Anxiety, depression and stress

Anxiety and depression affect many people at some point in their lives. These conditions are not the same thing, though they can be experienced together.  For some, these feelings are attached to particular events such as a bereavement, relationship problems or the loss of a job. Incidents such as these can cause great shock and leave us feeling our lives will never be the same.

In order to get through these events we may need support from friends and family. Herbs have been used for centuries and in many parts of the world as a way of lifting mood, improving sleep and reducing tension and anxiety.

Feeling stressed may not necessarily lead to feeling depressed but there is often a lot of anxiety. Stress can be an ongoing problem where we feel increasingly anxious and uncomfortable on a daily basis. This can build to a sense of being unable to cope. Some situations can begin to induce a feeling of panic and we can fear that normal life is no longer possible.

You may find herbal medicine can help you. Although modern living is considered fast and stressful, these sensations have been felt by humans across the centuries!  Herbal pharmacopias, written over thousands of years, detail the plants traditionally used to soothe the nervous system, enhance mood and encourage restful sleep.

Sometimes, just controlling the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can mean we have enough "breathing space" to address the underlying causes of our stress.

Mood changes, depression and anxiety can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, such as when periods begin, during the menopause and after having a baby. Also, recovering from an illness, disrupted shift patterns and poor nutrition can lead to mood changes.

But, if sadness and depression leave you or someone you know having thoughts of self-harm, then further medical attention would be required.