Generalized anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder are challenging for individuals to overcome. It is not something that is easily fixed as it is psychological in nature with some physical manifestations as well. It can take time and patience to deal with the symptoms. Learn more about both and how they differ.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is for a person who experiences excessive anxiety and worry for a period of at least six months. Usually the overly concerned person is focused on events or activities and has little control over the worry. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and irritability are frequent complaints while sleep may be disturbed among other things. PTSD, on the other hand, is quite a different experience.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is the result of being exposed to a traumatic event which is involved in an actual or threatened death or serious injury to self or others. Commonly it can have recurrent and intrusive, distressing recollection of events, images thoughts or perceptions. Veterans have a high rate of PTSD. Other groups who struggle are firemen, policemen and individuals who experience sexual assault or violence.
How to Cope
Neither of the disorders are something to ignore. Both of the disorders occupy time in a person’s life, cause lack of sleep and affect overall quality of life. Coping mechanisms usually kick in and this is where prescription drugs, illegal drugs or alcohol become front line in the response to unresolved anxiety. When struggling with post traumatic stress disorder or Generalized Anxiety, it is best not to wait or avoid the issue. Seeking help is often the best way to cope. A place that specializes in treatment for this can help. Turning to drugs and alcohol can only increase the severity of the situation and make it worse. Professionals are available to provide counseling, support and guidance on the pathway to recovery.
The Villa believes every individual needs the chance to get past trauma to the layers of reasons for addiction. Learn some tips, tools and resources so we can help guide you to a better life.