Natural Ways To Treat Anxiety
We all inevitably experience a certain level of anxiety from time to time, due to heightened moments of stress or sense of uncertainty in our modern world. But if it’s chronic and severe, it can be very debilitating and affect one’s ability to function at work and everyday life.
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There are also several subtypes of anxiety/panic, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, panic disorder, stress overload, social anxiety, even work-related anxiety. Worse still, anxiety often comes hand in hand with depression as well, which makes both the anxiety and depression harder to treat. On top of that, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, and it can affect both children and adults of any age. Furthermore, anxiety symptoms vary from person to person.
What Causes An Anxiety Disorder To Develop?
Many factors and events can lead to anxiety/panic attacks and develop into an established disorder, such as unhealed traumas, getting injured, rape, sexual assault, transportation accidents, getting sick, genetics, poor and unbalanced diet, dysfunctional thyroid, sleep disorders, abusive relationships, toxic and unhealthy home/work environments, etc.
Unfortunately, anxiety disorders can sometimes go undiagnosed for years for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is due to a misdiagnosis. Some of the physical and neurological symptoms of anxiety, such as stomachache, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, body aches, headache and indigestion, can also be found in other common mental health disorders, such as depression or OCD.
It’s also vital to understand that anxiety disorders don’t affect everyone the same. Some people have a mild-moderate case, others are on the extreme side of the spectrum. Some experiences only some of the known symptoms, others suffer from more or all of them.
While anxiety cannot be 100% prevented from occurring, it is very possible to treat it and improve your overall quality of life, no matter your symptoms or level of severity. There are several kinds of treatment available on the market, but if your anxiety is proven to be mild, natural treatments and remedies are usually sufficient. Medications and intensive therapies are normally prescribed only for severe cases. Also, even if you feel sure about it, never self- diagnose and then self-medicate your anxiety or any other condition. Always refer to your doctor or a mental health expert for a professional and trustworthy diagnosis and treatment.
Listed below are some fantastic and very effective natural remedies to help you treat and cope with mild anxiety symptoms.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a common herbal tea ingredient. Some people drink chamomile tea because they enjoy the taste, while others may find it also helps soothe and calm the mind. According to a study done in 2016, regularly drinking chamomile tea may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Given that, should you try it out? It may be worth it. As a bonus, adopting a chamomile tea drinking ritual is unlikely to have any negative side effects, so you don’t have to worry about it doing more harm than good.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts can help you process your emotions and sort out your thoughts. You may find that there is something cathartic and beneficial about putting your thoughts and emotions onto paper or computer screen and will have a clearer and calmer mind as a result.
Positive affect journaling (PAJ), where you regularly write down positive feelings about yourself, may help reduce feelings of anxiety. A study published in 2018 involving adults with elevated anxiety symptoms found that regular PAJ was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety in just a month.
Embrace A Healthier, Balanced Diet
Low blood sugar levels, dehydration, or chemicals in processed foods, such as artificial flavorings, artificial coloring, and preservatives, may cause mood swings in some people. A high-sugar diet may also impact your temperament.
If your anxiety worsens after eating certain foods, check your eating habits. Stay well hydrated, eliminate processed foods, and eat a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as chicken or beef.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming increasingly popular, in part due to emerging research suggesting that it can help lower anxiety levels. While researchers do not totally understand the link between CBD and anxiety, current research is growing and promising. Animal studies suggest that CBD may help counteract stress in rats, while human studies point to CBD’s ability to help with the following anxiety disorders: social anxiety disorder , post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and GAD anxiety-induced insomnia.
Research suggests that CBD is typically safe to use. And unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, it will not leave you feeling “high.” However, taking too much can still cause side effects, so it’s important to take it in moderation. CBD can also interact with certain medications, so talk with your doctor before you start taking it.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that has been used by humans for thousands of years. The practice uses natural plant extracts and essential oils to promote the health and well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Its purpose is to enhance both physical and emotional health.
The essential oils created by the natural plant extracts may be inhaled directly or added to a warm bath or diffuser. Aromatherapy is suggested to:
-Help you relax.
-Help you sleep.
-Boost mood.
-Reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Some essential oils believed to relieve anxiety are:
-bergamot
-lavender
-clary sage
-grapefruit
-ylang
Final Thoughts
Anxiety can seriously weigh down on you, damage your health, weaken your immune system and significantly impact your life. But using the various treatments and remedies available, there is hope on the horizon.
No matter what your case of anxiety may be, always consult with a mental health professional who will be able to give you the best and most suitable treatment plan for you.
