The purpose of using non-drug, natural remedies and turning to self-help tips for the treatment of anxiety disorder is
to give the patient a certain amount of control in dealing with this illness. Natural remedies are often
gentler and easier to integrate into everyday routines while also promoting overall bodily and mental health.
While not substitutes for professional opinions and treatments, the following may be used in conjunction with or as a
supplement to the therapy and medication that a doctor may already prescribe.
Change your diet
Food affects the body in many ways and proper nutrition can help ease certain symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Many of the physical symptoms that a person suffers from may be the result of vitamin and mineral deficiency.
As such, it is important that a balanced and sensible diet be implemented.
Consumption of certain foods such as caffeine, nicotine and salt should also be controlled. Caffeine and
nicotine are stimulants and can increase the adrenal response of the body. This reaction has the potential to
cause nervousness, agitation, insomnia and anxiety. Salt should also be avoided or taken in moderation. It decreases
the amount of potassium in the body, a mineral that is essential for the normal functions of the nervous system.
Take nutritional supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential to help the body
perform at its best. Some of them are quite helpful
in fighting symptoms of anxiety disorder naturally. These include B-complex vitamins, magnesium and calcium.
By providing the means with which to help the body function properly, certain physical symptoms of
the disorder are eliminated.
Use traditional herbal medicines
Herbs have been used for many years as treatment for some forms of anxiety disorder. Chamomile tea, for example,
is known to calm nerves and help in relaxation. Other herbs such as kava, St. John's wort, skullcap and hops
are common in herbal tonics.
Important: there is little solid scientific evidence to prove that these herbs are as effective as
reported. When using herbal medicines, find out exactly what the side effects are and purchase only from
reputable herbal shops. It is also extremely important not to combine herbal medicines with
prescription drugs, especially anti-depressants.
Try aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been in use for thousands of years and is still considered as one of the best natural ways
to induce relaxation and relieve stress, frustration and anxiety. Some scents and herbs that are used for
this purpose include lavender, bergamot, frankincense, lime, jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood and cypress.
Relax with self-hypnosis or meditation
Self-hypnosis and meditation have been known as very effective ways of relaxing the body and clearing the mind.
As an anxiety disorder treatment, they help reduce associated symptoms such as increased
heart and respiration rate, blood pressure and muscle tension.
Meditation, self-hypnosis and other relaxation techniques can also induce better and deeper sleep and decrease
incidents of headaches, migraines and other physical discomfort. A 20 to 30-minute session performed daily
can help attain a general feeling of well being and ease, allowing an anxiety disorder sufferer to gain control
of his responses to anxiety attacks.
Attack your problems
Anxiety disorder is an illness that needs to be healed from within. You already have all the powers of control.
All you have to do is to put yourself together long enough to determine how you can actively solve the problem.
Learn to break a problem into smaller parts. Determine how each part may be solved and then take action.
By breaking a problem down into manageable components, you'll realize that it's not impossible to solve.
This technique helps manage milder forms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Find a support group
Many non-drug therapies used for the treatment of anxiety disorder include family groups and support groups.
When an illness can be overwhelming, it is urgent for a person who suffers from anxiety disorder to have a
support network of family, friends and medical practitioners he can trust and depend on for the duration of treatment.
He can also find help from community organizations that offer support and counseling.
NEXT: Treatment Options - Medication or Therapy
| 
