In the past, the notion of feeling “stressed” was often dismissed by healthcare professionals. However, in recent years, the World Health Organization has shed light on the staggering cost of neglecting conditions like depression and anxiety – nearly $1 trillion annually in lost productivity and immense human suffering.
Today, the medical community acknowledges that anxiety is far more than everyday stress or worry. It evolves into a serious condition when these feelings persist and interfere with daily life. Recognizing the symptoms and types of anxiety disorders is crucial:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent, excessive worry and anxiety lasting six months or more.
- Panic Disorder: Involves intense, overwhelming panic attacks with physical symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Marked by an intense fear of criticism, embarrassment, or humiliation.
- Specific Phobias: Center around irrational fears of particular objects or situations, leading to avoidance behaviors.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts or fears, often leading to compulsive rituals like constant hand washing.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Arises after traumatic events, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks and upsetting dreams.
Children can also experience their own forms of anxiety, including Separation Anxiety and Selective Mutism.
The causes of anxiety are multifaceted and can be influenced by various factors:
- Biochemical Factors: A family history of mental health conditions may predispose individuals to anxiety.
- Personality Traits: Perfectionism, timidity, low self-esteem, and the need for control can increase the risk of anxiety.
- Chronic Stress: Ongoing life stressors like work pressure, relationship changes, pregnancy, and major emotional shocks can trigger anxiety.
- Chronic Physical Illness: Conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease can contribute to anxiety.
- Pyrrole Disorder: A chronic deficiency in Zinc and B6, affecting up to 10% of the population, is linked to anxiety and often seen in children with anxiety and learning difficulties.
- Substance Abuse: Some individuals turn to substances like alcohol to mask anxiety symptoms, often unaware of their underlying condition.
For those grappling with anxiety, seeking a professional diagnosis from a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist is the initial step. Once diagnosed, numerous natural treatments can help manage symptoms:
Top 5 Natural Supplements for Anxiety:
- Kava: Demonstrated to reduce symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Magnesium
- B Complex
- Zinc
- Fish Oil
Top 5 Lifestyle Changes for Anxiety:
- Meditation: Regular meditation practice can help relax the mind and reduce anxiety. Utilize free apps like Smiling Mind or explore meditation resources from ABC’s Life Matters.
- Healthy Sleep Patterns: Prioritize at least eight hours of sleep and aim for a bedtime before 11 pm to support adrenal gland replenishment. On weekends, when possible, sleep in until 9 am to maximize regenerative sleep.
- Exercise: Incorporate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week to balance hormones, increase oxygen to the brain, and stimulate endorphin production – all beneficial for anxiety management.
- Nutrient-Rich Diet: Embrace a wholefood, low-GI, low-inflammatory diet to support overall health.
- Reducing Body Burdens: Address issues like leaky gut, toxin reduction, liver support, food allergies and intolerances, and chronic infections. These factors can contribute to stress on the body and may underlie anxiety conditions.
