How to deal with Anxiety

Anxiety is seemingly so common these days. It seems every second person has had it or is currently dealing with it. Anxiety can be quite crippling for some. We normally live with anxiety at a low level hum as it is connected to the stress response.

However, it can be so bad for some people that they are totally immobilised by it. Their whole world comes to a standstill as they grapple with coping with it.

Most people have anxiety due to a trigger and in most people it dissipates after the trigger passes and they get distracted back into their lives. However, some people it seems to be a hum that goes with them in everything that they do in life. To the point, sometimes, where they are unable to function. This leads to them going on anti-anxiety medication.

Anxiety is where we ruminate and overthink things. We may have a busy life and a lot of pressure at work. We may have a family tendency to anxiety. The way we were raised. From a naturopathic point of view there can be biological reasons too. Such as the stress response being dysregulated or conditions such as thyroid or adrenal issues. When our body is not functioning at optimum due to lack of nutrients and minerals can affect us. We need building blocks in our bodies from what we ingest to make the feel good hormones.

From a counselling point of view we use CBT tools and methods to help a person de-escalate their anxiety. Sometimes it is as simple as having someone safe and nonjudgmental to talk to such as a counsellor. I see it a lot. People sit alone with their worries and anxiety and the moment they talk to a counsellor (me) they relax a little and seem to calm down.

Often those who carry the main load in their lives, such as work, family, bills, are in overwhelm and feel like they are alone carrying the bulk of things. When they talk it through we, as a team, can help them to find strategies to assist their situation. Prioritising self care as well as what needs to be next on the list. To put things into lists in order of priority. To do things in bite size steps. Most importantly to not look too far ahead. If there is a fear that they will forget what is coming up then I usually point them back to their list making. Like second brain this list helps keep them accountable. But importantly it helps them to know that the second brain is holding it for them and that they don't have to carry it around with them all day. As long as they check in with the list/second brain once or twice a day or even twice a week, depending on their needs, then they know it hasn't been forgotten or neglected.

Anxiety can be so many things for every single person. You may just be anxious about everything. There is a need to calm the nervous system. Reducing stimulants is advisable. Such as coffee, tea, sugary foods and drinks. If the need is so strong then see your doctor to do tests to see if there is any underlying causes that are physical. There may be a need for medications. As a naturopath we help through diet and herbal medicines which are gentle yet effective, and with supplements. Also diet and lifestyle.

As a counsellor we emphasise health and wellbeing through actions and tools to use to ease the inner turmoil. Talking it out can help greatly. To know you are not alone.

This subject is a vast and varied subject and this is only a snippet of things for people with anxiety. So I suggest you reach out to a counsellor like myself and just talk. Let the therapist help you and guide you to organising your life and emotions. Don't tough it out. It will affect your health more if you stuff it deep down.

Speak to you next month. Please take care.

Lisa