Natural remedies for anxiety that work

[Moonberri]

I have anxiety which is mainly focused around some health issues that I have. I get intrusive thoughts and am constantly catarophising my health issues and worrying about the future.

I have been on Sertraline in the past which worked really well but then gave me serious stomach issues so I had to stop it. I was OK for about 6 months but then my health issues triggered another bout of anxiety and I can't get rid of it.

I can't take SSRIs as I have an issue with my retina so I'm looking for something herbal/natural I can take.

I have tried CBT oil but not sure if it is doing anything. Maybe a tiny bit but definitely not a significant effect.

Is is worth trying St John's Wort? I know it's mainly suggested for depression so I don't know if it helps with anxiety.

Bach flower remedies don't seem to do anything for me.

Just wondering if anyone has found something that helps?

CBD oil. CBT doesn't work for me either though!

Exercise and EMDR worked for me. Start with drinking lots of water to make sure you're hydrated, go for a walk or more intense activity if you are fit, healthy foods and if you can, look up EMDR as it was a game changer.

CBT didn't work for me and I didn't want to be on long term medication and the above keeps me in check a lot - I still suffer but it's a lot better.

Thanks. Yes I try to go out for a walk every day and that definitely helps.

I am interested in EDMR as a lot of my anxiety stems from health traumas. I will look into it.

Finding, and dealing with, the root cause is the best remedy. EMDR, as mentioned, and remedial hypnosis are options.

Magnesium glycinate.

Be very careful with St John's wort. Check with a pharmacist/GP before you take it as it interacts with masses of medicines.

Second being cautious about SJW- I started taking the max strength ones from boots in a desperate attempt to cure my PMDD, I also have anxiety mainly centering around my health. After 2 weeks on it I kept getting these awful shivers up my spine and into my scalp and would then have tingling for ages. I became really fixated on this and worried I have a brain tumour etc, stopped taking it and it went within a week. If you're going to try it I would start with a small dose.

My problem is that the root cause is having gone through a series of traumatic health issues. Now whenever I get even a minor health issue it takes me back to those same feelings. I don't think it's really health anxiety, as these were real and serious health issues. I think it's more a form of PTSD.

I've had counselling which did help a bit. But it's just the fact of living with the risk of these health issues recurring that I struggle with. And no one can tell me or reassure me that I'll be OK, as they don't know that.

So it's kind of a psychological reaction to a real issue, if that makes sense.

If I could go a year or two without experiencing a significant health issue that would be a great start.

I read your last post before I went to bed and MY subconscious came up with this reply overnight (I hope it makes sense!).

Your subconscious is playing out it's version of an episode of Dad's Army;

Corporal Jones "don't panic, don't panic, don't PANIC!!"
Private Frasier "we're all dooooomed, doooomed, I tell ya"
Private Pike "I'm scared Uncle Arthur"

This is all in response to your previous health scares so that any minor niggle or twinge is sending everyone into a flat spin and ramping up the tension in your body.

However Sergeant Wilson (your conscious mind) needs to step in with the following advice, delivered in his wonderful, soothing voice;

"Now listen, you chaps. Just because we had a tough time before it doesn't mean it's going to happen again. And if it does, we will do what we always do - we will cope. We got through it before, with the help of the wonderful experts and we will do again if we need to. But in the meantime running around like idiots really isn't going to help, is it? Now, pull yourselves together, shape up and let's all have a nice cup of tea, shall we?"

Captain Mainwaring "Quite right, well said."

This all played out in my head at 3am this morning!!!

Aww thank you for this. It's so funny to think of a strange from the Internet thinking about my anxiety like this! Yes I have started talking to my anxiety, thanking it for trying to keep me safe amd telling it to tone it down a bit as it's starting to make me ill rather than help me.

I think the issue is that as much as I rationalise things there's that subconscious emotional response that pops up automatically. I've been listening to some some anxiety self hypnosis on YouTube and found it helpful. But its always such a battle. It's draining and takes over my life. Which is why I'm looking for something extra to help.

Have a look at Tim Box's youtube channel, specifically "how to stop feeling anxious about anxiety" - lots of resources there. If you do decide to investigate hypnosis I'd be happy to send you a list of practitioners (I trained with Tim).

Thank you. I will take a look.❤️