A Naturopathic Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

By Jennifer Marcenelle, MBA, BSN, RN, HBN-BC

Recently, a U.S. health panel recommended that all children aged eight and up be screened for anxiety, while another panel urged routine anxiety screenings for adults under 65. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we may be facing another public health crisis: an epidemic of anxiety.

I am Jennifer Marcenelle, a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Professional Energy Healer. My work bridges modern medicine and traditional practices, focusing on the physical and spiritual aspects of health. In this article, I explore anxiety through a holistic lens, combining Western and Eastern approaches to healing.

What is Anxiety?

Although anxiety disorders have become more visible in recent years, many still underestimate their impact on overall well-being and quality of life.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Unlike fear, which is a short-lived response to a specific threat, anxiety is a prolonged apprehension about possible future events.

How Do You Know if You Have Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders can go unnoticed. Recognizing symptoms begins with understanding what to look for. Common signs include:

• Restlessness or feeling “on edge”

• Rapid fatigue in stressful situations

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia

• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, or chest pain

• Racing thoughts or a racing heart

• Feeling judged by others

Clinically, anxiety can manifest as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders, including separation anxiety.

Where Holistic Healing Fits into Anxiety Treatment

Psychologists in the U.S. report a dramatic rise in patients seeking help for anxiety and depression, which is encouraging. However, holistic healing can complement traditional approaches by addressing both mental and physical well-being.

Current treatment approaches include:

1. Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy)

2. Medication (antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs)

3. Support groups

4. Stress management techniques, including holistic therapies

Psychotherapy helps restructure negative thought patterns, while medications provide temporary relief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard but often requires months of emotional processing, with patients sometimes feeling worse before feeling better.

Support groups offer judgment-free networks, strengthening social connections. Stress management techniques—where holistic healing fits—can include mindfulness, meditation, energy healing, and other complementary methods to restore balance in mind and body.

A Holistic Healer’s Approach to Anxiety

Western medicine excels in understanding biology but often views patients as collections of organs or systems, which can feel clinical and impersonal.

Having spent years as an ER and cardiovascular ICU nurse, I observed that while medicine provides vital biological insight, it often neglects the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.

I define anxiety in contrast to depression:

• Anxiety: an endless stream of worries that deplete peace, value, and positivity.

• Depression: the stagnation and hopelessness that arise when one gives up.

Holistic care emphasizes self-value and meeting fundamental human needs:

• Nutritious food

• Adequate sleep

• Relaxation and enjoyable activities

Unchecked anxiety can overpower thoughts and behaviors, leaving individuals disconnected from these core needs. While medications can offer short-term relief, they do not address the spiritual and emotional neglect at the root of anxiety.

How Holistic Healing Can Help

Holistic healing is increasingly recognized by major health organizations. Washington State recently became the 23rd U.S. state to permit alternative providers, aligning with APA initiatives that integrate complementary and alternative approaches into psychological care.

Through Holistic Living Support, I guide patients with anxiety using techniques such as Quantum Healing, energy therapies, and holistic wellness strategies. My goal is to help individuals restore balance, improve emotional regulation, and reclaim a sense of peace.

For those struggling with anxiety, holistic care offers:

• Immediate support and relief

• Long-term strategies for self-care and emotional resilience

• Integration of body, mind, and spirit in healing

To learn more, take a burnout assessment or schedule a consultation through my website. Together, we can begin your journey toward a calmer, healthier life.

References

• Barnett, J. (2012, April). Alternative Techniques. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/04/ce-corner

• Bethune, S. (2020, Nov 17). Psychologists Report Large Increases in Demand for Anxiety, Depression Treatment. APA. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/11/anxiety-depression-treatment

• Krumme, M. (2022, Aug 6). Wisconsin’s Naturopathic Doctors Prepare for Expanded Duties. Wisconsin Public Radio. https://www.wpr.org/wisconsins-naturopathic-doctors-prepare-expanded-duties

• Shrikant, A. (2022, Oct 13). Kids Ages 8 and Up Should Be Screened for Anxiety, U.S. Health Panel Recommends. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/13/new-health-guidance-kids-ages-8-and-up-should-be-screened-for-anxiety.html

• Tanner, L. (2022, Sept 12). U.S. Health Panel Says Adults Should Get Routine Anxiety Screening. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/u-s-health-panel-says-adults-should-get-routine-anxiety-screening

• U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

• American Psychological Association. How Long Will It Take for Treatment to Work? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/length-treatment.pdf