A Natural Approach to Dealing with Anxiety

Paula Gallagher on

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. You may feel anxious or nervous when faced with a problem, taking a test, making an important decision, or experiencing fear. However, when these feelings cause such distress that they interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders come in various forms:

  • Panic Disorder: This is characterized by feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeat without warning. Symptoms related to panic disorders include sweating, chest pain, palpitations (irregular heartbeats), and a feeling of choking.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves constant thoughts or fears that lead to performing certain routines or rituals. The disturbing thoughts are termed obsessions, and the rituals are known as compulsions.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop following a traumatic or terrifying event, such as the unexpected death of a loved one, or a sexual or physical assault. People often experience lasting, frightening memories of the event and tend to be emotionally numb.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: This disorder involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations, often centered on a fear of being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This involves excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary, but general symptoms include:

  • Problems with sleeping or sleep disruption
  • Muscle tension
  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
  • Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
  • Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
  • Nightmares
  • Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand-washing
  • Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Inability to be still and calm
  • Dry mouth
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Nausea

If you have been diagnosed with any of the above classifications, it's important to talk to your primary healthcare provider about the best treatment approach. In general, everyone can benefit from dietary and lifestyle modifications. A healthy diet, plenty of quality sleep, and the following coping skills are essential in treating anxiety:

  • Regular exercise
  • Practicing yoga, meditation, and qi gong
  • Creating “me” time
  • Decluttering your living space, workspace, and unhealthy relationships
  • Trusting yourself
  • Spending time with friends
  • Considering talk therapy

Supplements can also support healthy stress levels and manage anxiety. Pathway RELAXATION SUPPORT, for instance, combines a soothing blend of relaxing herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains Relora®, a patented blend known for its calming and focusing effects, as well as SunTheanine®, which aids in relaxation. The formula also includes calming herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, skullcap, hops, and passionflower. However, there may be other supplements more suited to your condition. Consider scheduling a consult with one of Village Green’s naturopathic doctors for a personalized assessment. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), they will:

  • Review your anxiety symptoms and health history
  • Examine your diet and lifestyle
  • Recommend specialized testing
  • Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
  • Answer any questions you may have
  • Evaluate anxiety-reducing options
  • Create a customized plan including natural solutions, diet, and lifestyle recommendations, and custom compounding

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