Understanding and Treating Oppositional Defiance Disorder at Driftwood Recovery

Oppositional defiance disorder is a poorly understood mental health condition. Though usually seen in children, this condition can affect adults as well. Many of these adults struggle with patterns of anger and vindictiveness without knowing its source. It can be severe enough that adults struggling with oppositional defiance disorder turn to self-medicating to ease their symptoms. In the end, self-medicating often leads to substance abuse and addiction. Oppositional defiance disorder is not just an isolating condition. It also can be life-threatening. 

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, clients living with oppositional defiance disorder can find comprehensive and compassionate treatment. The staff at Driftwood Recovery understands that the drive behind these behaviors is not the client’s fault. However, with treatment, adults with oppositional defiance disorder can learn how to control their behavior and cope with their condition. In time, these adults can live healthy, fulfilling lives. All it takes is the willingness to reach out for help.

To see how oppositional defiance disorder is treated, we must first gain an understanding of the condition. This education serves two purposes. First, it educates the average person about this condition and encourages empathy and understanding. Secondly, it provides hope to those struggling with oppositional defiance disorder that treatment and recovery are possible for themselves and their loved ones. 

A Brief Overview of Oppositional Defiance Disorder

Oppositional defiance disorder (or oppositional defiant disorder) is a condition identified by the DSM-5 as “a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness.” This disorder is typically diagnosed in children, but adults may also be diagnosed with oppositional defiance disorder as well. Children often outgrow this condition, but about half of them will continue to experience symptoms through adulthood. Oppositional defiance disorder is genetic and will often affect several members of a family line. 

The angry, defiant, and vindictive behavior is usually targeted toward positions of authority, perceived or real. Examples include parents, teachers, coworkers, bosses, and law enforcement officials. This makes it difficult for adults with oppositional defiance disorder to function at work, home, or school. Common symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder are:

• Commonly feeling oppressed or “kept down” by an authority figure or rules
• Loses temper often, which can sometimes result in violent behaviors
• Is easily annoyed by others 
• Argues constantly with family and coworkers with a distinct need to “win” the argument 
• Intense feelings of anger and resentment
• Is highly defensive when criticized and blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior
• Actively refuses to comply with rules or laws, even when detrimental to personal safety 
• Deliberately annoys people or pick fights 
• Engages in spiteful or vindictive behaviors 

Note that oppositional defiance disorder is not a person with a bad temper. This is a serious condition that prevents a person from living a normal life – as seen by its effect on a person’s mental health. 

The Effects of Oppositional Defiance Disorder on Mental Health

Adults who live with oppositional defiance disorder are not just angry or irritable from time to time. They struggle with feelings of intense anger at the world every day. Losing your temper is a regular occurrence. This may manifest in dangerous activities, such as road rage or picking fights with law enforcement. Those struggling with this condition may also become verbally or physically abusive – abuse which is often levied at the people they love and care about. There are times when those with this condition put themselves in deadly danger by disobeying those they feel are in authority, which often leads to accidents and other preventable harm. 

It’s not just issues like getting into trouble with the law, losing a job, or putting oneself in danger. Oppositional defiance disorder is an incredibly isolating condition. Those who know they are constantly angry may withdraw from others to protect their loved ones. They often struggle with feelings of being disliked or misunderstood, which can feed into the cycle of anger. Oppositional defiance disorder often leads to other mental health conditions, such as depression, addiction, and antisocial personality disorder. 

That’s why it’s vital for those struggling with this condition to get help; the sooner, the better. Treatment doesn’t just improve relationships and help you feel better – it can also save your life. 

Compassionate Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

Treatment at Driftwood Recovery for oppositional defiance disorder consists of a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and coping skills training. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most used form of psychotherapy in the treatment of this condition. It helps clients identify what triggers their condition and grasp the consequences of their actions. Therapists also use CBT to help clients learn relaxation techniques to keep them calm during angering situations.

Emotional regulation is also important for oppositional defiance disorder treatment. It teaches clients how to react to anger-provoking situations with socially appropriate responses. Emotional regulation also teaches clients how to be more aware of their emotions. Doing so can mitigate outbursts and help clients think through their actions before they commit to them. Peer group therapy is commonly part of treatment plans for oppositional defiance disorder as it offers training for clients on how to appropriately interact with their peers. The goal is to focus on having positive interactions, not combative ones. 

