If you have an anxiety disorder or depression, you are not alone. It is reported that over 40 million American adults deal with anxiety disorders, while another 21 million have experienced depression. Furthermore, it’s estimated that half of the people dealing with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Whether you have one or the other, it may sometimes feel debilitating. Thankfully, you can use natural treatments for anxiety and depression in addition to prescribed medication and therapy.
At Journey of Wellness Natural Medicine Center, we use alternative medicine as an effective therapy for various conditions, including anxiety and depression. Dr. Tawainna Houston guides us as a licensed naturopathic physician board-certified by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. In this article, we’ll share natural treatments for depression and anxiety that you can use to cope.
What is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety as it is our bodies’ natural reaction to stress. It causes us to feel fearful or nervous at times. Anxiety about a first date, public speaking, or a job interview is typical.
For some people, however, anxiety becomes uncontrollable to the point where it affects their work performance, relationships, and other aspects of their lives. At this stage, it is a disorder. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may notice that you still feel anxious, even long after the stressful activity or event has passed. You may feel the urge to obsess over uncertainties and spend time anticipating all the bad things that could happen.
What are Some Natural Treatments for Anxiety and Stress?
Natural treatments for anxiety are not “last resort remedies” but are just as important as doctor visits and taking prescribed medication. Some natural remedies include:
Regular Exercise
There is a myriad of reasons we should exercise frequently. Add “managing anxiety” to the list. As a natural treatment for anxiety, regular exercise is a good distraction as it diverts your attention away from whatever is stressing you. More importantly, increasing your heart rate improves mood by boosting happy brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
That “good ol’ cup of Joe” may do more harm than good. Coffee, green tea, and other items containing caffeine may cause nervousness and jittery feelings. Needless to say that caffeine worsens your anxiety.
If coffee or other caffeinated products are a part of your daily routine, you may want to reduce your intake gradually. Slowly decrease the number of cups you drink, and be sure to increase the amount of water you drink. This can help you to adjust the habit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Drink Chamomile Tea
As you wean yourself off caffeine, you can switch to chamomile tea. It is a caffeine-free natural treatment for anxiety and stress because it relaxes you. Furthermore, a 2016 study revealed that long-term chamomile tea intake could significantly reduce generalized anxiety disorder’s moderate to severe symptoms.
Try Aromatherapy
You can achieve calm with a tried and tested natural treatment for anxiety, like aromatherapy. It has been used for thousands of years to promote mind, body, and spirit wellness. In addition to calming you, it helps you to sleep better and improve your mood. The most calming essential oils used in aromatherapy include lavender, grapefruit, bergamot, and ylang-ylang.
What is Depression?
We all experience the blues from time to time. And it’s healthy to go through the motions rather than suppress those feelings. But eventually, grief and sadness pass, and our moods improve. But what if they don’t? Then we might be dealing with depression. depressive
Depression is described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that disrupt a person’s daily life. You might be living with depression if you experience some of the following every day for at least two weeks:
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Sobbing a lot
- Loss of interest in activities
- Aches that don’t get better with pain medication
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
What are Some Alternative Therapies for Depression?
In addition to speaking to a therapist, you can consider the abovementioned remedies along with the following natural treatments for depression:
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Try sitting quietly, closing your eyes, breathing evenly, and focusing on your surroundings. By doing this, you will focus on the here and now and note your thoughts without judging yourself.
Increase Your Omega 3s
You can ease symptoms of depression with fish oils, salmon, walnuts, spinach, and other sources of Omega fatty acids. These essential acids go a long way in enhancing neurological development and brain health.
Take Vitamin B12 Supplements
Another natural treatment for depression is Vitamin B12. Not only does it help your brain to function well, but it also improves your mood. When your vitamin B12 levels are low, you are more likely to experience a depressive episode.
Naturopathic Solutions for Anxiety and Depression Available in Decatur, GA
Are you considering natural treatments for anxiety and depression? Talk to the team at Journey of Wellness Natural Medicine Center about our naturopathic solutions for anxiety and depression. We also offer natural approaches for infertility, cancer support, detoxification, and more. Schedule your Naturopathic appointment today!
Disclaimer:
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on the Journey of Wellness website.
Before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements or herbs, consult a physician for a thorough evaluation. Journey of Wellness does not endorse any medications, vitamins, or herbs.