Anxiety and stress can have a profound impact on the body and mind. Supplements and strategies for dealing with anxiety and stress help attack the problem in a holistic manner. However, if anxiety persists, a health care professional should be contacted. Natural approaches do not take the place of medical treatment and should be discussed with a physician to ensure that there is not a greater underlying health concern.
Types
Panic disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the five types of anxiety disorders, states Dr. Thomas A. Richards. Panic disorders are described as unexplained and unexpected attacks of dizziness, breathlessness, raised heart rate and trembling, while panic disorder with agoraphobia is the fear of having this kind of panic attack while out in public. Generalized anxiety disorder is when a person consistently worries about uncontrollable circumstances. People with generalized anxiety disorder cannot relax, have difficulty sleeping, and often complain about a lump in their throat. Social anxiety disorder is when people fear that they will be criticized by others and therefore avoid social settings. People with social anxiety tend to freeze up in front of others and become embarrassed easily. Post traumatic stress disorder evolves from a traumatic experience causing a person to relive it through flashbacks resulting in unpredictable anxiety and panic attacks.
Strategy
PickTheBrain.com's article, "Stop Worrying: 7 Effective Strategies for Dealing With Anxiety," states that the mind often over-analyzes situations and can create problems that are nonexistent. The article says that your thoughts are often wrong when worrying is concerned. This creates an overreaction to moderate stressors. It suggests delaying the worry by telling yourself that nothing can be done about the issue now, so think about it tomorrow. Put worries in perspective by making a list and analyzing what you are concerned about. Disregard worries that are not important, such as vain worries, and focus on the real problems. Break up the real problems by creating solutions like consolidating debt, spending less, or finding ways to bring in more income.
Considerations
PanicAnxiety.com writes additional strategies for coping with anxiety in the article "Strategies for coping with Stress." They suggest taking note that although panicked emotions may be scary, they are not harmful and will pass. Remember that what you are experiencing is an exaggerated normal reaction to stress, and you should not add "what if" factors to your thoughts when undergoing anxiety and panic.
Supplements
American Family Physician recommends nutritional supplements such as vitamin B3, B6, B12, and C to relieve anxiety. Foods such as oats and carbohydrates may also help. Ginger and green tea are also listed. Herbal supplements that may help with mild to moderate anxiety include kava, St. Johns's Wort, and valerian. However, these herbal supplements should be discussed with your doctor before use as they do have side effects and may not mix with other medications you are currently taking.
Misconceptions
According to PsychCentral.com, there are four common misconceptions about anxiety and anxiety disorders. The first misconception is that they are not that serious. Anxiety can cause emotional, mental, and physical distress that should not be ignored or taken lightly. Other misconceptions are that anxiety disorders can be corrected on your own or that they mean you have some kind of character flaw. These are both false assumptions. Anxiety disorders have a genetic and neurological foundation and can become chronic without correct treatment. The final misconception is that one needs prescription drugs in order to overcome anxiety. Although prescription medication can help in some cases, other strategies and methods can often be used as substitutes.
References
- Anxietynetwork.com: Definitions of the Anxiety Disorders
- Psychcentral.com: Living with an Anxiety Disorder
- AAFP.org: Herbal and Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- Pickthebrain.com: Stop Worrying: 7 Effective Strategies for Dealing With Anxiety
- Anxietypanic.com: Strategies for coping with Stress
