According to Anxiety UK (2024) most people experience anxiety at some point in their life, but it is usually resolved once the upcoming stressful factor has passed. Some people suffer from anxiety that affects daily life, even when the initial stress factor has passed. Anxiety sufferers may suffer from insomnia, stress and irritability most days for months on end, which is out of proportion to the stress factors in their lives.
Everyone suffers from mild anxiety from time to time. In severe cases, there is a persistent, disproportionate feeling of dread which interferes with daily life. There are recurrent intrusive unwanted thoughts which are debilitating, causing sustained emotional distress such as regular panic attacks.
According to Mind (2024), there are several anxiety disorders including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Health Anxiety, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Perinatal anxiety or perinatal OCD. Sometimes people suffer from depression and anxiety at the same time, which can be referred to as Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder.
Causes:
The cause of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, however some factors include:
– Female hormones (natural or synthetic)
– Traumatic events (such as bullying)
– Alcohol and drug dependency
– Physical health issues such as chronic pain or lung issues.
Physical Symptoms:
– Headaches, dizziness, pins and needles & shortness of breath
– Increased heartrate, hot flashes and sweating
– Butterflies in stomach, frequent toilet breaks, loss of appetite & nausea
– Dry mouth & choking sensation like a tight band around the chest
– Grinding teeth at night
– Panic attacks
– Lower libido
Psychological Symptoms:
– Feeling afraid of losing control, going mad
– Fear of ill health & dying
– Fear of embarassing yourself or of being judged
– Feeling detached from yourself (depersonalisation), everyone around you or wanting to run away
– Inability to concentrate
– Inability to make decisions
– Worrying about worrying or going over situations in your head over and over again
– Derealisation, where it feels like the world isn’t real
Behavioural Symptoms:
– Avoiding meeting up with friends or family
– Avoiding travelling alone
– Consciously planning your activities to avoid busy places or busy times of day
– Change in appetite
– Sitting in an aisle seat at the cinema
– Feeling anxious in social situations, which you run away from, or avoid altogether
People sometimes say that they felt the symptoms were too serious to be “just” anxiety. Some studies show anxiety sufferers have an increased risk of developing heart conditions, stomach ulcers and diabetes. Those with a physical condition can lead to increased anxiety, which aggravates the physical symptoms, causing a vicious circle.
Natural treatment for anxiety:
Top natural remedies for anxiety include exercise, especially yoga and pilates, herbal remedies, supplements such as magnesium, aromatherapy, meditation, journalling, therapy and homeopathy.
Homeopathic remedies for anxiety:
Homeopathic remedies can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Some of the most commonly used remedies include:
– Aconite: Helps when there is a lot of fear. They may suffer from panic attacks or a fear of flying. Typically brought on as a result of a traumatic event.
– Arg Nit: There is often apprehension about an upcoming event, fear that something will go wrong. They can’t stop thinking about it and may be so agitated they can’t sit still. They may rush through a performance. They may crave sweet or salty food, feel warm and benefit from fresh air.
– Arsen Alb: Very clean and organised, they worry about safety, money or health. They are usually cold and being with people makes them feel better. Very difficult to reassure.
– Calc Carb: Fear of change. Commonly used for stubborn children with a fear of the dark, spiders and monsters.
– Gelsemium: Good for people who tremble with apprehension and physical weakness before an event. There may be a sense of paralysis from the fear. Can be effective for agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). A desire to hide away from it all.
– Lycopodium: Stage fright before a performance, where people often feel fine once it has started. Fear of showing weakness, which can lead to digestive issues. Often behave older than their years.
– Passiflora: Sleeplessness caused by anxiety.
– Phosphorus: Fear of being alone, the dark, thunder or ghosts. Suits lively personalities with a vivid imagination. Can calm with reassurance from a trusted person.
Testimonial: Anita, Kent:
“I started working with Ali just before I had a big operation which I was very nervous about. We discussed the issue and my concerns, and she recommended a mix of a couple of remedies that I could take in the lead up to, and on the morning of the operation. I did just that, and felt comforted that I had the remedy with me going into hospital.
In the weeks following the op, I had a few problems and continued to take the remedy at times when I felt really under strain and it certainly helped put me at ease. I combined the homeopathy with some grounding techniques like breathing and journaling, and a few months down the line, I’m now in a much better place.
I’d definitely recommend giving it a try – there are no side effects so really you have nothing to lose by adding it in, and all to gain:). “
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions :)
