Natural remedies for anxiety???

[CoffeeBreakIn5]

I had citalopram for about a year because of anxiety and depression (postnatal but diagnosed way to late to be considered so) which helped so much. I came off them about a year ago but over the last few weeks I can feel the anxiety creeping back again and it’s really starting to affect me.

I don’t want to go back on citalopram, I felt a bit spaced out and the withdrawal was difficult, although I was able to function much better with regards to the anxiety. Does anyone use any natural remedies that I can try rather than going back for medication? I will go back on citalopram if I need to, but I’d rather try something else first if it exists!

I’ve started back at work, I have the DCs to think about and I just need to be able to function. Right now things are difficult and I’ve started forgetting things and mixing things up which is making me feel worse.

Thanks

Hi Coffee, really sorry to hear you are feeling this way.

I took Citalopram for a bit a while ago (about 17 years ago actually!) and have at times since suffered from anxiety. It has popped up its ugly head lately as I am peri-menopausal. I understand why you don't want to go back on them. There isn't anything to be embarrassed about and they are not that strong, but for me they are a last resort so I get it.

I feel that I have to manage my anxiety when I feel it creeping up and not let it get hold of me. I attack it with a lot of weapons. First off I use breathing. If you don't do yoga I highly recommend it as that will be very good for your anxiety. A good teacher will teach you how to breathe e.g. taking a long in breath for 5 counts and a long exhale for 7 brings down a racing heart. I use this a lot. Do you have an Apple watch by any chance? There is a great breathing exercise on it. I do a lot of exercise but top anti-anxiety ones are running and yoga for me. I also carry a
Rescue Remedy in my bag and I have a packet of Propranolol and have 4 in my bag incase I feel anxiety overtaking me. The doctor gave it to me for flying and I have emergency ones. Just knowing they are in my bag stops me form panicking because I know I can whip them out and reduce my racing heart if needed. I also have a copy of CBT for Dummies which I found really helpful.

Sorry if this is not massively helpful.

Something that has helped has been meditation/Mindfulness. Have you tried that before, it takes some practice but worth it.

Maintaining good mental health is something we need to do and invest in everyday for long term benefits. I would also be taking some natural supplements to help you out. For example I have been taking a good multivitamin and magnesium for 4 months and feel loads better. Someone may say that is tosh, but I seriously do.

I've noticed anxiety recently and am currently managing it by boosting B vitamins. I use the Tesco slimshake sachets at half strength because they are loaded with vitamins/ minerals ( not for the slimming effect lol); and broccoli - because until recently I was having broccoli every other day, and my anxiety seems to coincide with my eating less broccoli.