Anxiety It is a sensation that mixes fear and restlessness and can produce tension and even palpitations.
It manifests itself in different situations that occur in life, such as solving a difficult problem in the office, before taking an exam at university or making a difficult decision in our relationships.
Feeling “nervous” in these situations is normal, but if the condition persists It may be due to generalized anxiety disorder, recurrent panic attacks and phobias.
Second World Health Organization (WHO) These disorders affect approximately 300 million people worldwide. Many of them look for “magic solutions” in a variety of medications. However, there are natural alternatives to combat mild anxiety.
What is useful for calming anxiety and nerves naturally?
An excellent article by Medical news today offers several alternatives to treat anxiety and nerves that arise in daily life. That is, mild anxiety, not anxiety requiring medical attention.
The first option is exercise, “a wonderful way to burn off anxiety energy,” according to the site. Several studies suggest that it could bring benefits, in particular, to those who suffer from anxiety related to quitting smoking.
Proposed by many experts, meditation It helps reduce frenetic thoughts and facilitates stress control. Mindfulness and yoga These are two recommended practices for reducing tension.
A common cause of mild anxiety It’s the urge to do multiple things at once. Experts recommend strategies for effective time management. Online diaries and calendars are excellent allies in this sense.
Alternative therapies
aromatherapy based on lavender It has a relaxing effect, according to a study carried out ten years ago. This aromatherapy helps reduce heart rate, including long-term sleep problems.
From the mayonnaise clinicfrom the United States, in a very detailed article, warns that lavender administered orally can cause constipation and headaches, as well as increasing appetite and the effect of some anxiolytics.
In Argentina, several laboratories produce several over-the-counter medications based on a combination of herbs, such as valerian and passionflower.
Once again the Mayo Clinic puts the magnifying glass on some components. In respect of the passionflowersupported by some clinical studies, states that it is safe if the patient follows the instructions as this can also cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
The medical institute reports that while some patients have reported positive effects of valerian In anti-anxiety treatments, others have reported feeling no improvement. With similar side effects to passionflower, it should be taken according to laboratory instructions.
Who is at risk for anxiety disorders?
According to the site Medline Plus, from the United States Library of Medicine, risk factors for different types of anxiety disorders can vary. For example, generalized anxiety disorder and phobias are more common in women, but social anxiety affects men and women equally.
But, the site notes, there are some general risk factors for all types of anxiety disorders:
- Certain personality traits, such as being shy or withdrawn when in new situations or meeting new people.
- Traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood.
- Family history of anxiety or other mental disorders.
- Certain physical health conditions, such as thyroid problems or arrhythmia.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
The specialists of Medline Plus They point out that there may be different symptoms in each case of anxiety. But usually all patients show a combination of:
- Anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control. They make you feel restless and tense and interfere with your daily life. They don’t go away and can get worse over time.
- Physical symptoms, such as a fast or pounding heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Changes in behavior, such as avoiding daily activities you used to do.
- The use of caffeine, other substances, and some medications can make symptoms worse.
Chronic anxiety
In case the anxiety is chronic and interferes with a person’s abilities, It must be treated through psychological therapy.
In the sessions the psychologist will try to help the patient understand the origin of the anxiety and propose lifestyle changes to combat it.
As for medications, these should always be taken according to the doctor’s instructions, who can prescribe benzodiazepines, antidepressants or remedies to help you fall asleep.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.