Finally, medication is sometimes used to address coexisting conditions. For example, a person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may feel frustrated, which can feed into outbursts and worsen the symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder. Providing medication can reduce the frustrating effect of ADHD, which in turn reduces the symptoms of oppositional defiance disorder.

It’s important to remember that even though it looks daunting, oppositional defiance disorder is a treatable condition. Reaching out for help at Driftwood Recovery doesn’t just help treat this misunderstood condition – it can also give you a new lease on life. 

Those living with oppositional defiance disorder can experience many hardships. Keeping a job, having a healthy relationship with parents, and even staying out of legal trouble are made much more difficult with this disorder. For those struggling, it can feel hopeless. Oppositional defiance disorder, however, is a treatable condition. Those who seek treatment have a high likelihood of success and long-lasting recovery. That’s why Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, offers extensive and comprehensive treatment for oppositional defiance disorder. There is no judgment here, only the sincere desire to help. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Learn more about our oppositional defiance disorder treatment plan today by calling (512) 759-8330.

Some people may scoff at the idea of phobia treatment. After all, phobias are consistently played for laughs in media as something to mock. The fact is that the fear a person feels from a phobia is real and valid. Phobias are more common than one may think, with an estimated 12.5% of U.S. adults experiencing a specific phobia at least once in their lives. Most people know what common phobias are but not why they occur or how they are treated. 

The fear phobias cause can be crippling and require specialized phobia treatment to help them recover enough to live a normal life. Driftwood Recovery offers phobia treatment as a way to ease mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Those recovering from addiction may also benefit from phobia treatment, as sometimes they may develop a phobia as a response to their experiences. 

It’s vital to understand that phobias, though serious, can be treated with great amounts of success. Countless people are struggling with a phobia but assume that it’s a normal part of life or are ashamed to seek help. Understanding the nature of phobias not only de-stigmatizes the condition but encourages those struggling to seek the phobia treatment they need.

What Are Phobias?

Simply put, a phobia is a persistent, unrealistic, and excessive fear of a person, animal, object, activity, or situation. Phobias force the person with the phobia to constantly worry about encountering the source of their fear. A person with a phobia will take great pains to avoid the source of their fear, often to the detriment of their lives and mental health. Encountering the source is enough to cause great distress and anguish. 

It’s a serious enough condition to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). As a result, phobias are considered a sub-type of anxiety disorder and classified into three distinct categories. These categories are:

• Specific phobias: These are fears of particular objects, living beings, or situations that cause distress and avoidance behaviors. Phobias in this category can be further broken down into animals, natural environment, medical treatment or issues, specific situations, and others. Some common examples include disease (pathophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), burglary (scelerophobia), and the ocean (thalassophobia).
• Agoraphobia: Defined as the fear of leaving your home or familiar “safe” area, which panic attacks may follow. This phobia is often associated with or caused by other conditions, such as OCD due to phobia of germs/contamination or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic events. 
• Social anxiety disorder: Also known as social phobia, this is the fear and avoidance of social situations. Those struggling with this phobia excessively worry about being judged or mocked when participating in social activities. 

Phobias are often caused by negative experiences, trauma, genetics, or through informational transmission. It’s normal for a person to fear potentially dangerous things. However, when someone completely rearranges their life or stops engaging in life to avoid said fear, it becomes a serious problem. 

What Happens in Phobia Treatment?

A client begins phobia treatment by speaking with a treatment provider. Then, a treatment provider can create a treatment plan to most effectively treat their client. Usually, this is a mix of various therapies and sometimes medications to treat the extreme symptoms of anxiety. Clients may receive specialized therapies in their treatment plan to treat underlying mental health conditions, such as OCD. If the source of the phobia stems from trauma, clients will receive trauma treatment as well.

Exposure therapy is one part of phobia treatment, but it’s a slow and gradual process. This is when a client is exposed to the source of their fear in a safe environment. For example, a person with a phobia of spiders may start by listening to facts about spiders. They then progress to looking at drawings of spiders, photographs, and video footage. The goal is for the client to be able to exist in the same space as a spider without panicking or experiencing symptoms of distress. 

Psychotherapy is also useful in phobia treatment. It guides clients into discovering the source of their phobia, be it trauma or a taught fear. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially helpful in teaching clients how to change harmful thoughts and behavioral patterns. Group therapy may also be used, especially for more common fears. This therapy allows clients to interact with others experiencing struggles similar to their own. Sometimes, it’s humbling and encouraging to know that someone understands what you are going through.

