Stress, Anxiety & Depression

We wouldn't be human if we didn't have some periods in our lives when we weren't stressed, feeling anxious or down. It's a part of normal life.

Indeed some stress is useful to keep us motivated and achieving what we want in life.

There is a big difference though if anxiety becomes everyday and irrational fears and panic attacks occur, if stress becomes chronic and affects our immune systems and energy levels, and if depression takes us over so we can't seem to get from under a black cloud.

More often than not, people assume their feelings are the result of psychological causes, and certainly that is always a factor somewhere. BUT I think, at our peril, we ignore the biochemical causes of mood problems.

Pretty often in-clinic, I have seen anxiety, depression, mood swings and behavioural issues disappear as if by magic when a food intolerance is identified or zinc and copper imbalance corrected. We all know from the media stories how much omega 3 fatty acids are known to affect children's behaviour so why not in the rest of the population, and what other issues are there?

Adrenal fatigue can cause chronic anxiety, as can a thyroid issue. And that's let alone neurotransmitter issues like low serotonin, which is the one mechanism that orthodox medicine concentrates a lot on, hence all the SSRI type anti-depressants like Prozac and Seroxat. You can achieve the same results sometimes by making sure the body has the raw materials to make the serotonin rather than artificially affecting its metabolism in the brain.

So, consider the biochemical as well as psychological elements of mood and combine a programme to address both factors to get the best results. Contact me for help.

Chronic Stress can lead to fatigue, poor immunity, digestive problems etc and is really bad for our long term health. It is vital that you bring it to a level that you feel you can cope with.

There are several things that can help: regular aromatherapy massage or facials, reiki, reflexology or hypnotherapy sessions are all great.

Take up some exercise (use a personal trainer or the 10 Minute Exercise book if you need help and inspiration), eat properly and regularly, take a supplement programme to support your adrenal glands and nervous system, drink lots of pure water and sort out the causes of your stress if possible.

Seeing a lifecoach or even chatting to an objective friend can help come up with solutions and change your mindset towards seemingly impossible problems.

Anxiety is often irrational and linked to something that is going on in your subconscious mind.

We find hypnotherapy is the best approach, and counselling, nutrition and homeopathy are also excellent.

Ignatia Homaccord and Nervoheel homeopathic remedies are available - see homeopathics - we find them very effective.

Depression, especially if moderate or severe, should always be discussed with your GP.

However, if you want to take an alternative approach, there is a lot that can be done. Depression is often exacerbated by nutrient deficiency and body toxicity. It occurs very often as the result of chronic constipation, suppressed skin disorders, food intolerance or liver overload.

We use a mental health project questionnaire to help us identify whether neurotransmitter problems, food intolerance, high histamine levels, underactive thyroid, blood sugar or other factors may be affecting you.

We will take your case history fully and design a programme for you to follow which will often include a particular diet, supplement programme and possibly neurolinguistic programming techniques and CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) to help you become more positive. 

However, if you feel suicidal or out of control, it is vital you get help from your GP immediately.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects many people from September onwards. Light therapy can be really useful so check out the SAD factsheet.

We can also help with other mental health issues including attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, learning disability, mood swings, panic attacks, fears, phobias, foggy-headedness, poor memory and concentration, addictions and eating disorders.

Useful Bits & Bobs

Important

Remember - always check out with your health practitioner or GP before starting anything new especially if you are taking any other medicines, are pregnant or trying to conceive or have high blood pressure. See here for more advice on interactions with meds and general cautions.