The Drug-Free Way to ERASE Anxiety

We live in a stressful world. Dirty politics, ugly wars, extreme weather, and more can send anxiety levels soaring. (Heck, even the current holiday season adds extra stress!)

And there’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic alone has been hard on mental health.

A record number of people were already suffering from depression and anxiety before the coronavirus appeared on the scene. Adding fears from a global pandemic sent many folks over the edge.

So it’s hardly surprising that sales of antidepressants (SSRIs) increased as a direct result of COVID-19.

But there’s something else you might be surprised about. Prescription drugs often AREN’T the most effective way to treat anxiety.

In fact, a recent head-to-head study found that one drug-free method was just as effective as standard medication for treating anxiety disorders.

I never dismiss anxiety symptoms. But I’m also not quick to hand out prescriptions to treat it.

Why pop pills when there’s a drug-free solution that’s every bit as good… or even BETTER?

A recent study pitted the popular SSRI drug escitalopram against meditation in a head-to-head comparison of their ability to beat depression and generalized anxiety.

Anxiety levels were scored on a scale of 1 to 7, with seven being the most severe. And the average participant’s levels were at 4.5 at the start of the study.

Those assigned to the mindfulness-based stress reduction (meditation) group…

• went to a 2.5-hour class once a week
• attended one day-long retreat
• did a 45-minute daily practice at home

After 24 weeks, both groups experienced a 30 percent drop in anxiety severity. And both had a nearly identical improvement in their anxiety symptom score.

In other words, meditation performed every bit as well as the drugs, but without any risky side effects.

You’ll notice I said “risky” side effects. Because meditation does have some side effects. They just happen to be GOOD ones.

Earlier research shows that meditation helps folks follow through with the healthy lifestyle choices needed to manage high blood pressure.

For example, in one study, following a mindfulness plan for just 8 weeks led to a 6-point reduction in systolic blood pressure for the next six months.

For perspective, that translates into a 10 percent reduced heart attack and stroke risk. Talk about a side effect!

But it doesn’t take a study to confirm that a practice that’s been used for centuries to calm the mind CAN actually do PRECISELY that.

I use various forms of mindfulness and meditation regularly. It helps me practice gratitude and focus on what’s REALLY important in life.

In the end, the practice promotes an inner peace you can’t find in a bottle.

P.S. Did you know reducing stress can stabilize blood sugar levels? Click here for two more surprising, drug-free blood-sugar busters.

SOURCE:

“Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA Psychiatry. Published online November 09, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.3679