National prevalence data indicate that nearly 40 million people in the United States (18%) experience an anxiety disorder in any given year. It's a normal part of life to experience occasional anxiety. But you may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions - just as real and serious as physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
• Get support from family, friends, and professionals; communication is key • Practice diaphragmatic deep breathing exercises; include prayer, meditation, progressive relaxation, guided-imagery, or emotional freedom technique therapy • Exercise daily to improve mood; include Tai chi or Hatha yoga • Consider employing calming techniques such as aromatherapy, massage or music therapy • Avoid smoking, caffeine and excessive alcohol consumption • Seek help getting organized and setting priorities; avoid clutter, chaos, distractions and multitasking; say “no” more often; “Keep it Simple” • Prioritize self-care; avoid neglecting self while caring for others • Check for mineral imbalances (especially zinc and copper), abnormal DHEA levels, and gut inflammation
Dietary Tips and Caveats:
• It is best to avoid stimulants like caffeine, refined sugar, energy drinks and alcohol as well as nutrient-poor white flour products, especially those that contain yeast • Avoid consuming processed foods full of trans fat and avoid dairy products in excess • HCP should help patient find the most supportive diet, such as Mediterranean diet, the Paleo template, Gluten-free Casein-free diet, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet or the Feingold diet, if applicable • Eat foods that are rich in magnesium, such as nuts, dark chocolate, black beans and green vegetables, as well as foods rich in tryptophan such as organic chicken, turkey, certified gluten-free oats, and sesame seeds • Drink calming teas nightly such as chamomile, holy basil tea, or oolong tea; incorporate bone broth which is rich in amino acids • Avoid dehydration which can contribute to anxiety
Can Neurofeedback Help My Anxiety?
Anxiety is usually a person’s response to stress, which can come from psychological, physical, dietary, or environmental sources. Once a person’s brain gets locked into a pattern of anxiety, it can be difficult to break. For anxiety sufferers, learning how to modulate or turn off chronic stress responses is life changing. Neurofeedback provides physiological assistance and helps people learn to change their responses to stress. With brain training, they can develop the skills they need to reduce or eliminate anxiety in their lives. Helping people learn to calm themselves is by far the most effective solution for anxiety, and gives sufferers hope as they take control of their lives. Neurofeedback is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to teach people how to help themselves, and it’s easy to learn. Brain training has been used for many years with solid, proven results. Learning this life skill decreases the need for dependence upon medications, and improves quality of life by teaching the brain to make healthier patterns on a more consistent basis so anxiety responses are avoided and a calmer brain stays more in control.
Chiropractic Care For Your Anxiety:
Our moods are regulated by our body’s chemistry. This chemistry in your organs as well as your brain is all regulated by the nervous system. Misalignment of the spine (specifically the first, second or third vertebrae) can cause pressure in the area of the brain steam which can cause interference neurologically and chemically. Often people turn to medications that are used to alter their brain chemistry but those looking for a non-medication therapy often find that re-aligning these vertebrae can do wonders for their mental state.