How can I manage my anxiety surrounding re-entering the classroom? I am worried about feeling overwhelmed with socializing again.

As we transition back to more “normal” life, your experience of anxiety around this is SO so so normal right now. In fact, that might be one thought that could help to be comforting - MOST other people in the world with you will also be nervous about socializing and getting overwhelmed given that this is all new again. 
Sometimes, especially when we are anxious, it feels like we are the only ones going through it, and maybe it is more intense for us, but to some degree, we are all putting on a brave face as we re-emerge right now. So even if someone looks OK, remember that YOU probably look OK to them too - and you know you’re actually anxious underneath. They might be doing the same. 
To help further, there are two main ways I encourage clients to manage anxiety: 
  • In The Body - managing the physical sensations can help to loosen and relax our thoughts and improve our overall experience.
  • In The Mind - managing/challenging the thoughts contributing to anxiety can go a long way toward keeping the body relaxed.
First, manage the body. Some techniques I love are:
  • Relaxation Breathing - the key is to have nice long, slow exhales and (if possible) breathe as deep into the belly as possible. You can add a count to help - breathing into the belly for a count of 4, holding air in the belly for 7, and exhaling nice and slow for 8. Or even just do the 4 and 8 if easier.
  • Progressive Body Relaxation - this can be done on its own or once your relaxation breath is established. In your mind’s eye, scan the body from toes to head. As you move up the body in your mind, actively try to relax and release each part of the body (i.e., toes, legs, torso, back, chest, shoulders and neck, arms, hands, jaw and face, scalp/head). If you have trouble noticing the relocation in each part, try squeezing and then releasing each part. 
  • Big Three + 1 - this one is SO effective, quick and pro-social. The big three = (1) take a deep belly breath, (2) shift your mouth into a “cooperative smile” (not a big smile, just a slight curling up of the corners of the mouth), and (3) consciously raise your eyebrows a bit (it doesn’t matter if others can SEE it, just trying to active the eyebrow-lifting muscles helps brighten the mood). The +1 = if you’re sitting, lean back in your chair. This posture “tricks” the brain into thinking we are around people we feel safe with, which makes us feel more comfortable AND makes others more friendly and sociable toward us. 
There are lots of other physical techniques out there too, but these three are my favourite. I’d start with these physical relaxation techniques and THEN examine and challenge your thoughts. 
To examine and shift your thoughts, some techniques I love are:
  • Notice and Label any “Thinking Errors” - when a human being is scared, or under stress, our brains start to play some little tricks. If we notice them and label them, we take power away from how “real” it feels in the moment. Some common errors:
    • All / Nothing Thinking - getting extreme with your thoughts? Try to identify “grey” areas. For example, thinking something like, “people don’t like me,” is a broad, sweeping statement. Some ‘grey’ areas might be: “I do have people that like me; some of these people don’t know me, but I’m sure even 1-2 would like me if they knew me”. Now there’s more specificity, and it probably better honours the diversity in our experiences. 
    • Mind-Reading / Jumping to Conclusions - we often guess what we believe others are thinking. But most of the time, especially when we are scared, we guess wrong. Remember, what you believe someone else is thinking is just a guess. Try listing 3-5 other things that could possibly fit, especially things that could be positive. 
    • Filtering - when we are scared, it feels protective to assume negative things. So, we start to filter out positive information. For example, if someone smiles at us, we are more likely to think, “I must have done something silly, that's why they are smiling,” vs. “they smiled, maybe they are trying to be friendly?!”. Challenge this by actively trying to notice positives around us or by identifying potential positive thoughts. 
    • Personalization - we also tend to think stuff around us is ‘about us,’ way more than it actually is. That’s a normal part of the human mind (we only really see things from our own perspective, making it feel like it’s all about us). Try to challenge this by asking yourself, “why might it have nothing to do with me?”. For example, if someone is scowling in class, we might be tempted to think, “they don’t like me.” But if it’s not about us, “maybe they are just having a bad day,” or “maybe they are scared, and this is how they push people away due to their own insecurity.” 
  • Play the Tape All The Way Forward - when we are scared, our brain often pictures awful worst-case scenarios. But it also stops at the WORST part of those mental images. If you notice this happening, try to continue to play the tape all the way forward. In other words, (a) play out the feared/worst-case scenario AND (b) keep playing it forward to consider what you would do to cope with that. For example, I might picture saying hi to someone, and they say nothing back/ignore me. How could I cope with that? Maybe they are shy, and I keep trying to be kind to them to see how it goes with more time, or maybe I sit next to someone else next time and just deal with one awkward day, or maybe I turn around and try saying hi to the person behind me or to the other side of me instead. When we push the brain to think it through, we often see how many resources we actually have and get creative with how we’d cope. 
  • List coping thoughts - before an anticipated difficult scenario or while we are in it (if we can), try listing any realistic and/or positive thoughts you can think of. For example, going into a new social setting, it might be helpful to think of any of the following: others are scared too, I can always just leave, it’s OK to take my time and start slow, I have been nervous about social stuff before and was able to handle it, I have been shy before, and it worked out OK, I have made friends in the past, people do tell me I come across as quiet but also likeable, etc. You can even keep the list on your phone/somewhere that you can reference in the moment if you need it. 
Mostly, try to be kind to yourself as the world changes again. It’s hard for all people to change, and it’s normal that this feels new and awkward, especially at first. But you did it before (you had a very first day of school/social experience at SOME point), and you’re even older and wiser now, so it should all be OK. Even if it just takes me time and practice - that’s OK too. It’ll all be OK. 
Answer provided by:
Joelle Anderson, MA, RP, CCC (she/her)
Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Consultant
Kernel of Wisdom

