Several years ago a young man was brought to my office. He was "frozen" in his inability to function and could not attend college. Smart and gentle with no motivation, no energy to speak of, restless sleep, tremendous fears and depression.
By educating him I was hoping to empower him to do what matters. He did. The following is a basic starter of things to do and use that he followed. He did not go 100% organic, and he did have help getting what he needed since he had very poor ability to get things done. One month later he was feeling very different. After years of medical help, many drugs, he was drug free, very little anxiety left and working with his father. A year later he went to another country for a few months to study and help others. When he slips he knows why and stops doing the things he now understands are causative. He has control over his life.
Here's some of what we did and talked about.

Making this simple to understand:
Adrenal gland gets notified when ANYTHING not suited to our biology (negative thoughts, air pollutants, personal care products like soaps, toothpaste containing petrochemicals) foods containing hormones, additives, pesticides...and on and on... Each time this produces a fight/flight response issuing forth adrenaline. If no fight or flight (physically) within 15 minutes the body considers the adrenaline which is still in the muscles waiting to be used, as a toxin. When not living a primarily organic lifestyle (not to mention throw in fears, negative thinking) the average person has an intake of about 1500 petrochemicals daily! Three generations ago didn't have that in their lifetime!!! Couple that with genetics, infections, viruses, too acid a diet and you have a bunch of concerns, anxiety being prominent. The body/mind is anxious and overworked going to war inside constantly seeking to defend itself against all the enemies, not just the obvious ones. What can occur is depending on many factors: some already mentioned and history, genetic tendencies and more. Weight gain or too much loss due to metabolic changes through constant stress is common. The links between the ductless glands which regulate hormones, including Serotonin (links to depression) are well known. Glycemic load and glycemic index are key considerations: caffeine, all forms of regular sugar (companies will use sophisticated names hoping we don't understand), honey heated up is still just sugar, white flour, wheat flour ... the body just breaks it down to sugar, alcohol...same thing...these are a set up for weight changes, health changes, mental changes.
What to do?
1. Go as organic as possible and as affordable. I know Young Living personal care products to be the absolute best on the market. Dentists who read the research use the products, doctors, school nurses, lay people who do their research, etc.

2. Breath deeply - probably most important. Change the pattern with increased oxygenation. Anxiety is always shallow breathing. Practice a simple technique - take deep breaths every time you are at a stop sign, waiting on a phone, etc.

3. To assist the body to lessen anxiety and support the ductless glands use:

Stress Away roll on - apply throughout day on wrist pulses and breath it in frequently, also under the skull ridge (bottom of skull) back of head. Switch between that and Peace & Calming and/or lavender. Be sure to use only Young Living if you want results. You can apply day or night on soles of feet, carotid arteries, and anywhere topically including over the heart.

Use Idaho Balsam Fir in a diffuser at night - reduces the cortisol levels in research - a major stressor hormone issued from the adrenal cortex

Apply daily 3 drops Clove, 3 drops Nutmeg and 6-7 drops of Rosemary on the tops of each kidney (that's where the adrenals sit). If you can apply a warm wet washcloth over it for 2-5 minutes to drive in the essential oils that too helps.

Look up "acid alkaline chart" and while there are dozens, they all have a common denominator. Read and remove very acidic food from diet, no artificial sweeteners of any kind, no sweeteners with a high glycemic index (online research shows you the index).

Disclaimer: These stories are not intended to take the place of medically prescribed treatment or diagnosis.