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Keep Calm and Carry On

#Anxiety Let’s find a cure...not another pill.

By Sarah UngerPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

Anxiety...let's find a cure, not another pill.

Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults every year. That is 18.1 percent of our entire population! But, there is good news! Anxiety is highly treatable, although only 36.9 percent of people suffering receive treatment. Anxiety could develop from a number of things, such as; genetics, brain chemistry, life events, and personality. Anxiety is also usually self diagnosable (thanks WebMD!).

Now, as I'm sure you probably know or have guessed, there are many different types of anxieties, each affecting people differently. Some of the most common are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. But that's not what we're going to talk about today. Chances are if you're reading this, it's because you already are suffering from one of these types and you are looking for ways to self treat, and I'm here to offer a helping hand!

Typical treatments can include: self care, therapy sessions, seeing specialists, and taking new medications. As some of you may or may not know, and I will keep my rant short and to the point, I have worked in pharmacy and the healthcare industry since I was 18 years old...I am now 28 years old. After seeing day in and day out all the anxiety medications filled, and not only filled, but abused, I felt it was time for me, with my personal anxiety issues, to find a better way. Unfortunately, the society we live in is pharmaceutically starving. We turn to medicine to heal all our problems, and as some medications are 100 percent utterly necessary for specific traumas, pains, etc.; Some people just can't handle the importance of medicine and what they are using it for. And unfortunately, one thing leads to another and can trigger a person to completely spiral into a new addictive habit. This article is intended to help those who don't want to use medication unless they have to. By no means am I stating to not seek help from a health professional and refuse all and any medications.

In case I lost you in a world of boredom above, here's the good stuff...

Anxiety is described as a feeling of dread, fear, or distress. This can either be from a real threat OR something that strictly exists in your mind. It's very important to state that SOME anxiety is completely normal. It can alert you of dangerous circumstances to seek safety from any physical dangers, BUT, when it starts to interfere in your everyday-life, it's not so normal.

Are you drinking too much caffeine? It could be a withdrawal symptom from caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, or even medicines...which is one of the many reasons why I'm not too crazy about medicine to begin with. It can also even be a side effect of a current medication you're taking. Have you had your thyroid checked? It could be a warning sign of an overactive thyroid gland.

The best advice I can provide you is this: Look for the cause of the stress in your everyday life that results in your anxiety. Do some deep breathing exercises, meditate. Be sure to always talk about your fears and anxieties with someone you trust, maybe seek a psychologist or some form of counseling, just to talk. Try and implement an exercising routine into your everyday life. Exercising is extremely beneficial for most health issues, but even more so mental health issues. Do you want to know why? Read on to find out more on how exercise can be a total game changer for your anxiety issues.

Physical exercise releases endorphins in your brain, which are simply, your body's natural painkillers. These endorphins regulate your mood and relax the mind. When you feel stress, your body unconsciously releases a hormone called cortisol. And guess what exercise does? Depletes that cortisol! Of course, the physical movements from your exercise will also naturally make your body tired; which in result, will help you improve your sleep habits. Sleep is absolutely crucial for anxiety management and control. Additionally, you will feel better about making the choice to implement this new daily routine of exercise, which will naturally help you in your new healthy lifestyle.

Now, I don't want you to feel you have to go out and hit the gym and start body building. No. This could be as simple as taking a daily walk around your neighborhood. Do you own a treadmill or an exercise bike? You can even find a simple exercise program and work right along with the program! Some programs even offer you supplements or shakes to help ensure you are getting your daily vitamins and nutrients, which are only an added bonus to you, for your mental health and health overall!

So, before you jump on a new medication that could, in reality, make your symptoms even worse.. How about you try to do some self treatment instead?

*****IMPORTANT*****

Note: If you or someone you know is suffering from severe anxiety and have any suicidal thoughts or trouble breathing with or without chest pains, please go to your primary care physician or visit your nearby hospital. This article is intended to help people that suffer with anxiety throughout their daily lives and are looking for alternative ways to self treat.

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