Stress & Anxiety
Stress is something that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. In small amounts, stress is actually beneficial. It challenges us, encourages us to change and adapt and it makes us stronger, emotionally and biochemically. However we live in a society that exposes us to constant stress. Chronic stress can leave us feeling powerless and can impact negatively on our health.
The stress response is characterised by the rapid activation of the sympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight response ) which leads to enhanced vigilance, alertness, arousal and attention. Our bodies are not designed to stay in this frame of mind for long periods of time. We need to allow our bodies to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, where we can relax, rest, repair and recover.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a symptom of excessive stress. It is a complex feeling of apprehension, fear and worry. Pulmonary, cardiac and other physical sensations often accompany it. The stress that causes anxiety can be either physical or perceived stress, but either way it can be extremely frightening and debilitating. It is characterised by muscle tension, increased heart rate, palpitations, trembling, sweating, impaired concentration, sighing, excessive worry and even a sense of impending doom.
How does prolonged stress affect us physically?
All of our body systems can be negatively affected by too much stress:
Nervous System: anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness, insomnia, depression, mood swings, headaches, and exhaustion
Cardiovascular System: increases blood pressure, increases heart rate, palpitations, flushing, increased respiratory rate
Digestive System: suppression or increased appetite, indigestion, poor absorption of nutrients, diarrhoea, and an irritable bowel
Immune System: increased susceptibility to recurrent infections, eczema, asthma and autoimmune conditions
Reproductive system: lowered libido, impotence, reduced fertility, and inhibition of foetal growth
Endocrine system: imbalances in hormones including thyroid hormones and sex hormones
On a cellular level, exposure to chronic stress has been shown to contribute to increased free-radical damage and reduced longevity.
Therefore stress is going to increase the rate at which we age!
How can the Naturopaths at the Melbourne Anti- Ageing Clinic help to reduce the impact of stress on my health?
Your Naturopath would take a thorough case history and gain a clear picture of how stress is affecting you personally. They will probably conduct a blood screening technique called Hemaview Analysis and a BIA (Bio Impedance Analysis) to see how the stress is impacting you on a cellular level.
They will then support you through a process to minimise the impact of stress on your life. Your program would aim to:
- address any vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may be contributing to the stress response
- resolve your specific stress-related symptoms using appropriate supplements
- manage underlying neurological or hormonal dysfunction
- discuss strategies for coping better with the stress in your life
Come in and see how our Naturopaths can help to alleviate your stress and anxiety today.
Our clinic is located at 96 Bridport St. in Albert Park, Melbourne.
You can make an appointment online, email us or phone us on (03) 96862566.
