What is the best natural treament for anxiety?

My dad has joined a senior center which he frequents often. He has met some guys there but I don't think he is the most comfortable there. Everyone there is a lot older than him he says. He is thinking about doing some volunteer work which includes the possibility of working at his old work site. I know he misses his old work mates so this might be a good idea. Thanks for your well wishes.

That's a great suggestion! I know that I recently saw a program on television that spoke about the great effects of smiling and how making a point to smile often can increase longevity. That it releases endorphins and other chemicals that increase happiness. If smiling does so much good for the body, laughing must do so much more.

Don't worry, my dad's seeing a doctor who is assessing what he is going through. The doctor only sees prescription medicine as a solution though. I think there are other routes to explore first or at least in addition. Everyone here on Mylot is really helping me. I am really appreciative.

I like your list. The part about stopping watching the news is interesting. It is pretty negative but I do think it is good to stay informed, especially at this time in our history. My dad probably could cut down though because he watches it all the time. CNN is his favorite station. One can only take so much. Also the part about the clutter. I myself get anxious when things get disorganized so I can relate. I think the list is helpful. Thanks so much!

All good answers - even twice the massage!

CNN is so negative, and they repeat their stuff over and over. Se if he'll watch something else that keeps his brain active - Discovery Channel, or History Channel. And along with hobbies, maybe continued learning - a good time to learn how to do something he always wanted to learn, like carpentry, refinishing.... If he's interested in politics he could learn more about the org's he sees on the news,,, there are hundreds of volunteer programs to get involved in. That retiree program might be interesting if he loved the job. the old boss shouldn't have any effect on him as a voluteer, and if he does it's a great time to say something about it to him face-to-face, or to higher-ups. That can be immensely stress-relieving!

That's what my dad is trying to do. Cut way back on all the sugary foods he loves. I don't think this has necessarily caused it, but I think it has made it worse. Some people are more sensitive to things than others. He is avoiding caffeine as well including chocolate. I think chocolate can be very soothing but he thinks the caffeine in it is harmful. I don't think there is enough caffeine in it to do anything. I am very sensitive to caffeine and I've never had any problems with chocolate. But we are all different I guess. Thanks for your advice.

He is looking for a computer so he can connect online. I think this will be very helpful for him. I am suggesting some social networking sites where he might be able to connect with old friends and people he used to go to school with. I am glad to see that what my dad is going through is not uncommon. He is still trying to figure out how to spend his time each day. It seems weird for him that each day seems pretty much like the last. He told me he often forgets what day of the week it is since there is no such thing as a work week any more. But I am sure he is going to come through this okay. I wonder how long such an adjustment might take. How long did it take you to fully adjust? When he first asked my opinion on what to do since when he couldn't sleep I recommended a b complex. B complex has helped me in the past and I know that when the body is under stress our body gets depleted of this vitamin. Vitamin b is also a great calming agent. I can see you've had good luck with it as well. Thanks for your helpful advice!

You does need to relax and he knows that. The problem is that it's easier said than done. He is a big believer in exercise and has been doing some walking the last few days at his gym. Problem is he injured a tendon or something in his ankle so he hasn't been able to work out as much as he used to. In fact, this may be contributing to his anxiety. He has always been very active but has had to cut way back starting the few months before he retired. He is looking into doing some volunteer work and joining some activities to occupy his time. I think retirement can be a tough adjustment. I think he will be okay but I am worried about him. I think a vacation would be a great idea. We could go visit my sister! :) Thanks for your help!

Oh so you have a sister to visit. Well, surprise her as well!

It's funny you bring up chocolate. He is convinced that eating chocolate has a negative effect on him. I have told him that it increases the release of certain chemicals and magnesium that all help to relax a person and elevate their mood. But even though he has had no problems for months or even years, once something comes up and he is not feeling well he attributes to eating chocolate. Not even chocolate candy but chocolate ice cream. Even if I were able to convince him about this, he would say that chocolate has a lot of sugar in it which he should avoid since sugar is a major dietary cause of anxiety. Thanks for the suggestion. I know chocolate has always helped me feel better! :) Thanks for your well wishes!

You are so right. My dad's never had any problems opening up and talking about his feelings though. In many ways, my dad's life has always been an open book. This can be good. I know I hold way too much inside which isn't healthy. I know me, my mom and my sister need to more patient with him now and listen to him. This will help calm him down. As a family we need to be there for each other. And my dad needs us more than ever. Cause you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Thanks Kitty for the suggestion. I have done some research and I hadn't come across peppermint tea as an option. That is good to know about its sedative qualities since I myself suffer insomnia. I might just have to try this out for myself! :) I have given my dad all different options to help him but I think he just needs to ponder over them and figure out what's best for him. It makes me sad to see him suffer and tonight he's been really anxious and unable to sleep. Thanks for you support, my friend!

I have heard this too. I am going to explore this further to see what it entails. I think it has something to do with our posture as well. My dad has a bad back so these kinds of exercises could be really beneficial. I am sure his tight back isn't helping what he is going through right now.

That's really great. It is one of the ways I have learned from my nursing days. I believe the posture is one way to solve this crisis too. Thanks a lot for your trust and satisfaction with my response.

Thanks for the foot massage suggestion. I don't think I would feel comfortable giving my dad a foot massage. This sounds like my mom's territory. I will look into it and tell my mom about it. Thanks for the helpful idea!

My dad loves geneology so spending more time studying our family lineage would be a good idea. And he also loves playing chess. He joined a senior center where they have scheduled chess games only he didn't like it. He likes to take it slow and contemplate his next move. The chess club has times games which only take 15 total from start to finish. I know how he feels. That's why I haven't joined any Scrabble clubs. These timed games only add to the anxiety if you ask me! He is talking about taking a few classes at the community college which might also really help. I should encourage him to do this. Thanks for your helpful ideas!