What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional state in which a person feels uneasy, nervous, apprehensive, or fearful. People usually experience anxiety about events that they can’t control or predict, or about events that seem threatening or dangerous. There is a feeling of vulnerability and severe anxiety can persist and become disabling.

It's important to note that everyone feels anxiety to some degree regularly throughout their life - fear and anxiety are adaptive and helpful emotions that can function to help us notice danger or threat, keep us safe, and help us adapt to the environment. Anxiety disorders represent states when fear or anxiety becomes severe or extreme, to the extent that it causes an individual significant distress, or impairs their ability to function in important facets of life such as work, school, or relationships. Anxiety affects how we feel and behave, and it can manifest real physical symptoms

Treatment Options

Being aware of what triggers your child’s anxiety is a good first step.  Common triggers include lack of sleep, highly social situations and change in routine.  Anticipating these potential anxious situations can help you to come up with alternative ways to decrease anxiety such as rescheduling appointments after a lousy night of sleep or visiting a new school setting several times before letting him or her go on their own.

According to Dr. Christine Northrup, magnesium helps to reduce anxiety by keeping adrenal stress hormones under control and also helps maintain normal brain function.  An interesting side note is that magnesium has also been shown to help reduce migraines which were linked to anxiety in kids with autism.  At Healing 4 Soul, we recommend Magnesium Glycinate and have been witnessing wonderful results. 

Medications

Psychiatrists often prescribe benzodiazepines, a group of tranquilizing drugs, to reduce anxiety in people with high levels of anxiety. Benzodiazepines help to reduce anxiety by stimulating the GABA neurotransmitter system. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Two classes of antidepressant drugs—tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—also have proven effective in treating certain anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines can work quickly with few unpleasant side effects, but they can also be addictive. In addition, benzodiazepines can slow down or impair motor behavior or thinking and must be used with caution, particularly in elderly persons. SSRIs take longer to work than the benzodiazepines but are not addictive. Some people experience anxiety symptoms again when they stop taking the medications.

Psychotherapy

Therapists who attribute the cause of anxiety to an unconscious, internal conflicts may use psychoanalysis to help people understand and resolve their conflicts. Other types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, have proven effective in treating anxiety disorders. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, the therapist often educates the person about the nature of his or her particular anxiety disorder. Then, the therapist may help the person challenge irrational thoughts that lead to anxiety. For example, to treat a person with a snake phobia, a therapist might gradually expose the person to snakes, beginning with pictures of snakes and progressing to rubber snakes and real snakes. The patient can use relaxation techniques acquired in therapy to overcome the fear of snakes.

Research has shown psychotherapy to be as effective or more effective than medications in treating many anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy may also provide more lasting benefits than medications when patients discontinue treatment.

Homeopathy

Within the last several decades, the use of homeopathic remedies has exploded. Millions of people in the United States and millions more abroad depend on homeopathic remedies for treating a host of different disorders, one of which is anxiety.

Homeopathic medicine is a type of medicine available without a prescription. It's a safer, natural alternative to modern medications, utilizing the strategy of "homeopathy" to essentially rid the body of the ills that affect it.

You may have heard of homeopathic medicine before, but you may not know what it is, where it comes from, and whether or not it is effective as a natural anxiety treatment.

Below we will explain all of the different features of homeopathic medicine and whether or not you should consider it as an alternative way to fight anxiety.

• Anxiovita

The homeopathic complex Anxiovita is helpful for anxiety and nervous tension.  It has helped many people with panic attacks and other acute states of anxiety and prevents anxiety before exposure to stress.  It is the first remedy I consider when working with an anxious client.

•  Rescue Remedy

 is also helpful and can be used in combination with Anxiovita.

• Aconitum napellus

A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face. Sometimes a shaking experience will be the underlying cause. Strong feelings of anxiety may also occur when a person is just beginning to come down with the flu or cold.

• Argentum Nitricum

This remedy can be helpful when anxiety develops before a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearance or social engagement. Dizziness and diarrhea may also be experienced. People who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and suggestible, with a tendency toward peculiar thoughts and impulses. They often crave sweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse).

