Anxiety in women continues to be on the rise. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, but when it becomes severe and interferes with everyday life it can be a disabling disorder.
While anxiety can be quite severe in the effect it has on a woman’s life, it is even tougher to manage when it is present in conjunction with substance abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
When the two issues coexist, the best thing to do is to seek treatment from an experienced dual diagnosis treatment center, such as Destination Hope, as both problems will need to be addressed simultaneously in order to achieve long-term recovery.
How Common is Anxiety in Women?
Anxiety in women has increased so much that it has surpassed depression statistics in the United States. The Anxiety Disorder Association of America estimates that over 40 million people in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. They also say that women are twice as vulnerable to anxiety disorders as men and the problem seems to be growing.
Why Are Women More Susceptible to Anxiety?
The higher rate of susceptibility is attributable to differences in biology, as well as cultural and environmental factors. A lot of this may be based on the many roles that women are expected to take on in today’s society.
Despite women gaining equality in social views and being able and expected to have careers, they are still often expected to marry and have families and in many cases maintain previous responsibilities in those roles despite taking on careers. These situations can cause great amounts of stress leading to anxiety in women.
Women are also very likely to put off seeking treatment for anxiety issues, often because of these roles, feeling they can’t take a break from these responsibilities to get help. Avoiding treatment can result in the symptoms getting worse and more difficult to treat because anxiety is a progressive disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Women
While most people experience anxiety at some point, it is usually short-lived and in response to a situation that involves high levels of stress. When the feelings of anxiety extend into everyday situations and involve irrational responses to normal situations, it is quite likely that it has become a serious anxiety disorder.
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety in women so that it can be addressed and treated professionally. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Excessive or chronic tension and worry
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Unrealistic view of problems or challenges
- Irrational fear of everyday situations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Panic attacks
There are five major types of anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Phobia (also known as Social Anxiety Disorder).
Destination Hope is a dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment center that specializes in treating women with additive and mental health disorders. We have helped hundreds of women manage their anxiety and enjoy a life of wellness. Our program has received the highest accreditation from the Joint Commission and our staff consists of highly trained physicians and clinicians. If you or someone you care about is suffering from anxiety and substance abuse, please call our counselors today. We are here to help you and answer any questions you might have.
