Sleep, Stress and Your Mind Stress Relief

Hi Michael, i go through exactly what you are but am on anti anxiety tablets & anti depressants, to which 7 years on im still experiencing the attacks and fear's- what tablets are you on if you dont mind me being personal, if they work for you i'd be more than happy to let my doctor know and start trying them also. I also have started the physical approach Dave has shared and keeping busy, but what i found that also helps is relaxtion breathing, muscle relaxation and worry time, allocating a time in the day to tape my self talk out all my worries i had throughout the day that i postponed from thinking about until this time, its reduced my anxiety somewhat, but im constantly working at it- its kinda doing my head in- i think ure tablets might be what im looking for.

Hi Joanne, My name is Danielle, and I am a Naturopath with Blackmores. It’s great that you are trying to overcome your fears, and still get out and about to enjoy new activities. Unfortunately there is no quick fix, but there are certain steps you can take to support how you feel on your holiday. You may find support from using Australian Bush Flower essences, such as the Emergency Essence. This is great in times of intense emotional periods, and can be used any time that you feel scared or threatened. This can be found at a health food store or some pharmacies. Blackmores Tranquil Night® formula may also be helpful. This is an herbal combination, generally used for to help improve sleep, however can be used at a reduced dose to help take the edge off your nerves, relieve restlessness and mild nervous tension. If you are not using this product to help you sleep, you can half the dose to receive the relaxing effect of the herbs. Blackmores Women’s D-Stress® contains nutrients and an herb, Withania, that help to support your body’s stress response, and helps you to cope with stress.



I realise that you do not have much time before you go, however maybe in the future you can look at attending a hypnosis session that focus’s on fears such as you have described. When choosing a clinic please ensure that the practitioner holds relevant qualifications and is a member with a registering national body such as the Australian Society if Hypnosis.



I hope these suggestions are helpful, and that you have a great time on your holiday.

Hi Georgina, My name is Danielle and I am a Naturopath from Blackmores. It sounds that you have a lot on your mind, from your family responsibilities to that of your wider community. I can imagine that juggling everyday responsibilities in the aftermath of Queensland’s natural disasters can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, although being aware of these feelings and admitting that you need help is a great start. Talking about your fears and concerns is so important, and Lifeline Australia has a free telephone counselling service on 13 11 14. They also have information on support services available specifically for the Flood Victims. You can access this online at the Lifeline website via the following link www.lifeline.org.au/.../default.aspx.

I recommend that you consider supplementing with Blackmores Conceive Well™ Gold as a general nutritional supplement for preconception health, as this product also contains nutrients that support healthy stress response such as B complex, magnesium and vitamin C. You can combine this with Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula, as you can benefit from this formulation for your higher stress levels, and it is safe in preconception/pregnancy at a reduced dose of one tablet daily with food, preferably breakfast. The other stress supporting supplement you may like to consider is Blackmores Magnesium Compound. It is safe in preconception/pregnancy, and magnesium is a great mineral to calm the nerves and relax the body. You can take this at night before bed if you are having trouble sleeping.

There are many lifestyle practices that you can try too, such as gentle regular exercise and relaxation/meditation. Mediation can teach you ways to calm and control your mind, a very handy trick when your thoughts start to turn dark. In situations like yours, with the floods and cyclones, the outside events of life cannot be controlled or changed so learning techniques to cope with what life throws at you can be helpful. You can find some general information about meditation on the Blackmores website, www.blackmores.com.au/Search.aspx Other techniques the you can explore is the EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique. Find more information at http://www.eftdownunder.com/index.html.

Georgina, if you find that you are struggling to cope, please remember that you are not alone. Talk to someone, your GP, a friend, a counsellor. You may like to see a Naturopath in consultation, you can find a local practitioner through the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, http://www.atms.com.au, or ask family and friends for a recommendation.

I can only imagine the personal strength you have, to have coped with the past 37 years experiencing depression and anxiety, and admire your resolve to continue working to improve your health. I hope that something here is useful for you, take care.

Hi Cara, my name is Danielle and I am a Naturopath at Blackmores. As a mother of a busy 3 year old as well, I can understand a little of what you have described. I think that it is a good idea that you are making time for yourself, and supplementing. Magnesium can help with your headaches, it's a great relaxer, as can essential oils added to a warm bath or diluted and massaged into your temples. Oils that you can try include lavender, peppermint, sandlewood and rosemary. Herbal teas such as chamomile, lemongrass, valerian can be helpful too. Lots of water and eating regularly may also be helpful. You can find more hints on the Blackmores website at this link www.blackmores.com.au/health-topics/headache. Take care

Hi Sawsan, My name is Danielle and I am a Blackmores Naturopath. It sounds like you have been going through a very tough time over the past year. There are lots of great suggestions in this community from other people experiencing similar problems, you may find some hints that are useful for you. Keep reaching out as you are not alone, and other people are struggling with these feelings too. Depending if you are taking medications, you can consider St John's Wort or Magnesium as supplements. There are other lifestyle, diet etc advice on the Blackmores website at this link www.blackmores.com.au/health-topics/anxiety. I have also found some useful information on postive thinking at the Happiness Institute http://www.thehappinessinstitute.com/. Another option is to see a Naturopath in consultation, ask family and friends or visit the Australian Traditional Medicine Society to find a qualified practitioner. Sawson I hope that you find this community supportive and helpful, take care

Dear Sawsan. My name is Stephanie and I am a naturopath for Blackmores. I am sorry to hear you have been experiencing such strong symptoms. It is very important to rule out any heart problem by seeing a doctor privately. Since the last time you had some tests done was almost 12 months ago, it is probably best that you have another check up to ensure that your heart is ok and to identify what the cause of these attacks are. If you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, you might like to start seeing a psychotherapist or counsellor who may be able to assist you in managing and exploring these symptoms, including your self talk that you mentioned. I hope that helps Sawsan.

Hi David. My name is Stephanie and I am a naturopath at Blackmores. A lot of people find that the mineral magnesium helps to prevent any type of muscle tension and tension headaches. Magnesium may also be beneficial for sleeplessness, anxiety and nervous tension as these conditions are often an indication of a magnesium deficiency. To help treat these conditions, magnesium is best taken every day as a preventative.
I hope it helps David.
All the best,
Stephanie

Dear Christine. Thank you for your post and I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss and the challenges you have faced with your mood. It is important that you seek the support and advice from a qualified healthcare professional e.g. a counsellor or psychotherapist who can provide encouragement and guidance. In terms of supplements, you need to be mindful that whatever you take does not interact with your medications. There are many nutrients that support a healthy nervous system such as B vitamins, magnesium, fish oil, and vitamin D has also been shown recently to be linked with a healthy mood. You might like to consider seeing a naturopath privately who can give qualified advice and to ensure you don’t interfere with your medications.
All the very best to you Christine.
Stephanie

Hi Pooja, Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula is suitable for use when trying to conceive, however we suggest the you stop taking it once you find out you are pregnant. For more individual advice please contact the Naturopathic Advisory Service on 1800 803 760 or email advice@blackmores.com.au

Hi Pooja, You may like to consider a magnesium supplement, just check that it is appropriate for use in pregnancy. Another option is Bach or Australian Bush Flower essences that you can find at a local health food store or pharmacy. A good prenatal multi vitamin and mineral is also useful for the B complex that may help you to cope with stress. Please feel free to also call the Blackmores Naturopathic Advisory Service on 1800 803 760. Hope this helps. Kind regards, Danielle (Blackmores naturopath)