Why Do I feel Anxious?
I have anxiety. I have dealt with episodes of anxiety and panic attacks since I was in high school- not realizing at the time that is what I was experiencing. In my early 20’s I had my first full blown “panic attack.” It was sudden and scary. I was paralyzed with fear and overwhelmed with emotion, I could not stop crying. My dad had to come from work to pick me up.
When he got to my car, I couldn’t open the door- it was that bad. After that episode, I told myself I couldn’t go through that over and over again. I refused to take medication daily. “I can talk myself through this,” I said. “I can get passed them.”
Ultimately, I did and for years I was panic-attack free, until 2015. I lost both of my parents within 2 weeks of each other and there I was- right back in the swing of anxiety. My purpose for sharing my own experiences with anxiety is to tell you, “I get it.” I understand the feelings, fears, confusion and overwhelming emotion that comes with living in a state of anxiety. Looking back, I didn’t correlate what was happening in my body- hormonally, nutritionally and physiologically that was causing my anxiety. But now I can.
Nutrition, Hormones & Anxiety
When patients come in for nutritional support, the majority state they DO suffer from some level of anxiety. Male or female, feelings of anxiety have become a mainstreamed stress response. Anxiety in men can be pretty straightforward. Low levels of testosterone, DHEA and an unhealthy cortisol balance (adrenal insufficiency/overload) can all contribute to men having increased anxiety.
Co-factors to anxiety can include low motivation, difficulty focusing and the recent increase of work isolation- working from home (post COVID)- reducing social interaction and minimizing the ‘pact mentality’. Both men and women get motivation through working in a team setting. These are all indicators in the widespread issue of young, healthy men experiencing declining testosterone levels.
Anxiety in Women
Anxiety in women is a bigger animal. Our systems are more complicated and can be more reactive based on underlying physiology. Cycle patterns, hormonal imbalances, fluctuating cortisol levels, exercise regimens, diet and mental health concerns are all areas to explore when tackling anxiety. In The Wellness Way, we access the whole person. We are not isolating just hormone health or just gut health through diet.
Sometimes you must look at the basics. Do you have healthy levels of hormones including DHEA, progesterone, estrogens, androgens? Do you have enough Vitamin D? Do you have a balanced diet with adequate protein? Are you getting restful sleep and how is your body dealing with stress? Is your thyroid in balance? Through comprehensive hormone testing, diet and chiropractic, we can help reduce stress on the body and work toward a future where anxiety does not have control of you and your health.
We offer dietary recommendations to reduce the inflammation response within the gut, support a healthy hormone balance and vitamin levels, all getting your body back on track to optimal function! Good health and an anxiety free existence is possible…The Wellness Way!
