We all experience anxiety.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health anxiety is the number one mental health issue in America, with 18-30% of adults experiencing anxiety or panic disorders.
So what is anxiety and why do we experience it?
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. Biologically, it’s meant to put us in a heightened sense of awareness so we’re prepared for potential threats. When anxiety begins to arise regularly in the absence of an actual threat, it can have a negative effect on our physical health, our mood, emotional wellbeing, and even our relationships with others.
The mind-body connection is never more obvious than when we’re caught up in a state of anxiety—fearful thoughts prompt a biochemical response in the body (racing heart, shallow breath, dry mouth), and the mind interprets these physical symptoms as further evidence of something being “wrong.”
Anxiety can be a warning sign that you’re about to do something you may not want to, but it is also a symptom with a root cause looking to be corrected. Therefore, our goal shouldn’t be to dismiss it entirely.
The Symptoms of Anxiety
Although each person has a unique experience with anxiety, the common symptoms of anxiety include:
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Excessive worrying
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Restlessness
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Fatigue
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Difficulty sleeping
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Nightmares
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Panic or fear
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Feeling nervous or anxious
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Heart palpitations or racing heart
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Impaired concentration
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Irritability or anger
Possible Root Causes
Anxiety can have a variety of root causes from genetic to biological to environmental. Many people may be dealing with a completely separate issue and experiencing anxiety as a result of that issue. Here are some possible root causes of anxiety:
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Nutrient Deficiencies
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Microbiome Imbalance
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Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
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Anxiety from Hypoglycemia
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Anxiety from Insulin Resistance
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Stress
How HWP Can Help You Identify the Root Cause & Manage Symptoms
The therapists at Holistic Wellness Practice partner with specialized practitioners in our community to provide clients with a holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness. These practitioners include primary care physicians, functional medicine providers, naturopaths, and alternative healing providers. Together, we help clients get to the root of the issue by addressing the whole person. This includes a person’s physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and financial health. Anxiety doesn’t have an on/off switch; rather, the choices we make can add up to an increased sense of calm.
Schedule a free consult to learn more about how we help you take control of your anxiety.