Overall, a client can expect phobia treatment to be a judgment-free and encouraging process, especially at Driftwood Recovery. All staff members and treatment providers take phobias seriously, as they know how debilitating they can be. Phobia treatment is set to a challenging pace but will not overwhelm or rush the client. Driftwood Recovery takes comfort and safety seriously, allowing clients to recover in a private and secure environment. 

Why Phobia Treatment Is Effective

Phobia treatments are effective because they don’t just treat the cause of the phobia. It also relieves and reduces the physical and mental symptoms of a phobia. Many times, a person struggles with their phobia because all attempts to address it result in increased stress and fear. Phobia treatment is specifically designed to prevent a client from being re-traumatized or triggering a panic attack. By addressing all aspects of a client’s needs, phobia treatment provides comprehensive care. This can include utilizing medication, engaging in wellness activities, and providing caring support. 

Anyone can recover from a phobia, but it requires one being willing to admit that they have a problem and seek help for it. Reaching out for help is one fear that can be conquered. Once you can do that, you may find that your other fears are conquerable too. 

Fear is an instinct that keeps us safe and tells us to avoid things and situations that can harm us. Phobias, however, occur when this fear is so strong and constant that it causes someone to avoid living life. This is no way to live, and nobody deserves to be in a consistent state of fear. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients struggling with phobias receive compassionate and non-judgemental treatment. No matter how “silly” the phobia may be, the fear a person experiences from them is real and valid. If you or a loved one is struggling with a phobia, don’t wait. Take back your life from fear today by calling (512) 759-8330.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21.0 million adults in the U.S. experience a depressive episode. Moreover, depression often co-occurs with substance use disorder (SUD). While millions of people are impacted by depression and SUD, women are disproportionately impacted by depression. Women are twice as likely to experience depression, as NIMH notes 10.3% of females compared to 6.2% of males experience a major depressive episode. Addressing depression for women and peripartum depression stigma is vital for sustained recovery.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode. In addition, during and after pregnancy, about 1 in 8 women experience depression. Yet, the challenges women experience with depression rooted in gendered experiences like pregnancy and birth have often been overlooked. Mental Health America (MHA) notes that myths have led people to believe depression is a part of being a woman. Thus, understanding peripartum depression stigma can provide insight into the challenges women face in rebuilding their lives and maintaining recovery.

At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize how important a sober community is for building a strong foundation for sustained recovery. With our commitment to connection and community, you can find the support you need to thrive. Through a community of compassion, respect, and support, you are reminded that you are not alone on your recovery journey. You can use alumni services to dismantle peripartum depression stigma.

Expanding your understanding of depression and gendered experiences can support maintaining recovery as you pursue goals like becoming a parent.

Understanding Depression Recovery and Relapse

Due to your time in treatment, you are likely aware that challenges with co-occurring depression can complicate treatment and recovery. Similarly, withdrawal and abstinence in early recovery can increase your risk of experiencing depressive symptoms post-treatment. The thought of experiencing depressive symptoms during a vulnerable period of recovery can feel understandably scary. Moreover, you may be concerned about relapsing in your depression and or SUD. Some signs of a potential relapse can include low mood, irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. 

You may question how you can prevent a depression relapse. Recognizing triggers is an important first step in addressing depressive symptoms:

• Family changes
  • Loss of a loved one
• Health issues
  • Chronic illnesses
• Financial difficulties
  • Unemployment
  • Low income
• Hormonal changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause

Looking at different potential depression triggers speaks to the various types of depression and their roots. 

Types of Depression

When people think of depression, they are often thinking of non-clinical depression, major depression, and seasonal depression. However, several different types of depression can impact well-being and recovery. Some of the different types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Peripartum depression

PMDD and peripartum depression are examples of gender-related depression influenced by reproductive hormones. Thus, forms of depression like peripartum depression highlight fears of peripartum depression stigma in recovery. Yet, what exactly is peripartum depression? Is peripartum different than prenatal depression and postpartum depression?

What Is Peripartum Depression?

Peripartum depression highlights the presence of depression before, during, and after pregnancy rather than breaking them into prenatal and postpartum depression. According to “Perinatal Depression (Formerly Postpartum)” from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), perinatal or peripartum depression replaces the term postpartum to account for depression occurring during pregnancy and/or after childbirth. APA notes in “What Is Perinatal Depression?” the term perinatal recognizes that depression related to having a baby often begins during pregnancy rather than only after birth. 

