What Living with Anxiety Feels Like
Living with anxiety can feel like a never-ending battle, leaving you feeling trapped, powerless, and isolated. You might wake up in the middle of the night with your heart racing, or feel overwhelmed during seemingly simple tasks like grocery shopping. The constant worry and fear can drain your energy, making it difficult to enjoy even the simplest moments in life. It can feel as though you are a prisoner in your own mind, unable to escape the relentless thoughts that consume you.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and perceived danger, but when it becomes chronic, it can severely impact your physical and emotional well-being. Anxiety is a complex interplay of biochemical and physiological responses, often characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle tension
Chronic anxiety can lead to a range of co-symptoms, including panic attacks, depression, chronic fatigue, and digestive issues.
Root Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is a multifaceted condition, with root causes that can vary from person to person. At Points for Wellness, we recognize five potential root causes of anxiety:
- Gut Dysbiosis
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Hormone Imbalances
- Sleep Disturbances
- Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Gut Dysbiosis
Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut’s microorganisms, which play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and neurotransmitter production. Disruptions in this balance can negatively impact both physical and mental health, contributing to anxiety disorders.
- Inflammation: Imbalances in gut bacteria can trigger chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and beyond, including the brain. Inflammation is linked to the development of anxiety and other mood disorders.
- Neurotransmitter Production: Gut bacteria are key players in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which regulate mood and emotions. An imbalance in gut bacteria can reduce the production of these crucial neurotransmitters, contributing to anxiety.
- Stress Response: The gut-brain axis is a communication pathway between the gut and the brain. Imbalances in gut bacteria can disrupt this axis, altering the body’s stress response and contributing to anxiety.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to anxiety by affecting the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood and emotion.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain function, omega-3s help reduce anxiety by increasing serotonin production. Deficiencies in omega-3s have been linked to a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
- Magnesium: This mineral is involved in muscle and nerve function, energy production, and mood regulation. Low magnesium levels are associated with anxiety and depression, and can also disrupt sleep, further exacerbating anxiety.
- Vitamin D: Known for its role in bone health and immune function, vitamin D also regulates mood. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to increased anxiety and depression.
- B Vitamins: B6, B9 (folate), and B12 are essential for brain function and neurotransmitter production. Deficiencies in these vitamins can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Hormone Imbalances
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many bodily functions, including mood and emotions. Imbalances in hormones can significantly contribute to anxiety.
- Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol helps the body respond to stress. However, chronic stress can lead to prolonged cortisol release, contributing to anxiety and mood disorders. Elevated cortisol levels can also disrupt other hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, exacerbating anxiety symptoms.
- Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, and body temperature. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels) can cause anxiety, nervousness, and mood swings.
- Sex Hormones (Estrogen & Progesterone): Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can lead to anxiety, particularly in conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances can play a significant role in anxiety. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can alter brain function, increasing susceptibility to anxiety. Sleep deprivation can heighten activity in the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, while reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking. This imbalance can make it harder to regulate emotions and respond calmly to stress, creating a vicious cycle where anxiety worsens sleep quality, and poor sleep exacerbates anxiety.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons in the brain. Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are linked to anxiety disorders.
- Serotonin: Often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin regulates mood and emotions. Low serotonin levels are associated with increased anxiety and depression.
- Dopamine: Dopamine is involved in the brain’s reward system, motivation, and movement. Abnormal dopamine levels are linked to anxiety disorders, including OCD and GAD.
- Norepinephrine: This neurotransmitter is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response. In anxiety disorders, an overactive “fight or flight” response can lead to feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and tension. Imbalances in norepinephrine may contribute to this overactivity.
Natural Tips for Anxiety Relief
At Points for Wellness, we believe in empowering you to take control of your anxiety naturally. Here are our top tips:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Focus on the present moment to calm the mind and reduce stress hormones.
- Exercise: Physical activity increases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and improves sleep quality.
- Yoga: Combines mindfulness and physical activity to reduce anxiety.
- Deep Breathing: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Work with a therapist to challenge negative thought patterns.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbs like ashwagandha, chamomile, and valerian root have calming effects.
- Acupuncture: Regulates the stress response system and promotes relaxation.
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender and bergamot have calming effects on the body and mind.
- Social Support: Spend time with loved ones and seek support to improve mental health.
- Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Understanding the root causes of anxiety can help you identify the best course of action to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with anxiety, we encourage you to schedule a complimentary 15 min consultation call with Points for Wellness. Let’s explore personalized solutions and how our holistic approach, including acupuncture and natural remedies, can help you overcome this challenge.