Some people who have anxiety think they are depressed, but they are not suffering from depression, more a combination of anxiety and stress, possibly also causing insomnia.  Medical practitioners prescribe drugs for these states. Valium and Ativan belong to a category of drugs called benzodiazepines.  Although some are marketed as tranquillisers (that is, anti-anxiety pills) and some as sleeping pills, all do much the same thing.

Despite the fact that the Committee on Safety of Medicines recommends that these drugs should only be taken for two or four weeks, some one and a quarter million people are long-term users.  For effectiveness with anxiety, the British Journal of Psychiatry reported a study of 90 patients, half given benzodiazepines and half a brief dose of counselling. The non-medical group recovered as quickly as those given the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms can include abdominal and stomach cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, agitation, nervousness and sleeplessness.  The withdrawal reaction causes some patients, mistakenly, to think that they still need the drug and perpetuates their dependence on it.

A natural approach to anxiety
There are several effective and safe ways to help alleviate anxiety in your life.  Counselling or therapy may help identify and manage the sources of anxiety in your day-to-day life.  While you are working through your anxieties there are alternative methods such as herbs, which you can use to support yourself. 

A very effect remedy is Passiflora and Valerian  (may cause drowsiness).  Skullcap and Passiflora is another helpful combination.   Regular exercise – that is, elevating your heartbeat by 50 per cent for at least 20 minutes (not just before retiring to bed) – should also improve sleep quality and relieve stress.

Supplements for anxiety and stress
Ensure an optimal intake of vitamins, minerals and EFAs. (Essential Fatty Acids)
Vitamins A, D and E plus C and B vitamins.
Take a daily multi-mineral which contains at least:
400mg of calcium
200mg of magnesium
15mg zinc
5mg manganese
100mcg of chromium
100mcg of selenium
Omega-6 oils such as evening primrose or starflower oil
Omega-3 oils, from flaxseed (also known as linseed) or fish oils
Avoid sugar, refined foods and stimulants
Avoid unnecessary stress and conflict
Confide in someone you can trust
Introduce daily meditation into your life
Or relaxation/visualisation (15 to 20 mins a day)
Take up regular, gentle exercise, like Tai Chi, Yoga or Chi Kung