Despite all the advancements in technology designed to make our life easier, researchers are finding that we are more stressed than ever before (1). Approximately 40 million adults in the US battle anxiety daily (2). With increased rates of competition in the workplace we are faced with higher amounts of anxiety, but less time to manage our stress. We face conflicts within our family, finances, health and relationships and often it can all become overwhelming (3).
Women At Higher Risk…
Women, in particular, have the highest rate of stress and anxiety, with researchers finding women to be twice as likely to experience depression than men, and three times more likely to suffer from anxiety or attempt suicide (4).
Some common signs of anxiety in women are (5):
- Feeling of panic, fear and uneasiness
- Problems sleeping
- Cold or sweaty hands or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Heart Palpitations
- Not being able to be still and calm
- Dry mouth
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Nausea
- Muscle Tension
- Dizziness
General Meds Used to Treat Anxiety
When the anxiety becomes more than we can bare, and mundane tasks become difficult, often we turn to the help of pharmaceutical drugs like Xanax, Valium, or Prozac.
Unfortunately, while these medications may be helpful they are also highly addictive, with nearly 36% of drug overdoses coming from benzodiazepines (6).
This addiction can lead to even further stress and problems.