At one time or another everyone feels anxious over family obligations, work, health issues or other problems in everyday life. However, if anxiety affects a person’s life in ways she cannot control and lasts for more than six months, she may be experiencing anxiety disorder.
Learning more about anxiety disorder and about the different treatments and methods used to alleviate the symptoms can help a person get back to leading a healthy, productive life.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a condition in which the person worries excessively about one or many aspects of their life. Their worry and concern becomes so overwhelming that it begins to interfere with their work, relationships and family life. According to the article Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Merck.com, three percent of the population experiences anxiety disorder and twice as many women as men are affected. It generally begins before the age of 24, but people of all ages can develop this disorder.
People who experience anxiety disorder are very prone to having panic attacks. Panic attacks occur when a person becomes so overly anxious that they begin to lose control. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Hyperventilating
- Racing heart
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Chest pain or tightening
- Irregular heartbeat
People who experience panic attacks often mistake the experience with a heart attack. After the panic attack, people with anxiety disorder generally display behavioral changes such as becoming withdrawn, emotional, crying or they may experience a difficulty calming.
While doctors aren’t sure of all of the causes of anxiety disorder, they do know that it typically occurs in people with a history of depression, in individuals with one or more phobia, and in individuals who are prone to alcoholism and drug use. It is also known to be genetically passed down among family members.
People who have had a terrifying or traumatic experience in their life are also susceptible to having anxiety disorder. The good news is people who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder can live healthy, normal lives with the right treatment, including natural remedies.
Herbal Remedies for Anxiety Disorder
There are a few broadly-recognized herbal remedies that are said to be successful in relieving some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Like all herbal supplements, these remedies should not be used without first consulting a physician.
- St John’s Wort – For those who suffer from depression, which is a symptom of anxiety disorder, St. John’s wort can help enhance mood and alleviate depression and anxiety. This herb is not recommended for people who are taking prescription antidepressants, MOA inhibitors or who drink alcohol on a regular basis. St. John’s wort comes in capsule form, extract, or can be made into a tea.
- Passion Flower – This herb works like a sedative for calming sleeplessness and anxiety. One study of Passion Flower published on the website National Center for Biotechnology Information found it to be comparable to the drug oxazepam which is prescribed for insomnia, panic disorder and anxiety. This herb comes in capsules, tincture and liquid extract or as a dried herb that can be steeped and made into tea. People taking an antidepressant or MAO inhibitor should not use this herb.
- Valerian – This herb is beneficial for restlessness, sleeplessness, muscle spasms and tension, all symptoms of anxiety disorder. Europeans use this herb as a sedative. It is available in capsule form, tablets, tincture and as a tea. Recommended doses of this herb must be followed to prevent overdose or dangerous side-effects. People who drink alcohol or have liver disease should not take this herb.
- Mugwort – Mugwort is a multi-use herb and is effective for anxiety, restlessness, depression, muscle spasms, insomnia, and headaches. This herb is safe with most prescriptions and has very few side-effects, although pregnant women or those who suffer from hay fever should not use this herb. Mugwort comes in capsules, extract and tincture form and the dried leaves can be made into a tea.
Vitamins and Minerals to Soothe Anxiety
In addition to herbal remedies, certain vitamin supplements are said to be effective in treating anxiety. Like herbal supplements, vitamin supplements should only be used after consulting a physician.
- B-Complex Vitamin– The body needs the recommended daily amount of B vitamins for a healthy nervous system. Eating foods rich in B vitamins or taking a B-Complex vitamin daily helps to soothe nerves and muscles and relieve stress.
- Magnesium – This mineral is important for calming and relaxing muscles and nerves and can be beneficial for a good night’s sleep. The proper amount of magnesium in the body can actually help make a person feel less stressed and anxious. The recommended allowance of magnesium per day for adults is between 300 and 400 milligrams. There are supplements available if people cannot get enough of this mineral through the foods they eat.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – This essential fatty acid not only helps regulate the heart and circulatory system but also helps to alleviate depression caused by stress. Salmon, nuts and leafy green vegetables are foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and supplements are also available.
Aromatherapy for Stress Relief
Aromatherapy has been used as a medical treatment in most cultures since 3,500 B.C. Certain scents have been used in candles, bath salts, oils and incense to help calm stress and sleeplessness – both are symptoms of anxiety disorder. While lavender is the most commonly used scent for relaxation, geranium, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and cypress are also said to have a calming effect. Aromatherapy is considered safe and can be used along with other treatments for anxiety.
Treating anxiety disorder may involve several different types of treatments and every case is unique to the person suffering from it. If anxiety disorder is suspected, it is recommended to consult a doctor about treatment and ask if natural remedies can be used instead of or in addition to prescription drugs. With the right course of action a person with anxiety disorder can lead a calmer, happier life.
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