As the Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) states, unlike the baby blues, which is common after birth, peripartum depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair during or after pregnancy. The symptoms of peripartum depression can last for two weeks or longer and occur at any time, from conception to a year postpartum. Therefore, addressing peripartum depression sitgma is significant for supporting the health and well-being of you and your baby.

Addressing Peripartum Depression Stigma

Peripartum depression can be caused by factors like a family history, a difficult or traumatic pregnancy or birth, SUD, or lack of social support. Yet, peripartum depression stigma continues to stigmatize women and new parents. Images of pregnancy and parenthood often paint a beautiful picture of joy. 

Although pregnancy and parenthood can be joyful, they also have their stressors. Thus, many new parents are left feeling like they are failing when their feelings and experiences do not match the rosy images presented to them. Thoughts of failure and feelings of guilt coupled with peripartum depression stigma can make you feel too ashamed to reach out for support. As a result, peripartum depression stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking behaviors.

Impact of Peripartum Depression Stigma on Well-Being

According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, the possible impact of peripartum depression stigma on perinatal women can harm the well-being of you and your baby:

• Preeclampsia
• Low birth weight 
• Premature delivery 
• Cognitive and emotional development problems 
• Co-occurring mental health disorders

Thus, dismantling peripartum depression stigma is vital to well-being and preventing depression relapse in recovery.

Dismantling Peripartum Depression Stigma at Driftwood Recovery

The thought of peripartum depression and peripartum depression stigma in your recovery is understandably distressing. However, you can support your well-being and reduce the impact of peripartum depression stigma by engaging in help-seeking behaviors like a support group and therapy. At Driftwood Recovery, we know access to a peer-driven network can give you the tools and support you need to thrive in recovery. 

With a strong and vibrant sober community, you can find the service, accountability, and encouragement needed to meet and overcome the challenges life throws at you. Whether you are thinking about becoming a parent or are in the process of becoming a parent, being involved in an active alumni program can help you lead the courageous life you deserve. 

SUD and depression often co-occur, and depressive symptoms can return in early recovery. The risk of depressive symptoms in recovery can be particularly harmful to females, who are twice as likely to develop depression compared to males. Moreover, depression related to sex, like peripartum depression in pregnancy and birth, can increase concerns about depression relapse. The ability to reduce depression in recovery for women of reproductive age is compounded by peripartum depression stigma. However, with greater awareness and a strong support network, you can combat stigma, peripartum depression, and other types of depression to thrive in recovery. Therefore, at Driftwood Recovery, we are committed to providing a peer-driven community of alumni for sustained recovery. Call us at (512) 759-8330 today.

Families often play an integral role in client recovery during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. Healthcare professionals must navigate the family dynamics affecting client care and safety. Studies have shown that “family dynamics and the quality of family relationships can positively or negatively impact health.” Driftwood Recovery does comprehensive assessments and a full client history to determine if family relationships may complicate treatment and long-term recovery. Staff members use a compassionate approach to address client families and their concerns.

What Is a Safety Risk?

Safety risks are factors that negatively impact the emotional or physical well-being of individuals in treatment. Families play an important role in creating a healthy and nurturing environment for recovery. According to the Research Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (RAHRQ), “As essential members of the care team, families play a critical role in reducing harm and improving safety for patients.” However, in some cases, unhealthy family dynamics may pose a danger to individuals in treatment. 

Examples of client safety risks healthcare providers may encounter include: 

• Self-harming or self-destructive behaviors
• Adverse reactions to treatment or prescription medications 
• Clients not understanding their treatment or making informed decisions about their care 
• Family members removing clients from care against medical advice 

Client safety is a top priority for the experts at Driftwood Recovery. Staff members regularly check in with clients and practice transparency to ensure clients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. Clinicians and support staff understand the importance of remaining vigilant to signs of unsafe individuals interacting with clients. Communication or visitation rights may be revoked for individuals who pose a safety hazard to clients or staff. 

Assessing Client Families and Relationship Dynamics

Healthcare professionals must assess clients to determine what underlying factors may impact their mental health and physical safety. Family relationships significantly affect how people see the world and think about their condition. Unhealthy family dynamics may cause some clients to feel ambivalent about treatment. Toxic relationships may also cause physical safety issues if they lead to domestic or family abuse. 

