Wellness with Dr. Rita

Natural Remedies For Reducing the Symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder

By Dr. Rita Louise

Anxiety describes any feeling of worry or dread, usually about events that might potentially happen. Most people experience feelings of anxiety before a big exam, business presentation or first date. Some anxiety about stressful events is normal, but for a number of people, anxiety can interfere with their ability to enjoy life.

When worry becomes excess, chronic and unremitting, it is classified as an anxiety disorder. It is a psychological stress response typically brought about by a prolonged thought process. There are a number of different types of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Each has its own distinctive features but are held together by a common theme: excessive, irrational fear.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is fear about the future. It is characterized by excessive thinking and dwelling on the “what if’s” in life. Typically, these individuals are unable to shut their minds off and stop the incessant thinking, which can incapacitate them. Often the person believes there is no way out of their feelings of worry, dread or disaster, which leaves them feeling depressed and fatigued.

Individuals are diagnosed with general anxiety disorder when their symptoms last for more than six months. Many times there are no concrete triggers that provoke episodes of uncontrollable anxiety. Their worries can be about everyday things, like their jobs, finances, health or family to more mundane issues such as chores, car repairs or being late for an appointment. 

Other symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include headaches, trembling, twitching, irritability, frustration and an inability to concentrate. Sufferers may also feel nauseated or as if they have a lump in their throats. Many also find it difficult to relax and tend to remain in a state of constant motion. Sleep disturbances can also occur. 

Recommendations For Wellness

• Create a scale from 1 to 10 to track how you feel. Rate yourself every day, with ten being the most anxious and one being the least. If you score high, take the time to reflect on what may have caused your increased anxiety.

• Focus on what is going on in your life, identifying what is causing the anxiety and adjusting your life accordingly. Changing jobs, ending a relationship or moving to a different location can often alleviate the anxiety being experienced.

• Take time to relax every day. It has been shown that people who spend a few minutes every day relaxing, meditating or exercising experience less anxiety.

• Talk to a counselor, therapist or psychologist about what is going on. They may be able to teach you methods and techniques you can use to alleviate and reduce your anxiety.

• Try soaking in a hot Epsom salt bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Epsom salts are made up of magnesium sulfate crystals, which can help calm the body and mind.

• Avoid caffeine or other stimulating substances.

• Studies indicate that a combination of valerian root and passionflower can help reduce symptoms in people suffering from anxiety.

• Until recently, kava was the predominate remedy for anxiety. Because of potential side effects, kava should only be taken under medical supervision.

• Calcium and magnesium are natural tranquilizers and can help you to relax. 

• Gaba (gama-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that decreases neuron activity and inhibits nerve cells from over firing. In can be taken to calm the body and slow the thought processes without drowsiness or addiction.

• Nature’s Sunshine’s Nutri-Calm is designed to help the nervous system cope with both short & long term stress.

• Try a flower essence such as Nature’s Sunshine’s Distress Remedy for rapid relief of physical & emotional distress.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is author of Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Call  972-475-3393 or visit www.soulhealer.com 
   

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