Anxiety

Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental health challenge globally, characterized by persistent, excessive worry that is disproportionate to the actual threat. Clinically, it manifests as a spectrum including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety. Beyond psychological distress, chronic anxiety exerts a significant physiological toll, leading to sustained sympathetic nervous system activation, increased cardiovascular strain, and disruption of the endocrine system, impacting roughly 10-15% of the Canadian population annually.

Anxiety is not simply a psychological condition — it reflects how the nervous system, stress hormones, metabolism, and brain chemistry are interacting in real time. From a physiologic perspective, anxiety commonly involves:

A heightened sympathetic nervous system activity (“fight or flight” dominance)
Altered GABA–glutamate balance affecting the brain’s ability to down-regulate threat signals
Stress-hormone dysregulation (cortisol rhythm disruption)
Blood sugar instability, which can amplify anxious sensations
Nutrient insufficiencies that impair neurotransmitter production and nervous system resilience

Importantly, anxiety exists on a spectrum — from situational or stress-related anxiety to persistent generalized anxiety patterns. Many individuals experience symptoms long before they meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis.

My clinical focus is on identifying the drivers maintaining nervous system overactivation, rather than viewing anxiety as a standalone disorder.

Not everyone experiences all of the following symptoms, and severity can fluctuate over time. Importantly, many people experience anxiety without meeting criteria for a formal anxiety disorder, yet still notice a meaningful impact on quality of life, performance, or resilience.

Are you experiencing...

Excessive worry or overthinking

Difficulty “shutting off” the mind

Feeling on edge, restless, or easily overwhelmed

Heightened sensitivity to stress

Anticipatory anxiety or fear without a clear trigger

Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally scattered

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Schedule a clinical assessment with Dr. Connor Anderson to build your personalized roadmap.

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Common Restoration Protocol

As with all patients, my approach is tailored to you, from discovery and diagnostics, to personalized care plan. This is just an informative example of a more common approach to conditions themselves.

01. Functional Analysis

A naturopathic approach to anxiety focuses on the 'biochemical individuality' of the patient, moving beyond symptom management to identify physiological drivers. We can look at:

Symptom patterns
Physiologic stress markers and investigating HPA axis dysregulation
Metabolic stability to prevent hypoglycemia-induced catecholamine surges
Nutrient deficiencies that act as enzymatic cofactors for neurotransmitter synthesis (such as B6, Zinc, and Magnesium)
Gastrointestinal microbiome health via the gut-brain axis
Lifestyle inputs

Rather than relying on a single test, I assess patterns over time and look for contributors that increase nervous system sensitivity or reduce stress tolerance. Validated questionnaires (such as anxiety screening tools) may be used to track progress, not to label.

Not all patients require all the following tests - selection is individualized.

02. Introduction to Care

The therapeutic protocol for anxiety is built upon four foundational pillars:

Restoring Neurochemical Balance
Modulating the Stress Response (HPA Axis)
Correcting Metabolic Drivers
Cognitive/Behavioral Integration

By addressing the physiological environment in which the brain operates, we provide the resilience needed for psychological interventions to be more effective. This is not about suppressing symptoms, but about creating physiologic conditions where anxiety no longer dominates daily life.

Interventions are layered, paced, and adjusted based on tolerance and response.

03. Pillars of Improvement

Nutrition Principles

Regular meals with adequate protein to prevent stress-induced blood sugar swings
Emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods
Limiting excessive stimulants (caffeine, alcohol), particularly under high stress
Supporting gut health, as gut-brain signaling strongly influences anxiety

Stress Management

Implementation of daily breathing practices such as Box Breathing, Physiological Sighing (cyclic sighing) for 5 minutes or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to increase vagal tone and shift the nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance.

Sleep Hygiene

Maintain a 7-9 hour sleep window. Ensure complete darkness with minimal artificial light exposure 90 minutes before sleep, and a room temperature of 18-20°C. Morning sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking is essential to calibrate the circadian rhythm and serotonin-melatonin conversion.

Supplements

Certain nutraceuticals and botanicals have demonstrated meaningful benefit in anxiety when used appropriately. Selection depends on symptom pattern, medication use, and individual sensitivity.

Commonly considered categories include:

GABA-modulating botanicals
Adaptogens that support stress tolerance
Amino acids involved in neurotransmitter synthesis
Minerals essential for nervous system stability

Some agents can be combined with psychiatric medication, while others require caution or avoidance depending on the situation. This is why personalization matters.

Supplement use is always supportive, not mandatory.

Movement

Light movement down-regulates the nervous system.
Intentional recovery periods during high cognitive or emotional load

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety

How long does it take to see improvement?

Some changes occur within weeks, while deeper nervous system resilience develops over months. Consistency matters more than speed.

Can I use these treatments alongside my current anti-anxiety medication?

Naturopathic treatments are designed to complement conventional care. You should never discontinue or adjust prescribed psychiatric medications without the direct supervision of your prescribing physician. Many natural supports can be safely used alongside medications to improve overall resilience.

Does caffeine really make that much of a difference?

Caffeine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety by increasing cortisol and adrenaline. Most patients with clinical anxiety see significant improvement by tapering off or strictly limiting caffeine intake.

Can anxiety affect my physical health in the long run?

Yes, chronic anxiety is often associated with systemic inflammation and high cortisol, which can lead to digestive issues, immune suppression, muscle tension, and increased risk for metabolic syndrome if left unaddressed.

Do I need a diagnosis to work on anxiety?

No. Many people seek care for anxiety symptoms or stress patterns before a formal diagnosis is ever made.

Is the above instead of medication?

Not necessarily. Some patients use naturopathic care alone, others alongside medication. Collaboration and informed decision-making are central.

Do supplements fix anxiety on their own?

Rarely. Supplements work best when combined with nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle foundations.