Anxiety, Depression, and Addiction
Anxiety, depression, and addiction often reinforce one another, creating cycles of emotional pain, avoidance, and coping that become increasingly difficult to break.
If we look only at each symptom, we miss the underlying problem: our nervous system is struggling to regulate itself.
It’s not a problem of willpower or a moral failing. It’s nervous system dysregulation.
In going to therapy, we give ourselves the opportunity to “steady the ship”, and develop the tools to steer our nervous system in a direction that is more helpful.
Is This You?
Below are some common symptoms. Check and see if you identify with some of these experiences.
Addiction
Loss of control — Difficulty limiting or stopping a behavior or substance use.
Cravings — Strong urges or preoccupation with using a substance or engaging in a behavior.
Emotional avoidance — Using substances or behaviors to escape uncomfortable feelings.
Neglecting responsibilities — Prioritizing the addiction over relationships, work, or personal well-being.
Continuing despite consequences — Persisting despite negative effects on physical health, emotional well-being, or relationships.
Anxiety
Excessive worry — Persistent, difficult-to-control concerns about everyday situations or future events.
Restlessness — Feeling on edge, tense, or unable to relax.
Physical tension — Muscle tightness, headaches, or jaw clenching.
Hypervigilance — Constantly scanning for potential threats, problems, or signs of danger.
Avoidance — Steering clear of situations, emotions, or experiences that trigger fear or discomfort.
Depression
Persistent sadness — Feeling down, empty, hopeless, or emotionally numb.
Loss of interest — Reduced pleasure or engagement in activities once enjoyed.
Low energy — Persistent fatigue, exhaustion, or difficulty initiating tasks.
Negative self-perception — Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-criticism.
Withdrawal — Pulling away from relationships, social activities, or meaningful experiences.
My Approach
Each person is unique, and their process will be unique to them
Having worked in various treatment centers for addiction and co-occurring disorders, I have lots of experience working with different types of nervous system presentations. Below is a 4-step outline of how we will address it.
We will review education on the nervous system and work on various skills to help you gain agency over how your system operates.
We will work together to learn to tune in and notice when your emotional system begins to change and shift.
We will develop the ability to process and metabolize emotional information so that things don’t get “stored up” in the nervous system.
We will address experiences of all kinds- past, present, or future that may be getting in the way of allowing your nervous system to feel calm and comfortable.