This pages was reviewed by Steve Clarke (FdSc Integrative Counselling, MSc in Addictions Psychology and Counselling, Master Practitioner for Eating Disorders – National Centre for Eating Disorders, accredited member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)), Psychotherapist at Life Works.
Whilst it is natural for all of us to experience worry and anxiety on occasions, when these emotions are very intense or are experienced over a prolonged period of time, it may be that you have developed an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can become apparent in a variety of ways, ultimately reducing an individual’s wellbeing and having a debilitating effect on their ability to function effectively on a daily basis.
I think I need treatment for co-occurring anxiety. How can Life Works help me?
Anxiety can be a devastating condition for many people and when this condition co-occurs alongside an addiction or eating disorder, it can cause a whole host of problems. However, at Life Works, our experts recognise that comprehensive, professional support and treatment can alleviate most, if not all, of the distress associated with anxiety disorders.
Our bespoke Like Works anxiety treatment programmes empower our clients to increase self-awareness, helping them to identify triggers for their anxiety and enable the development of effective, life-long coping strategies. Our holistic approach to anxiety treatment at our specialist centre means that not only do we treat the symptoms and physical manifestations of anxiety, but also means that we tackle the underlying issues that caused the anxiety to develop in the first place.
We understand that individuals suffering with anxiety find themselves having to deal with persistent and chronic symptoms of what can be a devastating mental health condition, which often requires professional help & support to overcome. As such, our Surrey-based experts are dedicated to providing comprehensive help for co-occurring anxiety to each and every one of our clients, helping you to address the source and symptoms of your anxiety and ultimately equip you with the skills to regain control of your life, health and wellbeing.
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?
The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, as well as according to the type of anxiety that you are struggling with alongside your addiction or eating disorder. However, there are a series of anxiety symptoms that are common to all types, and can manifest either physically or psychologically.
Physical symptoms of anxiety:
- Breathing difficulties
- Shaking and palpitations
- Hot or cold flushes
- Tightness of the chest
- Nausea
- Loose bowels and frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Muscle tension and tiredness
- Changes in appetite resulting in weight fluctuations
- Sleep disturbances
Psychological symptoms of anxiety:
- Persistent sense of worry and dread
- Extreme stress
- Tearfulness
- Feeling emotionally tired
- Anger and irritability
- Impatience
- Poor judgement
- Panic attacks
- Drugs and alcohol abuse
Treatment for co-occurring anxiety at Life Works
Treatment for co-occurring anxiety at Life Works takes place as part of your addiction or eating disorder treatment programme. We use a whole host of tried and tested treatment approaches including:
- Group therapy for anxiety - this form of therapy takes place in a group setting with other Life Works clients. This treatment format has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of co-occurring anxiety along with addictions and eating disorders. Discussing your problems in a group enables you to share your experiences with other people, receive feedback on your progress and offer mutual support in a highly compassionate environment
- 1:1 therapy for anxiety - 1:1 therapy is used in addition to group therapy in the treatment of anxiety. This form of therapy allows you to explore your co-occurring anxiety in detail with one of our experts, as well as begin to identify the underlying causes and triggers for your condition
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety - CBT, a widely used type of psychotherapy, aims to address the destructive thought processes that underpin your anxiety, examining why these beliefs and thought patterns have become dysfunctional, before encouraging you to view the situation in new and healthier ways
- Medication for anxiety - medication is often prescribed alongside CBT in order to complement the psychotherapy, especially if your anxiety disorder is particularly acute and having a detrimental impact on daily functioning. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a form of antidepressant medication and are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety, acting as an additional buffer alongside other therapeutic approaches. Your suitability to take SSRIs will be thoroughly assessed and considered in conjunction with your addiction or eating disorder diagnosis