How can I help my boy? He's been suffering at school with social issues. Now the smallest of issues at home seem to have tipped him over the edge.

It's very challenging for children and teens to socialize with their peers, especially with the restrictions associated with the pandemic. Friends are very important to kids, and if your son was already struggling socially prior to COVID, he is likely finding the lack of in-person contact with peers even more difficult. He has also been spending more time than usual at home with his family due to restrictions, which can make all of us more irritable. I suggest you ask him how he is feeling and then tell him that you understand how hard this is for him. You could also help him identify at least one friend he has a positive relationship with and can connect via FaceTime etc., and focus on maintaining/developing that relationship. Also, try to find opportunities to give him positive feedback and praise for things he is doing well at home and try to pick your battles as far as issues that come up.

Answer provided by: 
Helen Daymond, B.Ed., M.Sc., C. Psych (she/her)
Registered Psychologist
Access Psychology

What are some ways to deal with “ruts” or low mood/anxious periods of life?

Low moods and anxiety are a part of life. Every day our bodies deal with stressors that they can bounce back from. However, when we are experiencing chronic low moods and periods of ongoing worry, the body struggles to bounce back. Anxiety and depressive symptoms go hand in hand. As we worry, it affects our mood and our ability to cope. Look at what stressors are driving the worry and low mood. What is happening in your life that the body is responding to support you this way?

Additionally, some of the best ways to address the body going into low moods are to engage in exercise to get your blood oxygenated.  Just when you are feeling fatigued, you need to bring your energy up. Being with nature and becoming aware of your surroundings can help the body calm down. Connect to your breath. Your essence. Slow down the pace of your life. Connect with yourself.

It is helpful to begin your day with foods that help to manage anxiety. This includes hydrating the body as soon as you awake and eating meals that contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits or vegetables. The body needs its energy to start the day and keep the fuel running for all the things you require it to do all day. 

Include vitamins and supplements. With stress, all B vitamins are leached from the body. The body does not produce Omegas. With breakfast, you will need a high potency B complex, Omegas, Vitamin D and at night Magnesium Glycinate to help the body relax.

Sleep is another area to focus on. The body needs to go into 4 stages of sleep in order to feel refreshed. So, paying attention to sleep hygiene is very important. Sleep is one of the keys for mental health, so any clinician assessing the clinical levels of your mood and mental health will pay attention to your sleep. If anxiety affects your sleep, you will need to focus on relaxation methods to allow the body time to relax and be ready for sleep. If your sleep is affected by racing thoughts, write them down before bed. Create some rituals before bed that help your body know it is the end of the day and it is time to produce melatonin to increase sedation for sleep.

If the low moods and anxiety affect your ability to manage your work, family and other commitments, it is time to seek professional support.

Answer provided by: 
Rennet Wong-Gates MSW, RSW, RP (she/her)
Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist and Social Worker
Rennet Wong-Gates

What are some ways to keep myself motivated when trying to eat healthy and stick to consistently working out?

Some ways to stay motivated are:

1. Set goals

Start with simple short-term goals and longer-range goals. I.e. I'm going to get at least 5 servings of veggies a day, cutting out processed foods, get in 30 minutes of exercise a day, and lose 5 lbs. It's really important to find your WHY as well so you have something to motivate you to keep consistent. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable! 

2. Make it fun

Find recipes you want to try out, find healthy foods you enjoy eating and do activities that you enjoy. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. There are many ways to be active like sports, running, going to the gym, hiking, taking up boxing or martial arts, dancing etc. 

3. Make it part of your daily routine

Try to be more active during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park further away from the store. You can also do bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and planks at home. 

