Anxiety - information for women

Although everyone experiences anxiety temporarily when loss or change or uncertainty occurs in their lives, an anxiety disorder can develop from the influence of cumulative stress over a period of time.

Anxiety disorders are distinguished from everyday anxiety in that the anxious feelings are more intense, last longer, and may lead to lifestyle changes or phobias.

There are many women who have had to deal with some form of abuse in their lives, or in their past, and this can make you more susceptible to anxiety. It has been estimated that women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can also cause you to worry about things that would not normally distress you. It can make you feel uncomfortable or inadequate in social situations, or develop into becoming compulsive about things like washing, counting or checking.

Some become afraid of everyday situations, like taking public transport. Others feel trapped in crowded rooms, or can’t leave the house at all.

Anxiety affects your whole being. It is a physiological, behavioural and psychological reaction all at once. An intense or acute experience is often called a panic attack.

You may recognize some or all of the following symptoms of anxiety:

•   trembling or feeling shaky
•   trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
•   restlessness
•   shortness of breath
•   heart palpitations or racing heart
•   sweating
•   dry mouth
•   abdominal distress or nausea
•   dizziness
•   weariness or fatigue
•   muscle tension
•   jumpiness or easily startled
•   lump in throat
•   feeling on edge or wired
•   difficulty concentrating
•   irritability

If you experience 6 or more of these indicators on a regular basis, it is likely that you have a generalized anxiety disorder.

It is worthwhile discussing your symptoms with a GP, counsellor or alternative therapist.

If you have experienced one or more panic attacks, we recommend that you describe the frequency and intensity to a sympathetic GP or diagnostic healer.

What can you do?

There are a range of activities that you can engage in to reduce anxiety, such as:

•   doing regular physical exercise, including yoga
•   practicing breathing exercises and techniques
•   improving relaxation, including massage, artwork or listening to music or guided meditations
•   improving nutrition, including vitamin supplements
•   finding ways to improve sleeping patterns
•   using tonics and herbs for stress reduction (see overleaf)
•   identifying positive and negative self-talk, and adjusting where possible
•   expressing feelings and thoughts more often
•   using affirmations to guide self-development
•   use writing or journaling to release thoughts, feelings and worries
•   seeing a counsellor or psychologist for assistance in identifying past trauma,
and developing management strategies
•   using complementary therapies such as acupuncture or aromatherapy
•   at times when you feel safe enough, think about the nature of your anxiety, and outline your strategies for dealing with a ‘worst-case’ situation.

Effective Naturopathic Treatment for anxiety

Compiled by Kylie Ezart, (B.Nat), Santos naturopath, for the Women’s Resource Service.

Ziziphus

This is a Chinese herb widely used as an anxiolitic (decreasing anxiety), and a mild sedative to treat anxiety, insomnia, emotional stress, irritability and palpitations. This herb is also successfully used for anxiety with night sweats which is common in menopause.

St Johns Wort

This herb is very useful for anxiety especially if associated with mild depression. It is also a nerve tonic, as well as being antiviral against viruses, making it useful for herpes simplex, hepatitis, shingles and some viral infections

Withania

This is also known as “Indian ginseng”. This herb is both strengthening and calming: great for those who feel “tired but wired”. Withania is a very effective stress tonic (adaptagen); it is a mild sedative and a blood tonic. Withania is great for fatigue, physical and emotional stress, Chronic fatigue, insomnia and anaemia.

Valerian

Most people know of valerian as an effective herb for insomnia; however its use is much greater than that. Valerian is also used very effectively for anxiety, panic attack, emotional stress, irritability, nervous tummy, high blood pressure and tension headaches.

Kava

This is probably the strongest herb for acute anxiety. Kava has been shown to have similar efficacy to certain benzodiazepine drugs for treating anxiety and can therefore be useful for withdrawal from benzodiazepine drugs as well as alcohol withdrawal. Kava is also useful for emotional stress, panic attacks, insomnia and muscle tension.

Passionflower

This is a mildly sedative and anti-anxiety herb used for anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations and tension headache. This herb is also useful for drug and alcohol withdrawal. Other useful herbs to consider include vervain, skullcap, hops, lavender, oats.

Bush flower essences

These are also fantastic for anxiety and stress, and individual essences can be chosen to address particular issues in a person’s life. Rescue remedy is the best known Bach flower essence.