Everyone suffers from anxiety from time to time—it's a perfectly normal reaction to stress. But when anxiety becomes excessive and irrational and interferes with daily life, it's important to do something about it.
There are various types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options.
But the doctor's usual go-to are the so-called 'anxiolytic' drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, which go hand-in-hand with a number of unwanted side-effects including dependency, reduced alertness, sexual dysfunction and even suicidal thoughts.
The good news is that much safer, effective alternatives are available. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of counseling, is one of the most effective long-term treatments for anxiety-related disorders, but here are five more natural options you may not know about.