4. Put it on paper

Write it down to have a constant reminder of your goal and what you are trying to achieve.. whether you are hoping to lose weight, boost your energy, sleep better or prepare for an event. Also, stay accountable and track your progress. Progress photos are really helpful so you can see the changes a healthy lifestyle can make for your body! It is really motivating!
Answer provided by: 
Stephanie Di Grazia RHN (she/her)
Holistic Nutritionist

What supplements/food do you recommend to help with acne, specifically on the face?

Acne is typically a complex condition that tends to be impacted by many factors, especially gut health and hormones. 

We know that a healthy diet is key for optimal body functions, which extends to your skin. Our skin needs essential micronutrients to be able to be clear. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, foods that cause blood sugar to rise quickly can worsen acne due to the glucose and insulin’s effect on other hormones and inflammation. When insulin levels spike after eating food, the body makes more androgens, worsening acne. 

Focusing on foods rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and berries, protein and fibre with every meal to help balance blood sugar levels, and having healthy omega 3s and fats to help with balancing blood sugars is where we usually start. 

Vitamins and supplements are complementary to a good diet and clean beauty routine. We know that a few nutrients have good research behind them to show that they can support healthy skin. Zinc helps with healthy skin and decreases excess androgen production. Spearmint tea can also decrease the production of androgens, therefore decreasing excess sebum production. We cannot talk about supplements for skin without mentioning probiotics because the gut microbiome plays a large role in what is going on with our skin. Specifically, the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to inhibit the growth of the bacteria associated with acne.

Answer provided by: 
Dr. Lynne ND (she/her)
Naturopathic Doctor

I'm a very social person. Socializing with friends and family is one of the best ways for me to keep my mental wellness in check. What strategies can I use during social isolation to make sure my mental health does not suffer?

I SO feel for the socialites out there at this time. I know it’s hard. I live with a really intense extrovert and see daily how stifling and restless it can be to be limited by social distancing. 

The key is that physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social limitation, but it might mean needing to find connection and social support in creative ways.

For one, yes, it might mean using Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp to video chat with friends and family as much as possible. You might even want to think about ways to “up” the connection in these virtual hang-outs. Maybe everyone makes the same recipe and sits down at the same virtual dinner. Maybe you all pick a craft and do it virtually together. Maybe you find a list of fun questions online to open up new, uplifting conversation. And - it’s OK to make “COVID” or “Coronavirus” no-no topics for at least some of these convos. Some people will need space to get support for their anxieties and want to talk about them, but carving out space away from the situation is important too. So make room for either, or both, as you need it. 

You might also look into board games you can all play online together. Check out apps like Yatzy, sites like tabletopia.com or dominion.games, or search for apps and sites hosting other games you love. You can even sit on the phone together while you play, so you can still raz your siblings if they are losing ;) 

There are also apps like “Longwalks” that offer collaborative journalling options, giving you and your friends prompts to respond to (at your convenience), and are built to enhance connection and sharing. 

For some, it might also focus on ways to improve their sense of connection by contributing to others. For example, some people have learned how to sew masks and are sewing them for community members to take (from their doorsteps, and then washing first!) to use at the grocery store or when they have to be out. Some are sending notes or care packages to loved ones. Some are offering some skill or technique they have through a webinar or video. Perhaps there is something you have to offer that you can share? Or even try sending random-texts-of-kindness to handfuls of people throughout each day. Any of these contribution strategies not only support connection but could also increase it (i.e., ask friends to invite or engage a friend of theirs in the process, and you might find new connections, for example). Plus, you may receive some of these connections and gifts back at some point too :) 

For many, part of the value in social connection is an opportunity to share and process one’s thoughts and feelings (and learn from others’ processing theirs - validating shared feelings and teaching us how to cope with novel situations we may not have had to face ourselves… yet). So, make sure you keep that part up too! Writing can mimic that experience. Journalling often feels like we are “sharing” our stories, thoughts, and feelings with a mystery “someone” and can mimic neural processes that engage left-brain integration of right-brain (emotional, visceral) experiences. Especially if we do it with a pen on paper (vs. typing), or even try letter-writing, which can add some novelty and deep connection while processing. Or, you might even try blogging, building meaningful or uplifting social media posts, or engaging story sharing in other creative ways (maybe even layered with some of the items above - for example, hosting a story-telling virtual meet-up with friends/family - or even publicly - where people are prompted to come prepared with some of their happiest stories). 

Finally, I know this doesn’t address the social piece directly, but it might also be helpful to see what additional (non-social) coping strategies you can add to your toolbox at this time. There are many times in our lives where social connection is limited, so having things you love to do to cope when alone can be really beneficial - even after all this is over. Maybe that’s trying out yoga or meditation or listening to podcasts with ideas for new self-care and self-help ideas, or maybe it’s looking into books like The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron or Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (both available as audiobooks, too!) to help kick-start some creative juices. Or, maybe it’s listing a bunch of things YOU would find fun (vs. the “stock” things we all feel should be fun, but for many of us, really aren’t) and trying some. In essence, it’s really wise to build a toolbox of “alone” activities that you really, truly enjoy to make any reduction in social time a little more bearable. 

