Natural Supplements and Treatments for Anxiety: What the Research Says About Supplements for Anxiety

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When people are looking to treat their anxiety without medication, what they usually mean is that they want to know what herbs and supplements will work for them. And because I get asked about this a lot, I did a ton of research last year on natural supplements to treat anxiety. So in this video I go over 15 of the research-backed natural treatments for anxiety that have been shown to have an impact, but I am also going to talk about a much more holistic approach to mental health. At the end of this video I’ll list seven other effective treatments for anxiety, but this video is mostly about supplements. So let’s talk about a couple of ways to combat anxiety other than medication

There’s this incredibly widespread misconception out there that if you get diagnosed with depression or anxiety, that means that you were born with anxiety or depression; that it’s so genetic that there’s nothing you can do about it. Now, of course, there’s a biological factor, but there are about 20 other factors too. It’s not your fault, but it is treatable. Don’t get sucked into the unhelpful pattern of believing you just have to suffer through life. I go into a lot more detail on this in my online course “Change your Brain: 10 Alternatives to Medication to Change Brain Chemistry.” This course teaches ways to change your thinking and actions that actually change your brain chemistry.

Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[rodredoun]

1. Vitamins B12, D...etc
2. Magnesium
3.Omega 3
4. Kava Kava
5. Zinc
6. Inositol
7. Passion Flower
8. Valerian
9. Chamomile
10. Saffron
11. L-Lysine L-Arginine
12. GABA
13. L-Theanine
14. St John Wort
15. Caffeine
Bonus. Exercise, Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation, Imrprove gut health.

[Justrelaxx]

Her voice should be added to her list of things to improve anxiety/increase calmness.

[Cat-bztm]

Ive had depression and anxiety for 20 years, and been on meds .I’ve found swimming helps, and aqua aerobics, plus a sauna and steam afterwards . Try and walk a little daily, and sit in the garden . Listen to a podcast, if bored, or read the paper in the garden . Depression and anxiety can cause lack of motivation, but the key is not to listen to the neg thoughts, take action, shush the negative .thoughts . The right supplement can do wonders .

[prayersoflight]

This is my story: About 2 months ago I was formally diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety. I was put on actual meds to help me manage it because around the end of July I started developing extremely debilitating symptoms. Some of my symptoms included blinding headaches, pain in my joints, inability to eat, hypersensitivity to sounds and light, extreme fatigue but unable to winddown or feel rested after sleeping, and I could not take two steps without feeling winded. It was crazy. I had been having panic attacks since I was a child but my family does not believe in mental illness, so I did not acknowledged there could be something wrong with me until A LOT of damaged happened to me all throughout my childhood up until 2017, when I had the craziest panic attack where I felt I was having a heart attack and was told I had social anxiety and was dismissed from the ER. I never sought help until July 2020 because I have been sad my whole life so I never thought it was any different until my body started to get attacked for real.

I could say that for the first month after taking my actual meds I felt okay. However during September I noticed that I was not able to relax whatsoever. I would be able to do all I needed to do and more during the day but I was wired. For the past week it got more stronger and last night I almost collapsed. I felt like every cell in my body was vibing with nervous energy and I tried to take a nap but I could NOT turn off. My eyes felt dry and I was hyperventilating and a dooming headache was pulsing on my temples. Then I remember whenever I felt depressed in college (WHICH WAS ALWAYS) I would take a scorching hot shower to get my mind off my emotional pain.

So I went to the bathroom and filled up the tub with hot water and dumped 3 cups of Epsom Salt and got in. As soon as I got into the tub, the vibration of anxiety STOPPED. PERIODT. I scrubbed myself and stayed in the tub for about 15 mins when I had the bright idea of exfoliating my skin with the actual granules of Epsom Salt, so I rubbed my whole body with the salt and something amazing happened! ALL OF MY NEGATIVE THOUGHTS STOPPED. And for the first time in NEVER I was able to see how my brain fucked up thoughts infiltrate me. Because when I close my eyes in the shower I always feel fear (of irrational demons and dark entities). But as I rinsed the salt from my face my eyes were closed, and when the these thoughts came I had the urge to open them but I did not open my eyes, because my rational mind devoid of anxiety spoke to me and said "why are you doing this to yourself? There is nothing to be afraid of. You are in your house, in your bathroom, by yourself, relax. These fears are not real, they are not YOU". I proceeded to stay in the shower cleansing my skin for 20 more minutes with my eyes closed and I felt love. And I washed myself and I remember feeling peace and not for one moment did I have an anxious thought that could not be dissolved by the clear voice of my real mind. And I felt like I was seeing my actual self for the first time and when I was done with the shower I felt safe and solid, nothing like I had felt before when I felt vulnerable and like a mass of wiggly nerves exposed to it all and attacked by it all.

