There are several different types of anxiety disorders but many have similar symptoms; the overwhelming similarity between all types of anxiety disorders is that they can totally disrupt your life to the point that you are afraid to go anywhere or do anything because of the fears associated with your condition. Although prescribed medication may help, it can become addictive and it can also present a whole new range of symptoms and side effects. If you want to try and cope with your anxiety disorder in a natural way, try some of these suggestions.
Types of Anxiety Disorders and Their Symptoms
Anxiety disorders are a serious mental illness that many people do not understand; because there are no visible physical symptoms, as in the case of a broken leg for example, people think that there is nothing wrong. However, for someone suffering from an serious anxiety disorder, the simple act of keeping a social engagement can present a whole minefield of emotions and “what ifsâ€; sometimes it just becomes easier to avoid the situation, even if this means missing out on a friend’s birthday or a family wedding.
Types of anxiety disorders include:
- panic attacks – symptoms of panic attacks include chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, unrational fear, nausea, dizziness, headaches, feeling that you are going to faint.
- social anxiety disorder – over-worrying of every day situations and what others may think of you in social settings.
- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD usually occurs after a trauma or life changing event; these include rape, assault, unexpected death of a loved one, serious car accident, a natural disaster or another major personal life changing event.
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – if you suffer from OCD you believe that if you don’t perform a certain set of actions (rituals) in a certain way, something terrible will happen, for example constant hand washing.
(source: Mayo Clinic and WebMD)
If you suffer from some of the more serious anxiety disorders (such as PTSD and OCD), you should consult a medical practitioner for additional advice.
Counseling for Anxiety Disorders
You might find help with some types of anxiety disorders through counseling. In addition, a support group for people who suffer from anxiety disorders and/or panic attacks might provide you with peer support from others who are experiencing the same feelings as you – and understand what you are going through.
Yoga for Anxiety Disorders
Yoga is reputed to be one of the best forms of exercise to help with conditions such as anxiety disorders; yoga focuses on how you breath, in addition to physical exercise, and breathing “incorrectly†is one of the main features of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. In addition, according to the Yoga Journal, scientific studies have shown that breathing through your left nostril can reduce symptoms of OCD (source). You can either practice on your own, with a personal instructor or join a local group, depending on your degree of comfort.
Bach Flower Remedies and Aromatherapy for Anxiety Disorders
If you are looking for a natural solution to manage your anxiety disorder, you might want to consider either Bach flower remedies or aromatherapy. One of the most popular Bach flower remedies is the Bach rescue remedy which can be used as a tool for shock and anxiety. Take Bach rescue remedy before a job interview, a flight or an important meeting to help you manage your anxiety levels. It is a completely natural remedy, made up of flower essences, that helps to restore your emotional balance.
Aromatherapy is another tool that you might wish to consider using for anxiety. Aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses the aromas (essential oils) of plants to help with certain health problems. Suitable essential oils for anxiety include neroil, ylang ylang, lavender, rose, sandalwood, frankincense, benzoin and jasmine. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner for further advice on how to use essential oils for anxiety.
When to Consult a Qualified Medical Practitioner
Although all of the above suggestions are reputable, natural ways that may help you cope with your anxiety disorder, you should still consult a medical practitioner if your disorder is chronic, worsens or presents more serious symptoms. Choose a medical practitioner that understands the complexity of anxiety disorders and the debilitating consequences that anxiety presents. There are alternatives to prescribed medication to cope with your anxiety disorder, depending on the level of anxiety that you suffer from, and you don’t always have to suffer the side effects of a prescribed medication to live a life free from a disabling condition such as anxiety.
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