Anxiety and Depression

Do you Suffer Anxiety or Depression?

The Anguish of Anxiety and Depression.

Depression and anxiety can take an enormous toll on not only our mental state, but also our physical wellbeing. Depression can increase the risk of a heart attack to almost three times the normal rate.  Making depression worse than the risk of heart disease when we smoke or suffer, hypertension, or diabetes.
Being Anxious or Depressed is literally hurting our hearts. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

• Feels of dread, you feel that something bad is about to happen to you
• e.g. Pulling up at a set of lights in your car, waiting for the light to turn green so you can go again, feeling like you are going to die if that light does not turn green NOW! (I had this feeling, when I to suffered from anxiety)

Symptoms of depression

The symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Being easily frustrated
• Loss of interest in hobbies or normal activities
• Sleep issues, whether too much sleep or insomnia
• Changes in your appetite. General lack of urge to eat anything. Thus starving the brain of much needed nutrients.
• Fatigue – Feeling overly tired constantly.
• Concentration problems – Not being able to concentrate on anything for too long.

So what are the usual methods of helping someone who are anxious or depressed?
Quite often when a person feels that they are at the stage where they feel they need to go to their Dr for help, the Dr pay suggest you talk to a psycholigist to try and determine what the cause of your anxiety or depression are.  But in some cases the Dr will reach for the prescripion pad and write an order for an antidepressant.  I am not against antidepressants, in some cases they are a necessity, but in mild cases a herbal remedy may be the answer. 

Lavender

Lavender has always been known as a herb that can help you feel relaxed, and is very good for sleep and calming nerves. 
 It has been used in many different ways, for example, as an inhalant,  If you are lucky enough to have a plant around your house, break of a few sprigs of the plant and drop them in to a bowl of hot water, then sit over the bowl and inhale the great fragrance. Other forms of lavender are, sprays, oils, and lotions, which are easily obtained from any health food store or you can easily make your own. See my recipes page)
Lavender oil is now available in an oral form, collected  and placed in a capsule that allows it to cross the intestinal barrier. Once it does, it induces calm and reduces anxiety. It is marketed as “Lavela” . It’s not addictive or dangerous. And the common side effect is burping  lavender. Different, but not terribly bad. 

Valerian root

Valerian root is a favorite of mine. It is the most effective herb for inducing calm and helping you have a great night sleep. It is also a great anti-anxiety herb. The only draw back is it will definately make you tired.  It’s a good option for more severe anxiety spells and for evening use, when you will no longer be driving or working.

Small doses, 20 milligrams or less, can be taken through the day, with a larger dose in the evening before bed. 
It is important not to consume alcohol or other anti depressant medications if you are going to try Valerian. 

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum. It is widely used to treat mild to moderate depression and mood disorders. It has been used for hundreds of years to promote mental wellbeing. 

Ginseng

Ginseng is a wonderful Chinese herb that has been widely used in Chinese medicines for thounsands of years and is now used all over the world.  This herb is known to improve mental clarity and increase your energy levels.  It is also good for reducing stress. 
Warning : People sufferig Bipolar disorder should not take Ginseng before consulting a Doctor. Ginseng has been found to trigger episodes of Mania for people with the condition.

 Chamomile

Chamomile is another herb that people have used for centuries. People all over the planet know it as tea to calm an upset stomach or to help with sleep. Stomach problems can contribute to other seriouse problems within your body and make for an unbalance system.  Gut health is important to keep your whole body in balance.

Two types of chamomile are used for good herbal health

• German chamomile (Matricaria retutica)
• Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

The calming effects of Chamomile can help ease anxiety and depressive moods.

For more suggestions of how to improve your health with herbs, please see my  A-Z Herbs and see how so use them to aid many different ailments. 

• Self Help Book on Mild Anxiety and how to deal with it.