Herbal Supplements to Manage Anxiety and Depression
A mental health challenge can interfere with virtually every aspect of life. If you experience depression or anxiety, it can be difficult to get relief without dealing with the side effects of many prescription medications. If you’re looking for something to complement your mental health therapy, consider herbal supplementation.
The Facts About Anxiety and Depression
About 10% of people in the U.S. struggle with depression, a disorder that leads to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair. Clinical depression can interfere with work, relationships, and simple everyday functions like eating and sleeping. In some cases, chemical imbalances, high stress levels, trauma, and significant life changes can be to blame.
Anxiety is the feeling of intense fear or dread commonly characterized by an elevated heart rate, labored breathing, and restlessness. While most people feel some anxiety in response to a stressful event, disordered anxiety is persistent and can be debilitating. Chronic anxiety typically manifests as phobias, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or panic disorder.
You may think that anxiety and depression are distinct and don’t have much to do with each other. On the contrary, it helps to think of both conditions as two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, immobilizing depression can cause anxiety to surface. Also, many cases of disordered anxiety can lead to depression. Because depression and anxiety often occur together, some herbal supplements and holistic therapies can help you cope with both conditions.
How Supplements and Integrative Medicine Can Help
Many integrative medical providers in Cincinnati see patients who suffer from depression and anxiety because they understand the complexity that characterizes both conditions. In treating virtually any disorder, holistic doctors understand that treatment doesn’t just stop at the apparent symptoms. It also requires care for the whole person—mentally and physically.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety, you can supplement your mental health care with herbal supplementation:
B Complex Vitamins
Your body requires B complex vitamins to perform many physiological and cognitive functions. Depression is commonly linked to low levels of B12 and other B vitamins. If you’re considering a vitamin B supplement, consult your doctor to ensure it won’t interact with your medication.
Bergamot
Many women who’ve just given birth take bergamot to manage postpartum depression. It can also help people with terminal cancer manage their depression symptoms. Other benefits of bergamot include better sleep and reduced stress.
Supportive Care for Depression and Anxiety
Blatman Health and Wellness Center offers supplements like CFO and Stress and Relax Formula to support mental health and stress management. We also provide holistic nutrition guidance, infusion therapies, pain management, and other treatments that work with your body’s natural healing. You don’t have to suffer alone. Contact us today to talk with someone on our team and book an appointment.
