Suffering from Anxiety? Let us offer you a Complete Care Approach

Suffering with Anxiety? Let us offer you a Complete Care Approach

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological conditions experienced today. Millions of people worldwide are struggling each day to control worry, panic and fear. There are many options for treating anxiety. In this article, we will offer you two approaches: Conventional and Naturopathic.

Medical Perspective by Joseph C. Cosentino, M.D

Many people are unaware that there are many pathological conditions that cause anxiety. The first step in an allopathic approach is to first rule out some of the most common conditions known to precipitate anxiety. Some of the most common conditions include:

* Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism

* Cardiovascular Disease (High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Heart attack)

* Diabetes Type 2

* Substance use/abuse (Caffeine, Nicotine, Illicit drugs, Alcohol)

* Other Psychiatric conditions (OCD, Bipolar)

Only after a thorough clinical workup to rule out possible organic causes, can a medical physician begin to narrow down the root cause of anxiety and begin treatment.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the first line therapy for patients with anxiety. This type of therapy aims to help you to change the way you think, feel and behave. CBT has been used for decades to successfully treat anxiety.
2. Medications such as SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are also a treatment option, either in conjunction with CBT or as a stand-alone when it fails to work. These prescription medications are very efficacious and tolerated well but like all medications must be taken properly and have the potential for unwanted side effects if not managed properly.

Always talk to your Doctor to see what your options are and what is right for you.

Naturopathic Approach by Dr. Jennifer Cisternino, ND

Adequate time and emphasis should be placed on determining the ROOT cause of the anxiety rather than focusing on quick fixes that tend to only mask the problem.

Once more severe causes of anxiety have been ruled out, there are some natural approaches to help ease anxiety.

1. Eliminate Stimulants in your diet (caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, sugar, salt, preservatives/additives). I have seen the amazing anxiety reducing effects from this change alone.
2. Eliminate Food Allergies: Many people are unaware of how food affects their mood. A Food Allergy Test (IGG) can help determine sensitivities that may be affecting your mental health. If you are ingesting foods that cause inflammation and damage to your GI tract, this inhibits the production and absorption of calming neurotransmitters. Henceforth, leaving you feeling anxious. Healing your gut can help heal your anxiety.
3. Exercise: 30 minutes a day can help release stress and increase “feel good hormones”. Choosing the activity you enjoy can help alleviate anxiety and frustration. Try boxing!
4. Deep Breathing /Meditation: 40 minutes a day has been shown to completely absolve anxiety in most people. When you allow your body and mind a chance to relax and refocus, a lot of “mental garbage” can be released. This takes commitment and discipline, but the benefits are well worth it!
5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: The Anxiety and Worry Workbook by David Clark, PHD and Aaron Beck, MD. This is a great self directed work book to get you started.
6. Good Nutrition: You can’t get away from eating whole foods rich in nutrients, anti-oxidants and minerals. Certain Vitamin/Mineral deficiencies can cause symptoms of anxiety.  If you are low in Vitamin B12, B3, Magnesium and Iron, this can contribute to anxiousness.  One simple test that I run in my office is a hair mineral test. This can help to evaluate your individual mineral deficiencies.

If you suffer with anxiety, don’t be afraid to admit it. Anxiety can range from mild to severe and can worsen if nothing is done to help it. Anxiety is your body’s way of telling you to slow down, take better care of yourself and seek help and guidance. You are worth it.

Share with someone you know who may be suffering. If you have found helpful ways to cope with anxiety please post your comments below. It may help change someone for the better.