Anxiety that occurs during times of high stress or in the aftermath a traumatic event is normal. In most cases, the disruption and stress caused by this type of anxiety eases up on its own, when the underlying cause is no longer an immediate concern. However, when anxiety is severe, disrupts your day-to-day life, causes panic attacks or doesn't get better over time, you may have a disorder that needs to be diagnosed and treated.
Anxiety is a normal part of life. It can even be useful when it alerts us to danger. But for some people, anxiety is a persistent problem that interferes with daily activities such as work, school or sleep. This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships and enjoyment of life, and over time it can lead to health concerns and other problems.
In some cases, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder, for example, is characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns. Other anxiety disorders — such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — have more specific triggers and symptoms. In some cases, anxiety is caused by a medical condition that needs treatment.
Causes of anxiety/worry:
As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood. It's thought that anxiety disorders may involve an imbalance of naturally occurring brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to becoming anxious. Inherited traits also are a factor.
Other causes:
Excitement
Overwhelm
Fears
Fear of failure
Shyness
Lack of self-confidence
Unsure of one’s values
Medical causes:
For a significant number of people, anxiety is linked to an underlying health issue. In some cases, anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators that you have a medical illness. If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order blood or urine tests or other tests to look for signs of a problem.
Physical problems that can be linked to anxiety include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Asthma
- Drug abuse
Symptoms:
Common anxiety symptoms include:
- Feeling apprehensive
- Feeling powerless
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or fatigued
Specific anxiety disorders are broken down into several diagnosable mental health conditions:
- Panic attacks can start suddenly and cause apprehension, fear or terror. You may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or chest pain. You may feel as if you're choking, being smothered or that you're "going crazy."
- Agoraphobia is anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations where you might feel trapped or embarrassed to leave if you start to feel panicky.
- Specific phobias are characterized by significant anxiety when you're exposed to a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. Phobias provoke panic attacks in some people.
- Social phobias are characterized by significant anxiety provoked by exposure to certain types of social or performance situations and a desire to avoid them.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, recurring thoughts, images or impulses (obsessions) or an irresistible desire to perform irrational or seemingly purposeless acts or rituals (compulsions). Often it involves both obsessive and compulsive behavior.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the feeling that you are re-experiencing an extremely traumatic event. It causes intense emotions and physical reactions along with a desire to avoid anything that might remind you of the event.
- Acute stress disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder that occur immediately after an extremely traumatic event.
- Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by at least six months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about small or large concerns. This type of anxiety disorder often begins at an early age. It frequently occurs along with other anxiety disorders or depression.
- Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are directly caused by a physical health problem.
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are a direct result of abusing drugs, taking medications or being exposed to a toxic substance.
- Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by anxiety related to separation from parents or others who have parental roles.
- Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is a term for prominent anxiety or phobias that do not meet the exact criteria for any of the other anxiety disorders but are significant enough to be distressing and disruptive.
Reference:
www.mayoclinic.com
Flower Essences for anxiety/worry:
Aspen- anxiety that has no known reason; panic attacks.
Cerato- excessive anxiety about failure, thus depending on others for advice: fear that one will let down or disappoint others. Overwhelm.
Chamomile- calming overly anxious states.
Dandelion- for those who hold their stress in their muscles.
Elm- overstriving for perfection. Fear that one will let down or disappoint others. Overwhelm.
Filaree- worry and concern about trivial problems of daily life.
Garlic- chronic anxiety and worry: ghostly contenance.
Golden Yarrow- performance anxiety, especially when felt in the solar plexus.
Goldenrod- needing social approval; unsure of one’s own values.
Larch- fear of failure. Paralyzed by anxiety. A lack of self confidence.
Mimulus- excessive anxiety and nervousness about daily life; everyday fears; fretful, timid attitude.
Mustard- free-floating anxiety, especially when accompanied by depression.
Nicotiana- coping with anxiety by anesthetizing emotions; showing a “cool” exterior.
Pink Monkeyflower- inability to trust that others will accept one; shame or guilt.
Pretty Face- anxiety about personal appearance; wanting to be acceptable to others by appearing physically pleasing.
Trumpet Vine- speaking with greater expressiveness, despite fears; anxiety which blocks natural soul warmth and color.
Reference:
Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz
Supplements for Anxiety-
Kava- the key uses of kava are nervous anxiety, restlessness, depression and insomnia. Recommended dosage is 45-70 mg. three times a day. Use a dose providing 180-210 mg. one hour before bedtime for sedative effects.
The Healing Power of Herbs by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
Valerian- most commonly used as a sleep aid, valerian has a sedative effect. It also relaxes the muscles.
B vitamins. These nutrients, particularly the B vitamin inositol, may help relieve anxiety by affecting the production of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).
GAIA Herbs, Professional Solutions, Adrenal Support
Take 2 capsules 2 X day. Take with B vitamins to nourish the Adrenal Glands.
Homeopathics for Anxiety:
Aconitum napellus- Anxious and fearful. Suffers from a panic attack in a crowded place where they cannot easily get out.
Ambra grisea- Anticipatory anxiety in those who are shy and easily embarrassed. Dreads the pressure of performing in front of others- an interview, oral exam, social event, etc.
Anacardium orientale- Extreme anticipatory anxiety with difficulty concentrating in those with low self-confidence and a fear of failure.
Argentum nitricum- Acute anticipatory anxiety with restlessness, before an exam, an interview or for stage fright. They get so wound up that they may even forget everything when the ordeal comes.
Arsenicum album- Anxious, restless and fussy. Dislikes being in a situation where they aren’t in control. Increasingly fussy and critical when anxious.
Calcarea carbonica- Terrible worriers, particularly about their health. They worry about catching an infection, especially if there is one going around.
Gelsemium sempervirens- Anxious and sluggish. Seize up both mentally and physically, becoming almost literally paralyzed with anxiety- dull and dopey- especially before an exam or a public-speaking event.
Kali phosphoricum- Nervous exhaustion after a period of anxiety, especially when worrying about relatives.
Lycopodium- Anxious and lacking in self-confidence. Dread taking on new things (jobs/interviews), exams (including driving tests), public-speaking or acting. Irritable and indecisive but when the time comes they shine.
Natrum muriaticum- Anxious socially. Hates parties and are wound up before an event where there are going to be lots of people.
Nux vomica- Anxious and irritable. A difficult work period with many worries causes irritability and exhaustion.
Silica- Anxiety with poor self-confidence in bashful but strong-willed people. Gets wound up about public speaking, exams and interviews because they don’t believe they can perform well enough.
Reference:
Homeopathic Guide to Stress: Safe and Effective Natural Ways To Alliviate Physical and Emotional Stress by Miranda Castro
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- Get exercise. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer; it can improve your mood and keep you healthy. It's best if you develop a regular routine and work out most days of the week. Start out slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of the exercise you do.
- Eat well. Avoid fatty, sugary and processed foods. Include foods in your diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives. These can worsen anxiety.
- Use relaxation techniques. Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.
- Make sleep a priority. Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough quality sleep. If you aren't sleeping well, see your doctor.
- Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking coffee. Both nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety.
- Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
- Prioritize your life. You can reduce anxiety by carefully managing your time and energy.