Most likely - you (and any of us!) will need to ‘layer’ several of these skills. Our human needs and emotions are complex, so feeling good often takes a multifaceted approach. It’s also normal to experiment with a few things before finding a mix that works for you. Try one of these ideas and hate it? GOOD! That’s one option to tick off the list, leaving you with a more refined list that starts to better and better suit you and your unique needs. 

And - don’t forget - this too shall pass (yes, even the COVID crisis will have an end). All is temporary, so see what you can take from this moment and know it will change again with time.

Answer provided by: 
Joelle Anderson, MA, RP, CCC (she/her)
Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Consultant
Kernel of Wisdom

I have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and I don't know how to deal with it because I can't really shake my friend's hands because it's very sweaty - how can I get over this?

Thanks for reaching out with this question. That must be really difficult for you to deal with and cause even more anxiety around social activities.
Typically, there is an underlying cause that can be found and treated, but in some cases, there isn’t. The most common cause is primary hyperhidrosis, where the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat glands are overactive and trigger a sweat response. Though we cannot control the nerves themselves, stress or anxiety can definitely make the problem worse. There are also other causes to rule out, like a thyroid issue and low blood sugar levels.
There are several options for management, but it all comes down to the cause. Since it is mostly caused by the nerves signalling too strongly, some of the things that you could focus on are relaxation techniques regularly so that your nervous system is calm and your stress levels are controlled, as this will decrease the reactivity of the nerves to the sweat glands.
Meditation, yoga, deep breathing techniques, and select supplements to help support the parasympathetic nervous system (check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, but things like magnesium, L-theanine, and passionflower may be options).
I hope this helps! Just know that there are many options to explore with your healthcare provider.
Answer provided by: 
Dr. Lynne ND (she/her)
Naturopathic Doctor

Can yoga really help alleviate some of my anxiety symptoms? I've tried it but am thinking about trying it again. Is there a certain type that is better than others?

Yoga can be a great resource in alleviating symptoms of anxiety. Practicing yoga (pranayama - systematic or intentional breathing; asana - physical postures) can help balance the emotions throughout the body and mind. Yoga is a mindful practice that incorporates a physical practice with an internal focus which helps you become more present with what is going on in your body. Yoga invites you to hold physical postures while focusing on regulating your breathing patterns. This regulation of breath calms the nervous system and tells the brain there is no need to be in Fight, Flight or Freeze mode.

By practicing yoga, you will be able to gain insight into how your body holds and expresses stress, discomfort and symptoms of anxiety and how to regulate the nervous system.

Restorative or Gentle Yoga would be great classes to try in support of reducing anxiety as they will focus on soft movements connected to the breath. In contrast, a Power or Vinyasa class will elevate the heart rate.

Best bet is to try a few different classes with a few different teachers and see which one leaves you with a sense of peace and calm.

Answer provided by: 
Zenia Mihevc MSW, RSW (she/her)
Clinical Social Worker

How do I stop overthinking?

Our minds often run around like a busy puppy, jumping from thought to thought. We can get stuck in these thoughts, leading to us "overthinking." Overthinking, more often than not, causes us emotional stress, which can lead to feelings of worry, fear, and even panic.
One of the ways we can settle the mind and reduce thoughts that contribute to "overthinking" is to get those thoughts OUT! When we take the thoughts out of the mind and release them, we are better to work through them and let them go. You can do this by reaching out to a supportive friend or family member and saying those thoughts out loud. 
You can also try an expressive writing exercise where you sit and write for 15-20 minutes uninterrupted:
  • Find a quiet place where you can easily write. 
  • Using Pen/Pencil and Paper is best.
  • Set a timer and WRITE!
  • Allow whatever comes out onto the paper to come out. Do not edit. Do not worry about spelling or grammar.
  • When the timer goes off, stop. 
  • Take a deep breath in and exhale fully with a big sigh.
When you allow yourself time to let out the thoughts, you are honouring them for what they are instead of trying to push them away, which often can make those thoughts louder. It can be amazing to see what shows up when you let yourself express your thoughts freely.
After your writing or sharing session, take some time to do something you enjoy. Change your perspective by moving to another room, watching a funny video or having a little dance party and congratulate yourself for taking the time to care for your thoughts and yourself!
Answer provided by: 
Zenia Mihevc MSW, RSW (she/her)
Clinical Social Worker

How does anxiety work in the brain?

