Ways to Tackle Anxiety Without Meds

Anxiety is a common problem. I’ve struggled with it at various times throughout my life. There are times when people might opt for meds to bridge the gap between biology and ability. There are ways to tackle anxiety without meds, if you are up for the fight and if it isn’t completely debilitating.

Tackle anxiety without meds.

Survivors of abuse are especially prone to suffer anxiety. Many things can trigger an attack. The physical manifestation can escalate into a crisis, but we can often catch ourselves before it’s completely out of control. Some people do need meds, but I’d encourage people to use the ways of tackling anxiety without meds, as well.

Prepare for it.

Anxiety is pretty universal. I actually don’t know anyone who has never had an anxiety. If we have some tools before times of stress, we will be able to employ them with less effort. Simply acknowledging that there may be some things that will cause us to be off kilter is part of it, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating good foods and getting plenty of rest are at the top of the list.

Take extra care during high exposure.

So, for me, pregnancy was a difficult time when I was young. Now, as I am dealing with menopause, insomnia and hormonal changes can make me feel anxious when absolutely nothing is going on. So, I have to safeguard my emotional state. I am careful about commitments and get extra rest if sleep is a distant friend for a few days. Pay bills when feeling well rested. Draw back on activities that require intense thinking. Avoid social media. Visit with people that love you unconditionally, in case you need to commiserate a little.

Talk to yourself.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a big proponent of self-talk. Obviously, we would use positive affirmations and never talk badly about ourselves. Sometimes, if I’m over the top, I just tell myself I’m ok. Usually, I tell my heart to calm down to normal. Remind yourself of similar times that you’ve been able to come through things. Talk to the circumstances and say what you want to come about. “I’ll be able to rearrange my schedule to get things done,” or “I can do that right after I get this settled,” or “There is plenty of time,” or “That is not my responsibility.” What you say to yourself is more important than anything anyone else could say.

Use the Word of God.

Find the Scripture that addresses the exact thing that is your stressor. So, if it is family issues, find the passages that meet that need. If it is financial or physical or terror, write those out and read then aloud to yourself until you can recite them by heart and even then, make keep them visible or have a prompt to remind yourself to read or recite them. The Word of God is living and powerful.

Mitigate physical symptoms when possible.

There are herbal supplements and lots of foods that contribute to our wellbeing. Other things that we eat trigger hormones, neurotransmitters, and blood pressure. Food allergies are often culprits. It could be too much sugar or caffeine. You might be able to get extra exercise or even just go for a walk. Take a bath instead of a shower. Have herbal tea instead of coffee.

Ask for help.

If you are overwhelmed with work or caring for children or elderly parents, you might just need some respite care. A family member or local community organization might be able t come in and relieve some stress for a period of time. Don’t wait until you are at your wits’ end. Call on churches for household projects that you cannot handle. They often provide service projects for people in their community. There are benevolence funds available for short-term help with bills.

Practice meditation and self-soothing.

This is similar to talking to yourself and using the Bible. This would be a little different, in that you would pull out Scripture that speaks to your spirit about how much God loves you. Not addressing problems, just lifting your spirit. Knowing the Creator of the universe loves you and the He has a hope and a future for you is very calming. Knowing you have a place in heaven with Him for eternity will settle you deep inside. Perfect love casts out all fear.

Pray.

Finally, my brethren, be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplications, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Even for those who do need medicine, using these ways to tackle anxiety without meds may help to reduce the impact of anxiety.