Some of the ways healthcare professionals assess clients and their relationships with family members include: 

• Gathering a family history 
• Direct observation of family interactions and behavioral cues
• Structured interviews with clients and families 
• Identifying roles within the family to determine relationship dynamics 
• Assessing boundaries within the family
• Gaining cultural and socioeconomic context for clients and their families 
• Identifying client resources and support networks 

Healthcare professionals use these methods to better understand the relationships between clients and their family members. A comprehensive review of family dynamics allows staff members to create tailored care plans and address unique challenges clients face during treatment and ongoing recovery. 

How Can Client Families Become a Safety Risk?

Families may pose a physical or emotional safety risk to clients by interfering with treatment or putting clients in danger. Healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters and must act if they notice any abuse affecting clients under their care. 

Families may become a safety risk if they do the following: 

• Enable substance abuse or other unhealthy behaviors
• Cause clients to be overly dependent on them for emotional or practical support 
• Act abusive or aggressive toward the client
• Purposefully expose clients to triggers 
• Dismiss the client’s need for treatment due to ignorance or stigma 
• Violate client boundaries 
• Emotionally manipulate the client 
• Involve the client in illegal activities 
• Fail to acknowledge or address toxic behavior

Clients may have difficulty recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics. Staff may need to help clients work through understanding how remaining in unhealthy relationships could reduce the effectiveness of treatment, increase the risk of relapse, and cause them to experience complications in recovery. 

Navigating Communication With Client Families During Treatment

Healthcare professionals should remain objective, calm, and focused on conflict resolution while communicating with families. Honesty and transparency also reduce the risk of causing further complications. Ultimately, clients control what information their care team can share with family members. Navigating conversations with client families should be handled with compassion and professionalism. 

Following the HIPAA Privacy Rule

Healthcare professionals must adhere to HIPPA privacy laws while providing support and guidance to clients during treatment. Client information, medical records, and treatment progress cannot be shared with unauthorized family members without the client’s permission.

Toxic or unhealthy family dynamics often cause abusive and controlling family members to try to take control of their loved one’s treatment. Even well-meaning families may struggle to let go of control if clients choose not to include them in their recovery. Staff members must navigate those conversations with empathy and professionalism. 

Following HIPAA requirements means clinicians and support staff cannot share the following with family members without client permission: 

• Conversations between medical professionals about the client’s health and treatment 
• Client contact information, including phone number and home address 
• Information about billing and payments 
• Client health records, including test results and official diagnosis 
• Additional details of the treatment plan

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery protect clients by providing referrals to protective services for individuals struggling with relationship abuse or conflict.

Healthcare professionals may have to navigate situations where clients and their families have unhealthy or dangerous relationships. Domestic violence, abuse, severely co-dependent relationships, and other family dynamics may hurt a client’s mental health and/or substance abuse recovery during treatment. Family members often play a role in treatment and recovery. Rehabilitation and mental health programs provide clients with the resources and tools needed to address unhealthy or unsafe family dynamics. The staff members at Driftwood Recovery receive training on how to recognize and respond appropriately if clients’ families pose any type of safety risk. To learn more about maintaining client safety and addressing family issues, contact our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Many healthcare workers experience chronic stress as a result of workplace and personal stressors. Supervisors and treatment facilities have an obligation to help staff reduce and manage stress. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare facilities can “[e]ncourage employees to make self-care a priority, keeping consistent daily routines when possible (e.g., try to get adequate sleep, make time for eating healthy meals, and take breaks during work shifts to rest, stretch, or check in with supportive colleagues, coworkers, friends, and family).” The supervisors at Driftwood Recovery understand the importance of supporting staff and provide various forms of assistance to ensure staff experience less stress at work. 

Side Effects of Chronic Stress

Unmanaged stress can profoundly affect people’s lives and their ability to function at work. Individuals who experience trauma or chronic stress in the workplace may have a more difficult time finding effective ways to lower stress.

The side effects of chronic stress may include: 

• Relationship conflict 
• Physical health conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues 
• Difficulty maintaining emotional stability 
• Significant changes to eating and sleeping patterns 
• Increased risk of developing mental health disorders 
• Difficulty concentrating

Everyone reacts differently to the symptoms and side effects of stress. According to Future Science OA, “In situations in which the stressor is overwhelming and cannot be resolved, stress becomes chronic.” Healthcare workers protect themselves by addressing problem areas immediately. Exploring healthy solutions for reducing workplace or home stressors supports positive mental health. 

