Anyone can suffer with an anxiety disorder

HOW are you today? Are you feeling anxious? Is it so intense that it is affecting your life?

As human beings we all experience anxiety as a natural response to certain life situations. It’s normal and healthy and helps us deal with the situation appropriately. It’s short term we experience the anxiety and it passes once the event that caused it has passed.

However, if you’re feeling so anxious that it’s adversely affecting your normal everyday life you may have an anxiety disorder. There are several different types of anxiety disorder which include general anxiety, social anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress and obsessive compulsive disorders

Anxiety can cause you to feel tightness in the chest area which can be very intense. It can feel like something bad is going to happen, or you may have a sense of dread. Your heart can race and your head can feel light. Other symptoms include a feeling of panic or panic attacks, sweating, sweaty palms, disturbed sleep and tense muscles. Your sleep can be disturbed and you may be tearful. You may even think you are going crazy.

Anyone can suffer with anxiety disorder. It can happen out of the blue, or it can happen as a result of a stressor. Some people feel they are born anxious.

Natural remedies can help you cope and include B Vitamins which help support the nervous system, help deal with stress, and can improve energy levels. Theanine can help relieve panic attacks and help relieve anxiety. Passionflower is a lovely herb that can help with anxiety, soothing the nervous system and helping you feel more in control. All three are provided together in a supplement called Balance for Nerves, made by Higher Nature.

Natural remedies can help but they may not be the full solution to your anxiety disorder. They can ease the symptoms that you are feeling. To fully deal with anxiety you need to watch your diet as caffeine and alcohol can increase anxiety levels. Exercise is very important. Many people find that meditation or mindfulness helps. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help you find new ways to deal with situations that cause you anxiety. Counselling can also be beneficial.

It’s good to talk. It helps. Talk to a friend, your family, or there are support groups that can offer you ways to cope.

Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practitioner, Nutritional Health Coach and Vega Allergy Tester based at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford. 053 9121613 | clairm1@eircom.net www.clairsclinic.ie