Anxiety causes a 'fight or flight' response in our brains. The hypothalamus - a structure located in the limbic system of our brain - receives messages from the thalamus (another structure in the limbic system) about things going on in our environment that we perceive as threatening in some way. Often the situation is not actually dangerous to us, but our brain responds as if it is a real threat or danger. Examples include doing something new for the first time or having to present in front of a group of people. The hypothalamus then responds to this message by releasing a stress hormone to the pituitary gland, which sends a hormone through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands to create the energy that the body needs to take fight or flight action.

Answer provided by: 
Helen Daymond, B.Ed., M.Sc., C. Psych (she/her)
Registered Psychologist
Access Psychology

Does spending time with your family help anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that most of us experience from time to time. Having a good support system in place, including friends and family, is one thing that can help us cope with these feelings. However, if anxious feelings are arising often and negatively impacting everyday life, you would benefit from learning more ways to cope with your anxiety. Also, remember that caring family members may not be sure of the best way to help you and may actually respond in a way that unintentionally contributes to the problem rather than helping. For mild anxiety, family members gently supporting you and encouraging you to take tiny steps toward facing your fears rather than avoiding them would be helpful.

I become very anxious when I feel out of place. This often happens when I am surrounded by a close-knit group of friends. I want to learn how to gain the confidence to feel a sense of belonging so I can keep my anxiety in check. Do you have any tips?

Here are some tips for dealing with your anxiety in social situations. First, I would come up with a personal affirmation for yourself. Some examples are: "I am worthy," "I am enough," and "I am friendly and likeable." Write your affirmation on several sticky notes and place them where you will see them daily, such as on your bathroom mirror, on a wall in your bedroom, on the back of a door, etc. Get in the habit of saying your affirmation out loud to yourself frequently throughout each day.

My second tip is to think of the qualities about yourself that attract your friends to you in the first place. It can be easier for us to focus on negative things about ourselves but try hard to come up with at least 3 positive qualities and then think of evidence that these are true about you. For example, evidence that you are loyal would be that your friends confide in you often and evidence that you are friendly and likeable is that your friends invite you to do things with them.

You likely become anxious just before a social situation with other people. When you notice you are beginning to feel anxious, you are likely to think negative thoughts about yourself, so it is helpful to look in the mirror and repeat your affirmation several times and also to focus your thoughts on your positive strengths instead, reminding yourself that you have evidence these things are true about you. Continue to focus your thoughts on these positive qualities when you are with your friends or a group of people.

I have a son that plays sports, his favorite is hockey. He has the diagnosis of generalized anxiety, social anxiety and separation anxiety. He has been struggling with the increase stress and pressure of the team looking to him to keep them going. He loves to play but is finding he is starting to have anxiety on the bench with the added stress. Are there any resources that could be recommended for him to access?

I love that he has found a sport that he enjoys, but I can understand how difficult it is when something he loves also adds stress and pressure. 

As he experiences anxiety outside of the sport, ensuring that it is well managed daily will really help support him during hockey. Supplements can help calm the nervous system, either daily or as needed before a game. There are many options: GABA, L-theanine, Magnesium, Glycine, Rescue Remedy, etc.

In addition to this, using mindful meditation and guided imagery have both been shown in research to benefit sports and performance anxiety. Seeing a counsellor that specializes in sports performance would be a great resource.

Furthermore, ensuring that nutrition is optimal will help. Low blood sugar can sometimes feel like anxiety or make it worst. Ensuring that he is getting a protein-rich snack before a game and avoiding drinks high in sugar and caffeine can decrease symptoms.  

Lastly, a couple of books that may be helpful include: 

1. Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents (Ronald Rapee)

2. What To Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (Dawn Huebner & Bonnie Matthews)

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the experts listed on Cam's Kids website! 

Would an uncontrollable crying spurt while talking to certain people or groups be considered anxiety?

Uncontrollable crying spurts that often occur when talking to certain people or groups of people could be related to anxiety. It would be important to consider whether this behaviour is displayed only in specific settings or situations such as school when performing in front of others or meeting new people. The age of the child, personality traits and the child's disposition are also important factors. If the behaviour persists or worsens over time, then it should be further explored by a professional.

My energy has been very low the past two months and it's affecting my overall mental health. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get my energy back up and work to being motivated again?

Low energy can make it difficult to get back up and feel motivated again.

Low energy is commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and many other mental health conditions. It can also exacerbate these conditions. 

The first question I always ask is: are you struggling with low physical energy (does it feel like you are dragging your feet, too tired to walk or exercise) or low mental energy (brain fog, poor memory, poor concentration), or both?

This can help indicate what might be going on, as there are several options to consider when dealing with low energy.

