Feelings of anxiety from time to time are completely normal, but feeling anxious for no reason or having excessive worry can have detrimental consequences to your health, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, depression, substance abuse, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and more. There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (a general feeling of anxiety all or most of the time), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (unwanted thoughts or behaviors that are repetitive and unnecessary), phobias (significant and persistent fear of objects or situations, such as fear of heights), and post-traumatic stress disorder (anxiety associated with and occurring after a terrifying life event). Although it is not certain what causes many anxiety disorders, links have been made to family history, diet (including anemia), chronic illness (such as diabetes), cigarette smoking, stress and trauma.
Once diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, your doctor may want to prescribe any number of medications and/or psychotherapy. Medications prescribed often include benzodiazepines, which work quickly to relieve anxiety but are highly addictive and have numerous side effects. Anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs are also used, but carry with them side effects as well. While it may take some time and commitment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and practiced breathing techniques have been shown to be highly effective in managing many anxiety disorders.
Natural therapy can help manage your symptoms of anxiety as well: psychotherapy can have a profound impact on your moods and can help you feel better about your life, and at Yellow Gazebo our psychotherapists offer private, safe and supportive counseling. In addition, naturopathic medicine or acupuncture and TCM can help reduce your symptoms and help you feel restful. Osteopathy or massage therapy will help you relax and feel better-equipped for life's antagonists.
Contact us for a FREE consultation on how natural therapy can help you prevent or manage your symptoms of anxiety.
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