Workplace Risk Factors

Some of the most common workplace risk factors for increased stress include: 

• Lack of work-life balance 
• Unrealistic workplace expectations 
• Excessive workload and inflexible scheduling
• Lack of quality time with loved ones due to overworking 
• Uncomfortable work environment 
• Unclear job responsibilities 
• Heading about, witnessing, or experiencing trauma related to clients 
• Interpersonal conflict between coworkers 
• Limited opportunities for advancement 
• Inconsistent, unclear, or ineffective communication 

Identifying the factors impacting people’s mental health and stress levels makes it easier for them to develop effective and practical solutions. For example, healthcare professionals who feel underappreciated and overworked may benefit from transferring to a position where they have greater control over their schedule and access to a supportive environment. 

4 Ways to Address Chronic Stress

Everyone reacts differently to stress. Below are four methods people use to address chronic stress and improve mental health. 

#1. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Developing boundaries is essential at home and work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Setting boundaries at work and home helps other people understand how to work with you.” In addition, “If someone steps over the line, you need to be able to name the behavior, and say that it isn’t acceptable.” 

Not everyone knows how to set clear boundaries. Establishing boundaries at work involves doing the following: 

• Defining workplace tasks and responsibilities, setting reasonable limits to protect mental and physical health 
• Assertively communicating boundaries with coworkers and supervisors 
• Ensuring family, coworkers, and management understand personal and professional limits 
• Politely declining additional tasks or responsibilities interfering with a healthy work-life balance 
• Avoiding work-related tasks at home and personal responsibilities while at work
• Taking regular breaks throughout the day 
• Prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate 
• Setting realistic goals and deadlines 
• Utilizing support networks 
• Regularly assessing boundaries and adjusting them as needed 

Setting boundaries is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve mental health. 

#2. Reducing Stressors at Work

Workplace stressors can come from many sources, including coworkers, supervisors, workplace policies, clients, and client families. Reducing stressors at work helps people avoid exposure to chronic stress. Identifying stressors and developing creative solutions for overcoming them ensures healthcare workers maintain positivity and a healthy work-life balance. 

Some examples of how healthcare professionals reduce work stress include: 

• Prioritizing self-care every day 
• Avoiding excessive tasks and responsibilities 
• Practicing self-compassion and patience 

Every day brings new challenges, and people protect their mental health by caring for themselves. Healthcare workers cannot provide high-quality and effective care without prioritizing their psychological and physical wellness. 

#3. Managing Expectations and Setting Realistic Goals

Everyone has goals they want to achieve in their personal and professional lives. However, some individuals may expect too much from themselves, coworkers, or their careers. Setting realistic expectations reduces stress by making personal and professional goals achievable. 

People set achievable goals at work by focusing on the following: 

• Specifying goals in exact detail 
• Tracking goals using precise measurements 
• Ensuring goals are based on current skill level and knowledge 
• Making goals relevant to workplace responsibilities 
• Setting clear deadlines for achieving goals 
• Breaking down large-picture goals into smaller goals
• Celebrating successes and progress in achieving goals 

#4. Relying on Friends and Loved Ones to Manage Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can impact how people feel about themselves and others. Relying on loved ones, sharing challenges, and asking for advice or support allows people to manage chronic stress more effectively. Driftwood Recovery staff members know they can rely on their supervisors, coworkers, and peers to help them navigate stressors in the workplace.  

Many healthcare professionals experience chronic stress in the workplace, and some may have difficulty managing the various side effects. If left unaddressed, many minor life stressors may add up to cause extreme emotional distress and prolonged mental health issues. Healthcare professionals work in a high-demand environment where they may encounter traumatic or emotionally distressing situations. Pressure to meet unrealistic goals may also increase stress. Setting clear boundaries and achievable goals helps healthcare workers successfully manage stress. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff have the resources and tools to avoid chronic stress and address issues impacting their mental health. To learn more about our facility, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Unmanaged anxiety is a leading cause of preventable illness. Millions of people are diagnosed with anxiety-related mental and physical health conditions every year. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of developing clinical anxiety due to multiple factors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, healthcare “workers were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders.” Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members have access to support resources and a healthy work environment to reduce workplace stress and the risk of developing anxiety-related disorders. 

