15 Jun How Do You Know If You’re Anxious Or Depressed?
Would you know if you’re anxious or depressed?
Anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Each year, anxiety and depression affect millions of people of all ages. While the exact causes of anxiety and depression are not fully understood, research suggests that they are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
With proper treatment, most people with anxiety and depression can experience significant improvements.
Anxiety and depression have many disguises.
Lately, I have had a stream of patients complaining that they feel more anxious and depressed. They attribute increased anxiety and depression in the United States and the world in the last few years.
Understandably, they feel anxious and depressed. I feel it too.
Too often, people seek treatment without success. Fortunately, natural medicine can offer relief.
What Are Anxiety and Depression Symptoms?
Many people struggle with anxiety and depression, but these symptoms can be difficult to diagnose. Anxiety and depression affect many parts of your body. They can come up without warning, making it hard to know what’s causing them or how long you’ll be affected by their symptoms. They may also come and go – which means these conditions often go untreated or are ignored.
Do You Experience Any Of The Following?
- Heart Palpitations
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Muscle Spasms
- Changed Eating Habits
- Upset Stomach
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
If yes, you may be anxious and depressed.
Can You Treat Yourself?
Treating anxiety and/or depression by yourself is not recommended. I’ve had patients chase their symptoms with supplements and diet. For years, they’ve done this. Some of it helped, but it stopped after a week or two.
Some Of Favorite Herbs For Depression and Anxiety
St. John’s Wort[1], Lemon Balm, Chamomile[2], Skullcap, Passion Flower, Oat, White Oak Bark (especially, if the person uses alcohol to cope), and Lavender. There is purslane too, less heard of, but has measurable amounts of dopamine-like and norepinephrine-like plant chemicals that can be useful for those who have mild to moderate anxiety related to reduced amounts of those brain chemicals[3].
Homeopathic Rescue Remedy, a Flower Essence, is always good to have on hand. Don’t forget that a warm epsom salt bath can be very calming.
Did you know that anxiety and depression can have genetic causes? For instance, people can be born with specific chemical imbalances. Above all, it’s important to treat the cause of anxiety and depression. For instance, anxiety and depression can have specific genetic causes that cause chemical imbalances.
Treat The Cause – A Naturopathic Tenet
Undoubtedly, palliative care (symptom relief) is essential. I always rebalance the body systems that have been affected by anxiety and depression. In addition, I recommend finding a counselor and a few people who are safe and supportive.
Sadly, only treating symptoms is rarely effective for long-term healing. More importantly, we want to find the source of the issue.
How do we do this?
We can do this with targeted testing of hormones, nutrition, neurotransmitters, and your gut.
The Naturopathic Doctor’s Toolbox
Naturopathic medicine has tools to help with chemical imbalances and stressful circumstances.
- Herbal Medicine
Some Favorite Herbs For Depression and Anxiety
St. John’s Wort1, Lemon Balm, Chamomile2, Skullcap, Passion Flower, Oat, White Oak Bark (especially, if the person uses alcohol to cope), and Lavender. There is purslane too, less heard of, but has measurable amounts of dopamine-like and norepinephrine-like plant chemicals that can be useful for those who have mild to moderate anxiety related to reduced amounts of those brain chemicals3.
Homeopathic Rescue Remedy, a Flower Essence, is always good to have on hand. Don’t forget that a warm epsom salt bath can be very calming. - Specialized Nutritional Supplements
- Breathing Techniques
- Above all, know that there are many solutions!
Your mental health is not limited to just therapy or medication. You have options.
Naturopathic medicine can help you on your mental health journey.
Natural therapies are available to help people of all ages and in all phases of life. From adolescence to adulthood. From PMS to menopause. Help is here for you!
How Do You Know If You’re Anxious Or Depressed?
Schedule your free phone consultation HERE.
Dr. Lisa Fortes-Schramm
Naturopathic Doctor
(408) 357-3422
San Jose Integrative Medicine
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Dr. Lisa Fortes-Schramm is a Naturopathic Doctor, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese medicine, and has two degrees in the mental health field. She is experienced in treating people with anxiety and depression. If you’re experiencing anxiety and/or depression, or suspect you may be, talk with Dr. Fortes and she can tell you about your Naturopathic options.