For the last week in particular, I've found that feelings of anxiousness and worry have been heightened. For some, it's concern for the unknown and a lack of control, for others it's triggered a long standing issue.
You are definitely not alone.
Whether your feelings are new or not, it's important to note that 1 in 3 people will experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. Even if you're not impacted personally by anxiety, there's a good chance that someone in your circle is feeling its effects right now. They could be experiencing fear/panic, increased heart rate, tension, racing thoughts or increased alertness and you don't even know it. That's why it's important even more now than ever to be kind.
Unfortunately, it feels like so many things are outside of our control right now. I've mentioned this in previous posts, because ultimately it is a sense of being able to choose your path and knowing that you have a choice that fosters resilience.
One interesting observation that I've had is that many of my patients who have a history of dealing with anxiety were actually doing pretty well in the spring, because they were able to focus on self care - getting fresh air, cooking at home, meditating, spending time at home, and enjoying a slower pace of life. Also, they may have benefited from having developed coping skills in the past.
If you're not sure if stress is a factor for you, you can read more about it here.
Children are feeling it too - they might be excited for changes, grieving loss of routines, concerned about separations after being home so long, worried about getting sick, or can't wait to get back to their friends - or maybe all of the above :) Anxiety can be tougher to pinpoint in kids, because it will often present as stomach aches, so just keep an eye out.
To paraphrase the words of Dr. Cheryl Birch, psychologist at our clinic - We are all in the same storm, but traveling in different boats.
Whenever I see a trend at the clinic, or within the community consciousness, I feel compelled to reach out to you and let you know that there are ways to support you.
Common Anxiety Coping Techniques
Naturopathic Treatments for Anxiety
A couple of other notes:
If your anxiety is strictly about health, I recommend getting on a great preventative plan. More and more evidence is showing that pre-existing/chronic health issues are making people most vulnerable to serious infections, so it's time to get back on the lifestyle train. Furthermore, this is the time of year that we typically begin immune support protocols, but I feel it's even more important to be proactive now.
I hope that you're enjoying the stunning sunsets, and cooler evenings (sweater weather!). I'm going to take off for a couple of days to reset before the routines set in, but I'll be back and ready to help in September.
Warmly,
Dr. Christa
You are definitely not alone.
Whether your feelings are new or not, it's important to note that 1 in 3 people will experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. Even if you're not impacted personally by anxiety, there's a good chance that someone in your circle is feeling its effects right now. They could be experiencing fear/panic, increased heart rate, tension, racing thoughts or increased alertness and you don't even know it. That's why it's important even more now than ever to be kind.
Unfortunately, it feels like so many things are outside of our control right now. I've mentioned this in previous posts, because ultimately it is a sense of being able to choose your path and knowing that you have a choice that fosters resilience.
One interesting observation that I've had is that many of my patients who have a history of dealing with anxiety were actually doing pretty well in the spring, because they were able to focus on self care - getting fresh air, cooking at home, meditating, spending time at home, and enjoying a slower pace of life. Also, they may have benefited from having developed coping skills in the past.
If you're not sure if stress is a factor for you, you can read more about it here.
Children are feeling it too - they might be excited for changes, grieving loss of routines, concerned about separations after being home so long, worried about getting sick, or can't wait to get back to their friends - or maybe all of the above :) Anxiety can be tougher to pinpoint in kids, because it will often present as stomach aches, so just keep an eye out.
To paraphrase the words of Dr. Cheryl Birch, psychologist at our clinic - We are all in the same storm, but traveling in different boats.
Whenever I see a trend at the clinic, or within the community consciousness, I feel compelled to reach out to you and let you know that there are ways to support you.
Common Anxiety Coping Techniques
- Exercise
- Breathing
- Tapping (click here for more info)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
Naturopathic Treatments for Anxiety
- Botanicals - herbs like Skullcap, Ashwagandha, Lavender, St John's Wort
- Fish oil (omega 3)
- Magnesium
- B Vitamins
- Acupuncture
- GABA or L-theanine
I can help you develop an individualized approach. Basically there are supports that nourish and calm the nervous system, and others that work more directly on neurotransmitters, or the adrenal glands. I find a combination works the most effectively.
A couple of other notes:
If your anxiety is strictly about health, I recommend getting on a great preventative plan. More and more evidence is showing that pre-existing/chronic health issues are making people most vulnerable to serious infections, so it's time to get back on the lifestyle train. Furthermore, this is the time of year that we typically begin immune support protocols, but I feel it's even more important to be proactive now.
I hope that you're enjoying the stunning sunsets, and cooler evenings (sweater weather!). I'm going to take off for a couple of days to reset before the routines set in, but I'll be back and ready to help in September.
Warmly,
Dr. Christa
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