Chronic stress plagues a lot of people, but many are unaware that they’re suffering from it; if they do know, they might underestimate the degree to which it affects them. However, the body doesn’t lie. The human body can show glaring signs of stress even when someone says they’re only experiencing a moderate amount. A skilled naturopath can help. Naturopathic medicine is a way of helping patients heal from emotional and physical problems through natural treatments.
Chronic Stress Symptoms
Chronic stress can manifest in countless ways. Emotional and mental symptoms include the following:
- Anxiety
- Interpersonal dysfunction
- Mood disorders such as depression
- Problematic drug or alcohol use
- Racing thoughts
- Social withdrawal
- Unclear thinking
Someone experiencing chronic stress might have any or all of the above issues. However, depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol abuse have the strongest correlation with chronic stress. Unfortunately, all three can cause or exacerbate physical ailments. The issues below are all common among chronic anxiety sufferers:
- Arthritis
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Nail biting
- Obesity
- Type II diabetes
- Weight loss
That’s only the beginning. Preliminary research indicates that chronic stress can lead to inflammation, a major player in dozens, possibly hundreds, of illnesses. Though many of the above physical symptoms of stress require professional diagnoses, the presence of stress in your life does not; if you feel stressed, you are, and seeking professional care would be wise.
Naturopathic Stress Relief
Many symptoms of stress respond best to natural treatments. Even the issues that demand allopathic medicine will generally improve when natural options are part of the treatment plan. Of course, preventing stress before it starts is ideal. Some of the naturopathic treatments for stress relief also work to build the resilience that can protect a person from future stress. Naturopaths use a multifaceted approach to heal the whole person while drilling down to the true source of an ailment. Examples of naturopathic stress relief treatments include acupuncture, herbal formulations, dietary counseling, salivary adrenal testing, supplements, and therapy.
Choosing a Naturopath for Stress
A naturopath in Vancouver might be the right choice for stress treatment if you wish to avoid invasive options with lots of side effects, like surgery or medication. As with choosing any doctor, picking a naturopath for stress requires careful consideration. A naturopathic doctor should have a naturopathic medical degree from an accredited naturopathic college. That distinguishes actual naturopathic doctors from those who merely advertise themselves as providing natural treatments.
Aside from that vital technical qualification, the ideal naturopathic doctor must also provide comfort and inspire confidence. Choose somebody who puts you at ease, truly listens, and gives you the time and attention you deserve as a whole individual with unique needs. A naturopath can help with stress by working with Mother Nature to achieve the best results.