• Arsenicum Album

People who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from this remedy. Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything. Panic attacks often occur around midnight or the very early hours of the morning. The person may feel exhausted yet still be restless—fidgeting, pacing and anxiously moving from place to place. These people may also have digestive problems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety.

• Calcarea Carbonica 

This remedy is usually indicated for dependable, solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown. Their thoughts can be muddled and confused when tired, which adds to the anxiety. Worry and bad news may agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others) may develop. Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common. A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily fatigued.

• Gelsemium
  

Feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental dullness (being "paralyzed by fear") suggest a need for this remedy. It is often helpful when a person has stage-fright about a public performance or interview or feels anxious before a test, a visit to the dentist, or any stressful event. Chills, perspiration, diarrhea, and headaches will often occur with nervousness. Fear of crowds, a fear of falling, and even a fear that the heart might stop are other indications for Gelsemium.

• Ignatia Amara 

A sensitive person who is anxious because of grief, loss, disappointment, criticism, loneliness (or any stressful emotional experience) may benefit from this remedy. A defensive attitude, frequent sighing, and mood swings are other indications. The person may burst unexpectedly into either tears or laughter. Headaches that feel like a nail driven into the side of the head, and cramping pains in the abdomen or back, are often seen when this remedy is needed.

• Kali Phosphoricum 

When a person has been exhausted by overwork or illness and feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope, this remedy may help. The person is jumpy and oversensitive and may be startled by ordinary sounds. Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can aggravate the problems. Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread. Eating, warmth, and rest often bring relief. Headaches, backaches, and nervous digestive upsets are often seen when this remedy is needed.

• Lycopodium 

Individuals likely to respond to this remedy feel anxiety from mental stress and suffer from a lack of confidence. They can be self-conscious and feel intimidated by people they perceive as powerful (yet may also swagger or be domineering toward those with whom they feel more comfortable). Taking on responsibility can cause a deep anxiety and fear of failure, although the person usually does well, once started on a task. Claustrophobia, irritability, digestive upsets with gas and bloating, and a craving for sweets are often seen when this remedy is needed.

• Natrum muriaticum 

Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness can make these people seem reserved, aloof, and private. Even when feeling lonely, they tend to stay away from social situations, not knowing what to say or do. (Inhibitions sometimes leave completely if they turn to alcohol, which makes them feel embarrassed afterward.) Easily hurt and offended, they can brood, bear grudges, dwell on unhappy feelings, and isolate themselves—refusing consolation even when they want it. However, they are often sympathetic listeners to other people’s problems. Claustrophobia, anxiety at night (with fears of robbers or intruders), migraines, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is needed.

• Phosphorus 

People who need this remedy are openhearted, imaginative, excitable, easily startled, and full of intense and vivid fears. Strong anxiety can be triggered by thinking of almost anything. Nervous and sensitive to others, they can overextend themselves with sympathy to the point of feeling exhausted and "spaced out" or even getting ill. They want a lot of company and reassurance, often feeling better from conversation or a back-rub. Easy flushing of the face, palpitations, thirst, and a strong desire for cold, refreshing foods are other indications for Phosphorus.

• Pulsatilla 

People who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting. The person may be moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally childish. (Pulsatilla is a very useful remedy for children.) Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety. Fresh air and gentle exercise often bring relief. Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with Pulsatilla.

• Silicea  

People who need this remedy are capable and serious, yet are also nervous, shy, and subject to bouts of temporary loss of confidence. Anxiety can be extreme when they are faced with a public appearance, interview, examination, or any new job or task. Worry and overwork can bring on headaches, difficulty concentrating, and states of exhaustion, oversensitivity, and dread. Responsible and diligent, they often overreact and devote attention to tiny details—making their worries (and their work) more difficult. They often have low stamina and come down with colds, sore throats, or other illnesses after working hard or being under stress.

 

                                     

Complementary Therapies

Complementary and Alternative Therapies can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. There is a growing interest in these types of alternative therapies since they are non-invasive and can be useful to patients. They are typically not intended to replace conventional therapies but rather can be an adjunct therapy that can improve the overall quality of life of patients.

• Stress Management

A collection of activities focused in which an individual consciously produces the relaxation response in their body. This response consists of slower breathing, resulting in lower blood pressure and overall feeling of well-being. These activities include progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and self-hypnosis and deep-breathing exercises.

• Meditation

A mind and body practice in which individuals are instructed to be mindful of thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a non-judgmental way. It has been shown to be useful in reducing the symptoms of psychological stress in patients with anxiety.

• Yoga

A mindfulness practice that combines meditation, physical postures, breathing exercises and a distinct philosophy. It has been shown to be useful in reducing some symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of inserting very thin needles into the body in targeted areas. To date, there is very little evidence that acupuncture can significantly treat generalized anxiety, although there are currently ongoing research trials for PTSD. One study did find that acupuncture can reduce pre-operative anxiety.

Supplementation

80% of your neurotransmitters or “feel good” hormones are produced in your gut. This is just one of the many ways the gut and brain exhibit a very strong relationship, so supporting a healthy gut environment is key in this protocol.

• A digestive enzyme formula with meals helps support the bio-availability of all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids that are necessary for the production of hormones and neurotransmitters.
• A probiotic supplement further supports digestion and promotes timely elimination while maintaining a healthy gut environment.
• A protease formula between meals helps ensure proper blood flow and supports nervous system communication by helping deliver “messengers,” control inflammation and remove toxins.

Prevention and Coping With Anxiety

• De-Stress with HEALTHY Foods

Stress and anxiety are chemical reactions. Without the right nutrients your body can’t handle the stress, and with the wrong nutrients (processed foods, caffeine, sugar) these chemical reactions get worse, increasing stress even more! Eat healthy, preferably organic whole foods that are nutrient dense like berries, almonds, whole grains, and dark leafy greens.

• H2O 

Without enough water, your body starts to become stressed, and as a result so can you. When you are dehydrated, the stress hormone cortisol begins to increase. So do yourself a favor and start exchanging the sugary sodas and juices for water.

• Make Time for Food

Life gets busy (one of the big contributors to stress) and often mealtime is one of the first things to get cut from the schedule. But just like with water, when you don’t give your body fuel, it becomes stressed and a vicious cycle emerges. Make time for 3 meals a day and healthy snacks in between. You’ll give your body what it needs to help keep up with your hectic schedule. Also, when you’re eating those meals and snacks, be sure to take your time. If you finish your lunch in 5 minutes, you’re doing it wrong.

• Caffeine Has Consequences 

While most people are okay on one dose of caffeine a day (one cup of coffee), when you throw in lattes, iced teas, sodas, and energy drinks, you start to overload your body. This overuse of caffeine actually can make it harder for your body to regulate your energy and manage your stress hormones. So stay away from (or at least limit!) caffeine intake.

• Take a Breather

Sometimes with heightened levels of stress and anxiety, you just need to take a second and breathe! A few good ways to help reduce daily stress are:

Find an activity that helps you de-stress (like dancing or playing guitar).

Ask others for help when you don’t have enough time to accomplish everything on your own.

If you start to get overwhelmed, just take a step back from the situation and focus on something else for a few minutes.

Counting down from ten while breathing deeply. It may sound silly, but give it a try and you’ll be surprised at how effective it can be.

• Get Some Shut-Eye

Not getting enough ZZZ’s at night affects many aspects of health such as your weight, your skin, digestion, and of course your stress and anxiety levels. So do your body a favor and give it ample time to recharge with the recommended 8 hours. Having enough sleep to take on a busy day can make all the difference.

• Make a Move 

Exercise is essential to health, but beyond that, it can majorly affect stress. When you exercise, you release feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins that can bring your mood up and your anxiety down. You can also use exercise to get some things checked off your to-do list. Try going on a walk/hike with friends rather than meeting up at a coffee shop, or catch up on your reading while riding a stationary bike. You can even count walking the dog, just aim for 30 minutes 5 times a week.

 

References

1.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24105364

2.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24072661

3.https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-anxiety#complementary-and-alternative-therapies