First to consider is your diet. It is so important to provide your body with the right nutrition. Lots of vegetables, bright coloured fruits, protein, and healthy fats are what your body needs to function. The more vitamins and nutrients it gets, the easier it is to heal. 

Make sure you stay hydrated. We are mostly made out of water, so if we don’t drink enough to maintain healthy hydration, this can drastically impact energy levels.

Consider your adrenal glands. They take part in the stress response and release adrenaline and cortisol. If you don’t take care of them by ensuring you manage stress levels, they can become dysfunctional and lead to HPA axis issues (adrenal fatigue). 

Nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D are commonly low and can impact our energy levels. It is especially common to have low Vitamin D status in the winter months in Canada. Low Vitamin D doesn’t just cause energy levels to go down but can also impact motivation and health status. 

Take away? 

Eat a healthy balanced diet. Plan your day by listing some activities and tasks you want to accomplish so that it motivates you to get them done. Include self-care in your daily plan to ensure you stay on top of managing stress. And finally, talk to your healthcare providers regarding Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D as supplements.

Are there any vitamins or supplements to help with anxiety?

Yes! There are loads of options for supporting anxiety, mood, and overall mental health using vitamins and supplements. The tricky part is finding the one that will work best for you because not all anxiety is treated the same way.

The following represent the most common types of supplements used for anxiety:

Passionflower

This herb is great for anxiety and insomnia because it helps turn off all the running thoughts that could be going through your mind. It has been extensively studied for its use in supporting mental health and works fairly rapidly.

Magnesium

This is one of my favourite supportive supplements for anxiety, especially if you feel like you have tense muscles due to stress and anxiety. Magnesium helps relax the nervous system as well as muscles. Many of us are deficient in this mineral and could use a little more. Magnesium helps anxiety by binding to and stimulating GABA receptors in the brain. What’s GABA? Read the next supplement.

GABA

Your brain makes the neurotransmitter GABA (aka the calming, inhibitory neurotransmitter), the one that puts the brakes on an overly active brain. You can support its production or take it as a supplement to help calm the nervous system and alleviate anxiety.

L-Theanine

Theanine is an amino acid extracted from green tea and has some pretty amazing anti-anxiety effects. It enhances alpha brain wave activity and increases the synthesis of GABA (your calming neurotransmitter).

B vitamins

All B vitamins are great for mental health and supporting the nervous system because they act as cofactors for many processes and the formation of neurotransmitters. B12 is especially important and can also help with energy levels.

Remember:

Always make sure you are talking to your healthcare practitioner about the supplements you may want to take so that they can assess if it is safe for you to take. Supplements can interact with medications, including the birth control pill, so it is best that you don’t self-prescribe and talk to a health professional.

What are some ways to promote healthy eating habits?

Tips to promote healthy eating habits 

You do not have to tackle all of these suggestions; just pick the ones you feel most drawn to and start there.

  • Plant a vegetable garden: Most people enjoy eating the foods they plant, nurture and grow. Some veggies grow really well in pots, so even if you have limited space, such as a balcony, you can still have a garden of your own.
  • Plan ahead: For meals and healthy options for snacks. Try not to get overly hungry, or you may make an unhealthy choice.
  • Take healthy options for when you are on the go: Related to the “plan ahead” suggestion above.
  • Do not reward (or punish) with food: Food is not to be used in this manner.
  • Replace the unhealthy gradually: If you have foods in your diet that you know are not nutritious, replace them, one at a time, with a healthy alternative.
  • Set a good example: If you are a role model to anyone, consider yourself first in choosing healthy eating habits.
  • Discourage eating in front of the TV: Have family meals that are mindful and full of conversation.
  • Get everyone involved: In the shopping, preparing and cooking.
  • Eat breakfast: Start making a list of healthy breakfast options and start with getting this meal down pat. Then move on to healthy dinners. Lunches and snacks will naturally fall into place over time.
  • Get the unhealthy “stuff” out of the house: Reduce the temptation. This will also help stop the arguments about what is allowed to be eaten.
  • Take a trip to a local farm or farmer’s market: Perhaps learning about how food is grown will help enable wise decisions about food choices. In the process, you are helping to support a local cause.
  • Host a potluck: Make sure everyone understands that they are requested to bring a healthy offering. Trying new foods is wonderful and if you like something, ask for the recipe.
  • Try a new recipe once a week: Variety can keep us motivated.
  • Drink water: Reducing pop, juice, and energy drinks.
  • Smoothies: These are great ways to get in some healthy nutrients and fantastic for taking on the go.
  • Become aware of the relationship between food and feelings, mood and energy levels: Become aware of how you feel after eating certain foods and start talking about it. Sharing out loud will help others see the relationship. Notice that when you do make wise food choices, you feel better.
  • Experiment: Just for a short period of time, decide to omit/eliminate something from your diet (pop, for example). A week is a good time frame to start out with. Then, notice how you feel after the week is up. That way, you can decide if it is worth reducing or eliminating altogether moving forward.
  • Talk to an expert: Hearing healthy suggestions from another person (a holistic health practitioner, for example) can be impactful.
  • Set healthy wellness goals: Once again, this may be an area where a wellness professional can be of assistance in mapping out a plan to help get you there.
  • What is your reason why?: To stay on track, we need to have “point B” clearly defined. What is your motivation? What pulls you forward? Why do you want to incorporate healthy food choices and habits? It should be meaningful enough to get an emotion flowing through you… Where are you headed, and why do you want to get there? Inspiration comes in many forms. What is your reason?
Answer provided by: 
Barbara Bates RNCP, ROHP (she/her)
Registered Nutritional Consulting and Orthomolecular Health Practitioner

