Natural Treatments for General Anxiety Disorder

General anxiety disorder (GAD) involves intense and exaggerated feelings of worry and anxiety that become uncontrollable and disrupt everyday life. Natural and effective treatments are available through self-help techniques, support groups and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms

• Physical and emotional symptoms are both evident in GAD. These include excessive worrying, irritability, feeling on edge, muscle aches, fatigue, twitching and difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

Self-help techniques

• Strategies to control anxiety include learning to relax, retraining your brain to avoid negative thoughts, maintaining a positive attitude through improved emotional intelligence and taking good care of yourself.

Support groups

• Traditional treatment is centered on medication and psychotherapy, but self-help and support groups provide a network of people who can share stress management and coping skills. Sharing your concerns with others can relieve stress and anxiety.

Homeopathic treatment

• Natural herbal and vitamin supplements can also alleviate anxiety. Kava is a relaxant, while valerian works as a natural sedative. Vitamin B with folic acid is said to stimulate production of neurotransmitters in the brain, which may help diminish anxiety.

Lifestyle changes

• People who suffer from GAD should avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can make anxiety worse. Exercise and a healthy diet can combine to improve overall health and provide a brighter outlook on life. Meditation techniques and yoga can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety.