Do you find yourself lying awake at night, pondering the uncertainties of the days ahead? Whether it’s the anticipation of starting a new job, a forthcoming trip, or even just planning out your next week, this underlying sense of dread can disrupt your daily life. However, is this anxiety? The short answer: not always. Anxiety is a medical term that refers to a range of mental health disorders with moderate to severe anxiety as a core symptom. Symptoms can range from excessive worrying to digestive issues due to stress hormones impacting your gut.
Shocking but true, an estimated 31% of adults will face an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). And women are more susceptible, with a prevalence rate of 23.4%, as compared to men at 14.3%. Especially concerning is the high incidence among college students seeking counseling; 41.6% are there primarily for anxiety.
As someone who has a daughter grappling with mental health issues and heading off to university, I recognize the importance of discussing this topic as fall approaches. That’s why in today’s episode of EAT THIS with Lianne, we’re delving into the often overlooked physical contributors to anxiety.
Researching this episode has been eye-opening, revealing many signs of anxiety that I had previously overlooked in my daughter. It’s easy to dismiss certain behaviors or symptoms as ‘normal,’ but when do these traits cross the line into a full-fledged mental health concern? I recently stumbled upon a social media post by today’s guest, Dr. Shawna Darou, that struck a chord. Why aren’t physical causes of anxiety more widely discussed, especially by healthcare professionals?
Dr. Shawna Darou, is a Naturopathic Doctor and certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with a focus on women’s health, cognitive wellness, and complex health conditions. Based in Toronto, she has been helping thousands of women since 2004.
Talking Points with Dr. Shawna
- What motivates you as a naturopathic doctor?
- Let’s unpack the physical causes of anxiety.
- Understanding iron deficiency: How to interpret blood test results.
- Signs and tests for hypoglycemia.
- The role of insulin resistance in anxiety.
- Detecting low cortisol levels and ways to counteract them.
- Is hormonal imbalance a sign of perimenopause/menopause?
- Demystifying hyperthyroidism.
- Managing post-natal depletion.
- Can genetics be a switch that flips anxiety on?
Don’t underestimate the impact of hormones on mental health. I realized through a hormone-specific Dutch test that my own mental health was at a crisis point due to perimenopausal imbalances.
Self-Care Tips for Anxiety
- Practice breathing exercises and meditation.
- Maintain a consistent exercise routine and eat a balanced diet.
- Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other triggering substances.
- Engage in support groups.
- Learn to identify and anticipate your triggers.
Dr. Shawna frequently deals with anxiety in her clinic, especially given the high-stress world we’ve been navigating for the past couple of years. And as she points out, even simple iron deficiencies or hormonal imbalances can significantly contribute to anxiety. For more on her work, check out her website and Instagram.
With her background in Engineering Chemistry, Dr. Shawna applies her analytical mindset to the complex realm of hormonal health. She’s also an avid health writer, with her blog reaching nearly 8,000 readers each week.
So as we enter a new season, with routines resuming and academic pressures building, let’s be proactive about understanding the physical roots of anxiety. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the key to mental wellness.
