Against Doctor's Orders
Opting for Natural Remedies to Treat Anxiety
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) most definitely have worked well for many people in restoring neurotransmitter balances in the brain to allow for proper serotonin transport; and most everyone who has an anxiety disorder or depression has a deficiency in serotonin and/or the proteins that support its functioning.
Even though prescription medicine may work best for more severe disorders it still doesn’t eliminate the root cause of anxiety and depression. Research in alternative and integrated medicine suggests that individuals who have tried therapy and supplements to help turn around negative thought patterns, restore serotonin levels, and implement positive lifestyle habits have found power to overcome their anxiety on their own.
Just Breathe
According to the Anxiety and Phobia workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, there are methods to calm us and help restore proper neurotransmitter balance without medication. The first and most important method is breathing. Those who have anxiety tend to breathe high in their chest and it is important to learn to draw breathe from the stomach. The most common technique is to sit comfortably and
- take a deep breath in (Your stomach should expand and fill with air; hold for five seconds.)
- Slowly release the breath and feel yourself relax (Try to extend your exhale for at least five seconds.)
Try to practice this exercise for at least five minutes per day. This forces your nervous system to relax. Many people also try Yoga and meditation which incorporate body postures with deep relaxation and breathing techniques.
Thinking Healthy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps to make people aware of their current thought patterns. If someone is saying something in her mind, she are going to believe it. Anxious people might say things like, “She thinks I’m incompetent,” or “I’m having a heart attack.” Your body will react to what you are thinking. Through CBT, one can learn to let go of negative thoughts and retrain your thinking patterns into a more positive vision of yourself and of life.
Exercise
Simply put, exercise has been known to increase Serotonin and Dopamine levels in the brain and keep everything functioning properly. Exercise in the sunlight is even better. Sunlight ensures sufficient vitamin D intake and increases melatonin in your bloodstream so that you sleep better at night.
Vitamins & Supplements
Many of the natural supplements to relieve anxiety and depression are not clinically tested; but they are all relatively safe, pose no risks, and are non-habit forming. Some of the most common available in capsule, liquid, and tea form are Valerian Root and Passion Flower which are natural tranquilizers that should be taken daily before bed. Rhodiola Rosea and Winter Cherry are adaptogens that help to increase resistance to physical and emotional stress. Rhodiola Rosea is also known to increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Kava Kava is a member of the pepper family and has been known to help relieve anxiety, but it is not for those that have liver problems. Also, Sam-e and St. John’s Wort have been known to help alleviate depression.
There are a lot of people that also benefit from taking “stress vitamins,” which are all eleven B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These vitamins support the neurotransmitter system in our brain and help to increase resistance to physical and emotional stress.
Life Is Short
With the world as it is today it’s no wonder people constantly feel anxious and depressed. People are so wrapped-up in their stressful lives they forget that we’re only here for so long. Many find comfort in finding meaning in life, helping others, and having fun. If we try to remember what is really important in life it helps us realize that worrying is worthless and it just feels better to “be happy.”
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