Anxiety
Nearly everyone has experienced what it feels like to be anxious. Sweaty palms. Faster heartbeat. You know how it feels.
Anxiety, a typical human emotion, becomes a problem when it regularly interferes with daily life. While anxiety is common among many people, it can become a major problem if it is not handled properly. Some people may not realize that some anxiety disorders are classified as serious mental illnesses. But don’t worry—help is out there so you can resume a calmer daily life.
What happens when anxiety becomes a major problem?
Finding and fixing the underlying causes of anxiety disorders is the key. With this information, we can better equip you to manage and reduce anxiety in your life.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Even though mild anxiety is commonplace in many people’s daily lives, it can turn into a bigger problem when it disrupts your ability to lead a normal life. When this happens, it is best to see a doctor for some help. If anxiety is ruining or taking the lead in your life, please reach out for help.
Your Progressive doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history. He or she can determine if an anxiety disorder is present.
There are a few different types of anxiety disorders:
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- certain phobias (i.e. fear of flying, fear of heights, fear of snakes, et cetera)
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Each disorder presents itself in a different way—different symptoms, different treatment approaches. In general, people diagnosed with any anxiety disorder typically experience some similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms that are typical of most anxiety disorders include:
- nausea
- dizziness
- muscle tension
- numbness or tingling in hands and/or feet
- inability to sit still
- inability to be calm
- dry mouth
- shortness of breath
- heart palpitations
- feelings of fear and/or panic
- sleeping problems
- cold and/or sweaty feet
- cold and/or sweaty hands
- inability to think clearly
- overwhelming emotion
- feelings of uneasiness
Those with anxiety disorders can experience these symptoms at varying degrees. For instance, a person suffering from social anxiety disorder may feel an extreme inability to sit still, whereas another person with PTSD may experience this symptom at a lesser degree.
It is encouraged that you keep track of your symptoms as best as possible. Keep a diary if need be. Tracking your symptoms and discussing them with your doctor can help him or her get to the root cause of an anxiety disorder. That means he or she will be able to provide the best treatment for you.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
Of the millions of adult Americans who suffer from anxiety disorders, many of their disorders started during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and scientists attribute mental illness and anxiety disorders to s combination of factors (i.e. environmental stressors, changes in the brain).
A large part of researchers study the impact that environmental stressors have on anxiety disorders. Trauma, pollution, and other significant events in a person’s life are examples of environmental stressors that may be the cause of anxiety disorders.
Severe, long-term stress can negatively alter the way the brain functions. For instance, long-term stress can change the way that nerve cells transmit data from one area of the brain to another.
Alterations to gut health can have a tremendous impact on neuro-chemicals, and may lead to anxiety. Having gut bacteria out of balance can cause anxiety.
Studies have shown that anxiety disorders can be inherited from one or both parents. More research is needed here: Scientists are delving more into the role that genetics can play in the development of anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses.
Everyone is different. Anxiety disorders present themselves differently in each person’s life. Speaking with your doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist about your symptoms and life experiences can help him or her get to the root cause of an anxiety disorder—finding the real reasons that are causing anxiety and treating those reasons instead of just treating your symptoms.
How are Anxiety Disorders Commonly Treated?
There have been great strides made in the past years regarding treatments for anxiety disorders. In the mainstream medical field, there are some treatments that are commonly used, including:
medications (antidepressants, SSRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs, anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers)
psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
Treatment decisions are commonly based on the problem at hand and the patient’s preference. Sometimes a combination of treatments is used.
At Progressive, we aim for the most effective natural solution that will target each individuals root cause of anxiety. If it is an imbalance in dopamine or norepinephrine, we aim to treat that specifically.
Finding and Resolving Underlying Causes of Anxiety: Alternative Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Many patients do not want to take the conventional treatment route for their anxiety disorder. This is where alternative treatment and complementary treatments come into play.
At Progressive Medical Center, we do our very best to get to the root cause of the anxiety disorder. We find and resolve the underlying causes of anxiety to bring lasting calmness to your life.
How is this possible? At our centers, we will balance the neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system to help reduce your anxiety.
Additionally, we offer a number of alternative treatments for anxiety disorders, including:
herbal remedies including: valerian, ashwagandha, vitamin B12, fish oil, chamomile, inositol, kava, passionflower, St. John’s Wort, and theanine
- stress and relaxation techniques
- meditation
- yoga
- acupuncture
- massage therapy
- dietary changes (eating a customized balanced diet)
- regular exercise
- dietary supplements
- bio-field therapies
- art, dance, or music therapy
- homeopathic or naturopathic medicine
lifestyle changes (some for a short-term reset and some longer term may include: avoiding alcohol, avoiding sedatives, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep)
Get Treatment Today & Feel Better
At Progressive, our three goals of alternative therapies to treat anxiety disorders are:
1. to improve your overall health
2. to relieve symptoms with few or no side effects
3. leave you feeling relaxed, in control, and happier overall
Take the next step with Progressive. Let’s work together to develop a treatment plan you are comfortable with to lessen your anxiety and improve your overall health. We have seen great success in our patients from even one session with us.