"Creating new habits and breaking old habits can take some work. The habits we create are etched in our brains and can keep us doing the same things repeatedly without even thinking about it. We become creatures of habit, some of them good (like brushing your teeth) and some of them not so good (like sitting down with a bag of junk food when watching Netflix).

The good news is that, through repetition, we can rewire our brains and create new neural pathways creating the habits that are best for our well-being. We have the ability to design a life living in conscious choice rather than on autopilot (this applies to all aspects of life; relationships, exercise, eating, work). As we become mindful of what we eat and tap into why it is so important to eat healthily, we can become more aware and stop making poor food choices. We can then start creating new pathways and eating habits that benefit our physical and mental health."

Answer provided by: 
Kerry Marchment CPCC, ACC (she/her)
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Do you have any advice on what I can do when I'm having a panic attack? Breathing exercises often don't work for me.

Everyone tells me I need to eat but when I'm stressed out (which is often) I don't feel like eating. If I do eat, the food just sits there and I end up with a stomach ache. What should I do?

When we are stressed or experiencing anxiety, our body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, which causes changes in the body, including a shift in how our stomach and digestive system function. The stress response signals our stomach to stop breaking down food so it can focus on getting us out of what we perceive as dangerous instead of focusing on other body processes.

That’s why when the body is under stress and/or anxiety, many people experience stomach pains, digestive problems, or a lack of appetite.

stomach pain
When we are stressed, it is important to ensure we are eating to get all of our nutrients (especially those that help us combat stress and promote healthy brain function). Two really easy and effective techniques you can try are:

#1 Deep breathing before meals. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat 4-5 times. This helps to bring our body back into a calm state and allows us to be in ‘rest and digest’ mode, so not only will it help us to calm down, but it will allow our body to turn back on the hunger signals and help us to better digest food and avoid the stomach pains, bloating or nausea you may be experiencing.

deep breath


#2 Smoothies and soups. A smoothie or soup is a really easily digestible way to pack in a lot of nutrients that don’t require chewing or our body to have to work so hard to break down food -especially if you don’t have an appetite and a piece of chicken or heavy meal is looking really unappetizing. You can pack your smoothie with nourishing ingredients like antioxidant-rich berries, avocados for delicious creaminess and brain-boosting healthy fats, chia seeds or flax seeds for fiber and tons of vitamins & minerals, as well as protein powder for a protein boost and a handful of leafy greens. You can also try adding super-food powders like greens powder or Maca powder for a phytogreen and energy boost.

green smoothie

Same for soups, blend up as many vegetables as possible and add a healthy grain like quinoa or rice! 

- Stephanie Di Grazia, R.H.N. 

Does too much exposure to social media really affect my anxiety?

I. Need. More. Likes.

The notion that social media can negatively affect mental health and anxiety is not new. We all know that it can cause us stress and anxiety in some ways. But is social media and technology really the cause of the rise in anxiety that we see today?

The answer is: it’s complicated.

A link between social media and anxiety

We constantly worry about how we look in photos, what to write in comments or as a caption, and how many likes or followers we will get. Social media posts can set unrealistic expectations and create feelings of inadequacy. Comparing ourselves constantly to others who seem to have it all and glide through life effortlessly can make these feelings of inadequacy and anxiety worst. And you never get a break from it. It can continue provoking anxiety when you are on and off the platforms.

Exposure to social media does appear to be linked to increased feelings of anxiety, worry, stress, and restlessness. People who use 7 or more platforms were 3x more likely than those using 0-2 platforms to have high anxiety levels. It can also impact your sleep, which we know can further contribute to anxiety and stress.

However, a correlation does not equal causation. Social media use is associated with higher anxiety levels, but anxiety leads to more social media use. In addition, social media affects people differently depending on pre-existing conditions and personality. This means that we cannot draw any strong conclusions yet.