So I wanted to understand what did this to me last night and I found out it was magnesium. I woke up today feeling just as calm and I slept well. So give magnesium a try. I found this video because I am trying to explain what was that holy experience that happened to me last night in that salt bath.

I am going to try and take a salt bath a least once a week and get a magnesium supplement. I understand now that I have a lot of negativity recorded in my memories and brain and maybe salt can help me cleanse my spirit. I just want to feel normal and live a fulfilling life. I hope this recount maybe can help someone else.

[truehuman]

Those who can't wait here are those.
1 vitamin D B6 B12
2 Magnesium
3 Zinc
4 Omega 3
5 kava kava
6 Inositol
7 Passion flower
8 Valerian
9 Chamomile
10 Saffron
11 L lysine
12 GABA
13 L theneine
14 St John's Wort

[dr.karidouglas]

If you're watching this video and feeling like you're at the end of your rope, please know that you're not alone. It's okay to reach out for help, whether that's through therapy, medication, or just talking to a friend. It can be a long and difficult journey, but there is hope and healing on the other side. Thank you to the creator for sharing their story and shedding light on this important topic.

[ArtyAntics]

Best thing that helped my anxiety (after therapy of course) was improving my gut health by eating a whole food plant based diet. No more IBS woop woop. Loosing 50lbs also helped me feel better 😊

[mishaz]

Sucks that so many people in your comments lashed back against you providing good information about medication and supplements in a scientific way. Personally, I really appreciated it!

[RodneyDodson]

Love your videos! I healed my anxiety 15 years ago, all natural. No drugs. I'm obsessed with natural health now cause i never wanna go back to living in fear.

[MyHelga]

I am 67 and have had anxiety and panic attacks since age 12. Now for 35 years on Benzos, Atenonol Buspar and pain meds. All do to this disorder. I want off all these meds but that gives me anxiety. I feel this will lead me to more anxiety. I wish my psychiatrist or counselor would have lead me down the natural road. We trust our physicians to do us no harm and now I am addicted to all this crap! I walk everyday and take care of my mom with dementia, so my stress isn't going away anytime soon. God Bless everyone and God save our gracious anxiety ridden patients.

[sandra]

Excercise is my favorite antidepressant! I alway feel better after sweating it out

[Luis-xrec]

We live in a very stressful society. Remember to take a step back and breathe. ❤️

[olives]

Your voice itself is a great relaxation

[allanrocha]

Amazing video, Emma! Currently having magnesium, zinc, omega 3, valerian, but what made a big noticeable difference for me was vitamin D (currently having a high dose 5000 ui or so) and l-teanine. I am recovering from burnout and extremely high anxiety with physical side effects (eg. tension headaches, dizziness, restless, etc) and supplements have made a huge difference. Thank you!

[jamesharris]

Y'all this lady is GOOD. She's helping people in a way that a lot won't understand right away.

[gianparedesss]

chamomile was really effective for me! Even just smelling it is calming and the way you sip every bit of it is so ugh 😍. Butt its not just always the herb, you have to also take part on it. While i drank chamomile tea everyday, I excercise not only physically but mentally. Knowing how good is life to be not feared.

[ShockResistor]

I wish I saw this 20+ yrs ago when I began my journey of finding the right treatment for my mental health issues. It would have spared me from all the side effects I suffered from various meds. I learned of many of these supplements after having suffered so much for so long but at least I am better now. This is very informative, thorough, precise, and easy to understand yet not condescending either. Lovely voice too! I love how we can see your certificate in the background, you are very professional, but the observant of us notice those action figures (or are they toys?) on the shelf beside you which is an indication that you also have a fun playful side which is great! I hope you have a fulfilling life!

[MahadiaLeBon]

The supplement that helped me in 1 day (after 15 years of dealing with depression and anxiety) is 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan). I'm surprised you haven't mentioned it or at least amino acid tryptophan, which act as precursors to serotonin. So i'm adding it here for people to seriously consider. It really helps <3

[jayn]

1. Prebiotic/Probiotics
2. Sea Kelp Iodine
3. B Complex
4. Magnesium Complex
5. Lions Mane
6. L-Theanine

ALSO LIMITING or CUTTING:
Caffiene
Sugar
Flour

[ruthann]

Very comprehensive and well-done. I just love your voice, demeanor and outlook on life. These videos are like having a great, helpful, knowledgaable friend.