How Does Work-Related Anxiety Impact Mental Health?

Workplace stressors have the potential to significantly impact psychological and physical health. Individuals working in the healthcare field often have to work in high-pressure situations with little emotional support. According to Health Psychology Research, “Workplace stress can influence healthcare professionals’ physical and emotional well-being by curbing their efficiency and having a negative impact on their overall quality of life.” Increased anxiety is a common side effect of chronic workplace stress. Anxiety can lead to severe side effects if left unmanaged. 

Some of the most common issues caused by work-related anxiety include: 

• The development of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and other mental health disorders 
• Panic or anxiety attacks 
• Emotional or physical burnout 
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping 
• Abusing alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs to manage symptoms of anxiety 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) 

Healthcare professionals use mental health support services to manage anxiety-related issues at work. In addition, people often benefit from setting clear boundaries to separate workplace responsibilities and their personal lives. Driftwood Recovery provides staff with resources for developing a healthy work-life balance. 

Physical Side Effects

Some symptoms may persist even after a person begins treatment for their anxiety. A few of the most common physical side effects of workplace anxiety include: 

• Headache or migraine 
• Muscle tension and body aches 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Heart palpitations or shortness of breath 
• Gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Dizziness 

The physical symptoms exist along a spectrum. Many people are unaware of the potential side effects of untreated workplace anxiety. In some cases, anxiety causes prolonged emotional distress and may interfere with a person’s ability to successfully manage their responsibilities. Due to the high-demand environment of most healthcare facilities, staff may struggle to function while experiencing anxiety. 

Warning Signs and How to Avoid Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a leading cause of anxiety for healthcare professionals. Being able to identify the warning signs of anxiety-related mental health disorders and reduce workplace stress helps people create healthier routines. 

Some of the most common warning signs of anxiety disorders include: 

• Feeling unusually tense, restless, or irritable 
• Uncharacteristic nervousness 
• Increased startle response 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Avoiding people, places, or things causing increased emotional distress 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Feeling panic, anxiousness, helplessness, or doom 

People may not always have the option to avoid stressful places, situations, thoughts, or individuals. Healthcare workers concerned about their mental health can utilize workplace or community support resources. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff have information about relevant services to help them successfully manage anxiety before it affects their quality of life. 

Successfully Addressing Work-Related Anxiety

Individuals who feel heard and supported by their supervisors are less likely to develop anxiety-related disorders or emotional burnout. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2022, health workers experienced a decrease in odds of burnout if they trusted management . . . had supervisor help . . . had enough time to complete work . . . and felt that their workplace supported productivity.” Setting clear expectations and boundaries allows healthcare professionals to work in an environment where they feel heard and valued. 

A few ways individuals may successfully address work-related anxiety include: 

• Practicing mindfulness and increasing self-awareness 
• Prioritizing effective time management 
• Talking to co-workers, supervisors, or loved ones about workplace stressors or concerns 
• Maintaining overall health through regular physical activity, quality sleep, and eating balanced meals
• Being transparent about personal needs and preferences 
• Replacing negative emotions or self-talk with affirmations and positive self-talk 
• Increasing professional skills through continuing training and other opportunities 
• Keeping the workspace organized and calm 

Healthcare professionals who practice healthy coping skills and make positive lifestyle changes often notice a significant decrease in anxiety and emotional distress during work. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Support Staff Experiencing Work-Related Anxiety?

Anyone can feel anxious at any time. If anxiety begins to impact a person’s emotional and physical health or quality of life, they may benefit from additional support. The management team at Driftwood Recovery regularly checks in with every staff member to ensure they feel supported and empowered in their position. Everyone deserves to receive compassionate care if they begin to struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues. Staff have access to various services, emotional support, and community-based resources. In addition, staff members reporting concerns about mental health issues have access to community-based support resources. Supervisors can provide additional guidance to support staff struggling with their position. 

Anxiety is a typical response to workplace pressure or stress. Healthcare workers face more stress compared to individuals in other professions. Many unexpected and sometimes traumatic experiences take place within treatment facilities. Staff must navigate these stressors with compassion and empathy. Sometimes, the toll of chronic workplace stress or other factors causes people to develop anxiety-related mental health disorders. Panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder are a few of the conditions healthcare workers may experience if they have unmanaged anxiety. Driftwood Recovery offers staff members the resources and tools they need to maintain positive mental health and manage anxiety or stress related to the job. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.