Just like food, smoking, alcohol, and other temptations, excessive use is never a good idea and can lead to stress, anxiety, or addictions (Yes, social media addiction is real).

Strategies to mitigate the effects of social media on anxiety

1. Social media can cause anxiety but can also help tackle it. It really depends on how it is used. The ability to raise awareness, connect with people, and share moments can be quite empowering. Some platforms seem to be associated with higher rates of anxiety and stress than other platforms. However, the most important thing to remember is simply how it is used and how it makes you feel. If the platform is used positively, it is less likely to impact your mental health negatively.

2. Limit your feed. Choose wisely who you follow. The accounts should be positive and authentic. Accounts that make you feel anxious, stressed out, or bring on feelings of low self-esteem are probably not ideal.

3. Decrease the amount of time spent on social media and the number of platforms used. People who spend more than 2 hours a day on social media platforms are more likely to experience anxiety. And the more social media platforms you are involved in, the more likely you are to be anxious. Trying to navigate several accounts and friend networks can be overwhelming.

4. Set up screen-free times where you spend time away from social media and technology. Whether it’s every evening after 8 pm, on weekends at the cottage, or every Sunday, it is a great way to find a balance between social media and real life without relying on social media and technology to keep you busy. It might be difficult at first, but with practice, you will realize that this can feel quite relaxing.

Answer provided by: 
Dr. Lynne ND (she/her)
Naturopathic Doctor

What happens to my body/digestive system if I continue to eat foods that I am intolerant to?

Let me start by explaining the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance in case some of you do not know the difference. A food allergy is triggered by an IgE reaction in the body and usually leads to immediate symptoms like hives or anaphylaxis. Food intolerances or sensitivities are delayed reactions that are triggered by IgG antibodies. The symptoms associated with intolerances are often less obvious because they can occur hours to days later and include things like bloating, headaches, stomach aches, etc.

What happens in the body when you are consuming foods you are intolerant to? IgG antibodies, produced by the immune system, attach themselves to the food particle (called the antigen) to create a complex molecule called the antigen-antibody complex. These are usually easily removed by cells called macrophages in your body as they come across them and see them. However, they may not be able to keep up in a few instances such as: 1) you are consuming the food too often, or 2) your intolerance to the food is quite high, or 3) you have leaky gut syndrome, and a lot of food particles are making their way into the bloodstream.

In these cases, the antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and get deposited into body tissues causing inflammation. And we know that inflammation plays a role in numerous diseases and conditions such as autoimmune conditions, chronic health concerns, digestive concerns, anxiety and depression, and much more.

My daughter has been on medication for anxiety and depression and I haven't seen much improvement. She experiences highs and lows and I don't know how to help. Counselling hasn't seemed to help much either. Do you have any advice on what else we can try?

Thanks for reaching out and asking these questions. It sounds like you have been doing all the right things and have done quite a lot to support her over the years.

It is always hard to know how to help or what to say when someone is going through highs and lows, but the best thing you can do is simply be there for her and listen whenever she needs someone to talk to.

If you have noticed that her current medications haven’t really improved anything, it is worth following up with the prescribing doctor to see if there are other options. The same goes with counselling - if you noticed that it didn’t work or she isn’t going to the sessions, perhaps she hasn’t found a person she feels comfortable speaking with. This is what I tell all my patients. Finding a counsellor takes time and might require talking to a few different ones at first before finding the perfect fit. There are also online counselling platforms available now that might suit her more if you are noticing that she doesn’t want to leave the house to go to the sessions.

When it comes to mental wellness, it is important always to consider the whole person. Looking at gut health (because the gut-brain axis plays a huge role in mental health), diet (making sure she is getting all the nutrients she needs to produce neurotransmitters), exercise, sleep, and so on. Some supplements and herbs can help support mood by decreasing anxiety, calming the mind, and improving low moods. A licensed naturopathic doctor would be able to recommend supplements that won’t interact with her current medications to support her mental health further.

Answer provided by: 
Dr. Lynne ND (she/her)
Naturopathic Doctor

Do you have any suggestions/tips on how I can help a friend or family member that is struggling with anxiety and depression?

I would suggest you have a conversation with a friend/family member about the things you've noticed about them lately that makes you wonder if they are feeling anxious and/or depressed. Then I would strongly encourage them to talk to their family doctor/naturopathic doctor or a mental health professional who will assess their symptoms and severity level and then suggest treatment options. While the holidays can be a very happy time of year for many of us, it is also a time that many individuals are prone to feeling anxious & or depressed for various reasons.

Answer provided by: 
Helen Daymond, B.Ed., M.Sc., C. Psych (she/her)
Registered Psychologist
Access Psychology
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