Is there a NATURAL treatment/remedy for anxiety?

Question

I've been experiencing some really bad anxiety lately, and it is really affecting my life. Is there some kind of natural treatment/remedy/supplement for treating anxiety?

Any over-the-counter pill that you can take that will calm you?

I tried Kava Kava, but it did nothing for me.

I need something that will definitely work.

Btw, I should mention that I'm mainly seeking a temporary quick fix at the moment. I need something that'll work a.s.a.p.

A pill or something than will help calm me.

Answer 1

Valerian root works for me. Valium is derived from it. It has a terrible smell but once you get passed that it will calm you and also can be used as a sleep aid. You can buy it almost any where herbal remedies are sold including Walmart.

Answer 2

I work in a Psychiatric office and a lot of our patient say that St. John's Wart helps, I've personally never tried it, having anxiety myself. My favorite way to deal with my anxiety is journaling (just right down anything and everything that you may be thinking at that moment and then go back and write down solutions on whatever problem may be causing you to have anxiety. I know that at the time you may not really know what's going on but after writing your thoughts down and going over them you kind of get a hint of what's causing the anxiety. I also like to do meditation. Put on some music like landscapes and you can lay down or sit down, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a quiet place like a deserted beach or in a forest, whatever you find is a quiet and relaxing place, maybe even a vacation spot you've gone to. Or I've heard Yoga is an excellent way of dealing with anxiety. Any number of these suggestions are a natural way to deal with anxiety. If all else fails, try seeing a therapist- everyone goes at one time or another and it really does help, trust me, I've been there too! If not a therapist maybe a support group which you can find at a local hospital. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Well, to be honest, no natural remedy will work for you as well as Effexor. That being said, if you are going to switch -- there are a bunch of cures you can try that might help you take the edge of your anxiety a little. They include St. John's Wort, Valerian root and Kava Kava. None of these have helped me as much as Effexor has. Unfortunately, the Effexor has the side effects that the natural ones do not. Remember to taper off Effexor a little at a time. If you decide to stop cold, you will experience withdrawals that are worse than the symptoms themselves.

Answer 4

http://www.anxietynetwork.com

Some things from there might help, there's a little section with facts about anxiety that's pretty reassuring.

Also, just writing any anxious thoughts in a journal might help, I'm doing it and it's really working out.

It seems like a lot of things like anxiety/panic/depression all seem to be helped with breathing exercises, laying down/relaxation, exercise, diet changes, getting sufficient sleep, maybe even seeing a psychologist psychiatrist or acupuncturist, if everything gets bad enough. Another thing might be yoga,massage, or even a hot bath, just whatever helps you relax. Good luck!

Answer 5

1) Bach's Rescue Remedy
2)Rlaxation tapes (audio that helps you to visualise wonderful scenery etc with gentle music or natural sounds in the background)
3)Pray (if you are religious)
4)Control your breathing....Breathe in thru your nose....count to 6 whilst doing so....hold your breathe for 6 seconds and breathe out from your mouth slowly counting to 6 by the end of your breath.
5)get massages (cud be expensive but yu cud always get your partner or family member to treat you and you could do it for them in return)
6)Aromatherapy (Incense sticks or candles)
7)Nice long bubble baths with lovely music and a good book to take your mind off things (add candles if you like)

hmmmm i cant think of anything else....

well i hope that helped

good luck and hope you find a way to manage your anxiety!

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 7

Read "Don't Panic" by Ried and "I'm Ok, You're Ok" by Harris. Both books helped me tremendously when I went through what you're going through (cognitive psychology techniques work very well).

Answer 8

Practicing some breathing exercises help a lot for depression, worry, stress, fears, insecurities, anger, anxieties, loneliness, & for all unwanted emotional states, etc.
Mindfulness of Breathing exercises:
1) Be in a comfortable position, whether sitting
or lying down.
2) Have someone watch your other children for
about 10 or 15 min. [Increase in time, after practicing for a month].
Then close your eyes, and concentrate
totally on your breathing.
3) At the end of your first inhalation of oxygen,
count one. Keep doing this until you get to
ten. Remain patient with yourself.
4) Then focus your attention on breathing only
through your nostrils, which filter out all
the things, which are not healthy to breath
into your lungs. Be aware of the various
sensations through your nostrils, while you
continue the counting. When you get to
ten, start again at one.
5) When a distracting thoughts enters your mind
allow them to pass through {your mind], w/out
analyzing them, or judging them, or trying to fix them.
And then gently, patiently bring your full
attention back to your breath. Every time,
a distracting thought {any thought which
would take your attention of your breath),
comes to your mind, you need to use this
skillful, disciplinary method of bring it back.
Thoughts do come into our minds, especially
worrisome , or pressing thoughts
which dictate to us that we have an anxious mind.
Just be patient w/yourself, and keep practicing.
**"There is already proven evidence of the
Success of The Mindfulness of Breathing
exercises Proven by Dr. Jon Kabat-ZinnPhD
and by many other Dr.s and Scientists as
well. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. has a book
out called, "Coming to Our Senses' which
teaches this. *There is also a book called, " The
Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation"
by: Arinna Weisman & Jean Smith is most
Excellent also.*” Insight meditation is a higher
form of The Mindfulness of Breathing exercises, which
greatly help us to accurately, & clearly see things as they really are!! It's really helpful.
For some it may be necessary to take a anti-depressant, or to pray to a god for strength, or confidence, or comfort. If this helps you deal with stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Then practice this also. Use whatever methods which help you or combine them, to receive Most help.
I practice mindfulness of breathing to reduce stress, providing insight into life. It is Great !
P.S. - the mindfulness of breathing helps with anger a lot too. Reading the book: "Working with Anger.” by: Thubten Chodron will help if you experience occasional anger/are under the influenceof anger or hatred often. I use to get impatient, intolerant, and angry toward those who criticize, harshly judge, or condemn other people for having different beliefs. I found that
Working with anger – helped a great deal. Be very Patient with Yourself, and continue the practice of the Mindfulness of Breathing daily. Even if your at first, only able to commit to 10 min. a day. "This meditative practice, the mindfulness of breathing exercises are what Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists, most Psychologists and especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapists teach their patients to help them intelligently to control symptoms of depression, anxieties, insecurities, bipolar, adhd, worries, loneliness, And for many people who are pessimistic in life, as well as many other unwanted mental and emotional states. Check out the books I have suggested to you. I have full confidence in you as you practice The Mindfulness of Breathing daily.

Answer 9

opium