Managing anxiety

managing anxiety

Anxiety. Most of us have probably experienced some form of anxiety at some point in our lives. Anxiety can be mild, or it can be a crippling, debilitating condition rendering the sufferer unable to socialise or work.

Physical symptoms can include rapid breathing or feeling like you can't breathe, racing heart, nausea, dizziness, chest tightness/pain as well as irritability, anger, heightened fears, dread, worry and concomitant depression.

It is always best to see your GP if you are feeling this way, not only to receive any relevant medical help, but also to rule out any other condition that may present with similar symptoms such as thyroid, cardiac and some neurological conditions.

There are some great naturopathic principles and supplements that may help ease the symptoms of anxiety, below I have outlined some of my go to strategies for my patients:

  • Firstly try and recognise why you may be feeling anxious? Are you burning the candle at both ends? Are you happy with work? Relationships?

  • Are you putting unrealistic pressure on yourself? Sit down and nut out what is realistic to achieve in your day to day, week to week life and recognise what is causing you to feel anxious.

  • Sleep!!! Sleep and rest are naturopathic medicine 101. Getting in to bed before 10pm and getting a solid 8-9 hour sleep.

  • Magnesium! My favourite mineral. Magnesium is calming for the nervous system, helps to regulate blood sugar and is a great anti stress nutrient

  • Meditate, swim, yogee or walk. Integrate some calming, low impact exercise into your day.

  • Talk! Communicate and talk to those around you. Not only will it help share your load, it may spark conversations with others feeling the same way.

  • Declutter, spring clean, set your intentions for the coming months and reimplement a sense of direction and control over your own environment

  • There are some beautiful, calming, relaxing herbal medicines that can be effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety, but please discuss this with your health professional first as they can interact with some medications.

  • Most of all, recognise how you are feeling. Don't push it away, don't feel ashamed or not good enough. Anxiety is something you can better manage and understand, you just need to make the first step.

rebecca winkler