Anxiety as a widespread disease? - How you can deal with it

Veröffentlicht am: October 03, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

Unfortunately, appearances are not deceptive. More and more people are suffering from anxiety! 

Scientists agree that the number of people with anxiety disorders is steadily increasing. All age groups are affected - from children, adolescents and adults to senior citizens - almost everyone struggles with anxiety.

 

➤ A nxiety is a widespread disease!

Why do anxiety disorders occur so often these days?

Fears have always been with us. We worry about our health, safety, finances, politics and relationships. Nevertheless, anxiety disorders have become increasingly common in recent years.

Why is that the case?

The difference to the past is that fears are artificially reinforced nowadays. This happens through:

  • Social media
  • Constant availability
  • News broadcasts around the clock
  • Full diary
  • Little exercise and sleep

In addition, we are generally eating unhealthier and taking medication that can even increase anxiety. One example of this is the ongoing opioid crisis in the USA.

 

➤ Women suffer from anxiety particularly often!

 

What does fear actually mean?

Anxiety is defined as a "feeling of worry, nervousness or unease". This usually occurs in connection with certain events or situations with an uncertain outcome.

It is completely normal to be nervous or anxious from time to time. However, what distinguishes people with an anxiety disorder from "healthy" people is the fact that they suffer from constant anxiety. This affects their entire life - from relationships, family and friends to their working relationship.

How do people with an anxiety disorder feel?

An anxiety disorder usually brings with it many symptoms:

  • Palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • High blood pressure
  • Tension
  • Sleep disorders, tiredness and exhaustion
  • Heavy sweating
  • Severe malaise
  • The feeling of hopelessness
  • Insulation

Anxiety messes with our health. We no longer feel comfortable in our bodies, are stressed and sleep poorly. This also has health consequences such as a weakened immune system, depression and more.

 

➤ A nxiety is now one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in Germany!

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How does an anxiety disorder develop?

Life challenges us around the clock. And we are not always able to cope with all situations - stress arises. Lots of overtime, money worries, loss of loved ones, loneliness or bullying - it all stresses us out and triggers anxiety.

Traumatic life events, genetic predisposition or hormonal fluctuations also cause us problems. Added to this is our diet with excessive alcohol consumption, high caffeine or sugar intake and drug use.

All of this can be responsible for triggering anxiety disorders.

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How can anxiety disorders be alleviated naturally?

Anxiety disorders are usually treated with medication and therapy. However, medication often has risks and side effects. So can anxiety disorders not be treated naturally? 

Some people experience an improvement simply by changing their diet and lifestyle. This can be specifically supported with the help of natural food supplements:

GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)

Scientists suspect that GABA takes control of our anxiety when our neural pathways are overstimulated. The adaptogen therefore helps us to cope better with anxiety.

5 HTP (5 hydroxytryptophan)

5 HTP is needed for the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for our well-being. Therefore, 5 HTP reduces stress and ensures a more restful sleep.

St. John's wort drops

St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat fatigue, anxiety and sleep disorders. Recent studies have shown that St. John's wort can help with depression and anxiety disorders. 

CBD oil 5%

Specialist journals report that CBD oil can reduce anxiety in patients suffering from certain anxiety disorders. CBD also has a natural analgesic effect.

What else can you do to reduce anxiety and stress?

  • Use relaxation techniques
  • Reduce stress, as this has a negative effect on anxiety, for example with Rhodiola Rosea (rose root) or Ashwagandha (sleep berry)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Get enough sleep
  • Plan your day
  • Record your thoughts and worries in a diary
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and sugar consumption
  • Join a self-help group

PS: Anyone suffering from serious anxiety should always seek professional help, even with natural treatments. Never simply stop taking medication without medical supervision and advice.

 

Sources (in English):

Craske, M. G., Stein, M. B., Eley, T. C., Milad, M. R., Holmes, A., Rapee, R. M. et al. (2017, May). Anxiety disorderes. Nature Reviews. Disease Primers. 3:17024, doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.24

Fernandez-Rodriguez, M., Rodriguez-Legorburu, I. & Lopez-Ibor Alcocer, M. I. (2017, September). Nutritional supplements in Anxiety Disorder. Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria, 45(Supplement):1-7

Lydiard, R. B. (2003). The role of GABA in anxiety disorders. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 64 Suppl 3:21-7

Graeff, F. G., Guimaraes, F. S., De Andrade, T. G. & Deakin, J. F. (1996, May). Role of 5-HT in stress, anxiety, and depression. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 54(1):129-41, doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(95)02135-3

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J. & Anishetty, S. (2012, July). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3):255-62, doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022

Bystritsky, A., Kerwin, L. & Feusner, J. D. (2008, March). A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(2):175-80, doi: 10.1089/acm.2007.7117