, and outpatient programming at various levels so you can find what best suits your needs. Call us today at 888-790-9377, and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have. Wings – Rising to Meet Recovery
