I was fortunate to meet up with Richard Ede here in his hometown of Sydney and talk in detail about his work as a Holistic Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist. I was immediately struck by his calm manner, his passion for his work and his genuine quest for make people’s lives better. Richard helps people take control and free themselves from persistent problems, so their lives become easier and more enjoyable. He also provides expert advice and articles to Cleo and Cosmopolitan magazines. In this article Richard talks about anxiety, its common signs and symptoms and what you can do to help yourself!

Let’s have a look at Anxiety!
Most of us have our own understanding of what it is. We may have suffered from it at some point in our life or know someone that has. Research indicates that women are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety. I believe the pressures in society placed on women play a big role in this occurring.

What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can be defined as apprehension over an anticipated problem. It tends to be about a future threat and can involve arousal or sympathetic nervous system activity. It can vary from being mild to very debilitating. There are many forms of anxiety such as a specific phobia, social phobia, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. I will focus on general anxiety in this article as this appears to be the one that affects most of us at some point or another in our lives.

People who suffer from anxiety may find they tend to worry a lot, which may lead to physiological symptoms such as a racing heart, tightening of the chest, and hot and cold flushes. They may also find it difficult to carry out everyday activities that they would do normally. Common signs that you may experience are, but are not limited to, feeling restless and on edge, feeling tired easily, having difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable and having trouble sleeping.

Uncertainty and fear may arise in an individual when they experience something that doesn’t fit within their belief system structure. This may lead to an anxious feeling that may be either momentary or long lasting. An example of a belief system is: a) the world is a dangerous place, or b) the world is friendly and safe. An individual’s belief system structures how they perceive the world and influences their behaviour patterns, relationships and may lead to physiological symptoms when challenged. I work with people to help restructure their belief systems that are no longer serving them, whilst strengthening those parts of themselves that have been marginalised and are creating inner conflict. As a result of this they become stronger, step into their power and experience freedom.

What can you do to help yourself?
There are many roads that one can take to help themselves if they’re suffering from anxiety. Some people may prefer to see their Doctor and be prescribed medication, whilst others may prefer to take an alternative route to improve their wellbeing. Whatever road a person may take it should be an informed decision. People may also seek therapy to help with anxiety. There are many different forms of therapy that can help you. I use a holistic approach and in my experience have found this to be the most effective in creating positive change.

I feel that mainstream psychology tends to pathologise a person and treats the symptoms only as opposed to treating the whole person. In my view that is a reductionist standpoint that doesn’t actually allow for true healing to occur. It’s quite surprising what can be uncovered through the approach that I use and how quickly healing can take place.

How can you help yourself? There are a number of practical things that you can do!
Many people find self-hypnosis very effective for controlling anxiety. I teach people in my clinic and run workshops on self-hypnosis to help people feel in control and confident in helping themselves to reduce anxiety and stress. It’s a great self-help tool that you’ll have for life!

Meditation is very useful in reducing anxiety and may help calm the mind. I believe that leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle is important in maintaining your overall general sense of wellbeing. Family and friends may provide a support network that is vital to your mental health and wellbeing. Most importantly be kind to yourself and seek help if you’re having difficulty dealing with it on your own. Getting the right help can be truly life changing!

Download your FREE article ‘5 Secrets for Emotional Wellbeing and Creating Change in your Life!’ here

Interested in learning more about Richard’s work?

Join Richard on the 20th of November in Sydney for his Self Hypnosis Workshop focusing on Stress and Anxiety. Alternatively contact Richard for a one on one session in person or via skype through his website www.richardede.com.au

The Nourishing Hub offers a range of natural products designed to relieve anxiety, stress and sleep concerns, you can check them out here

Here are a few of our tried and tested products that we have been recommended by our customers and naturopaths.

Herbs of Gold SAMe Gold – this is an excellent supplement for relieving nervous tension – stress and mild anxiety,
SAMe is required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating normal mood and/or behaviour.
SAMe Helps support neurotransmitter production, for the regulation of healthy mood and behaviour.

Bush Flower Essence – Calm and Clear – This essence is designed to help one find time for one’s self, to relax without external pressures & demands, to wind down and enjoy relaxing pursuits. Easy to Use: Just 7 drops under the tongue.

Kiwiherb StressCare – We love this brand – it is completely natural without preservatives, colours or sugar. StressCare is a professional blend of the anti-stress herbs Withania and Lemon Balm, with 8 different B vitamins to nourish the nervous system and aid energy production.

Love Chai Calming Tea – Designed by Love chai naturopath Emma Jane, each ingredient has been carefully selected to calm the nervous system, help you cope with stress & relax into a more peaceful state of well being.

We would love to hear from you about any therapy, self practices or natural remedies that have helped with Anxiety so we can share them with the Nourishing Hub readers.

If you missed it, don’t forget to read our recent interview with the lovely Debbie Spellman from Detox your Mind or for our last blog on the Health Benefits of Black Rice + our Superfood Black Rice Pudding.

Have a lovely weekend and thanks for reading.

Simone