Feelings of stress and anxiety are part of the human experience, however, constantly experiencing these can be upsetting and even debilitating. It is also more common than you might think.
According to Mental Health UK, more than eight million people in the UK will be experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.
But less than 50 percent of people with generalised anxiety disorder will actually access treatment, the Mental Health Foundation says.
While there is support and treatment for such issues available on the NHS through your GP, there are ways you can help ease feelings of anxiety at home.
Research has shown that a “little-known” pill that costs just 35p could relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Passionflower supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, as well as helping to improve sleep.
You can get a bottle of 30 passionflower stress relief tablets for £10.49 at Holland and Barrett – working out as 35p per pill.
Holland and Barrett says: “These tablets support the temporary relief of stress symptoms such as mild anxiety, based on traditional use only.”
The anxiety-relieving properties of passionflower is linked to the way in which it can raise levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
This acid is a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood and trigger calm feelings.
In one study, published in 2010, scientists found that the flower gave similar results to anti-anxiety medication when taken by mice.
Separate research, from 2016, revealed passionflower lowered anxiety and boosted memory in rats.
These effects are likely because of the increased GABA levels in the brain.
However, the exact degree to which passionflower works on the brain differs from study to study.
A review from 2017 found it had a significant sedative and calming effect.
But other researchers say it is best to use as an add-on to traditional anxiety treatments.
The passionflower supplements sold by Holland and Barrett were given an overall customer rating of 4.3 out of five stars.
One shopper wrote: “I’ve tried loads of supplements to increase my mood, reduce anxiety, aid sleep and overall improve my general well being.
“Nothing comes close to this in terms of effectiveness.”
Another said: “I forget how much these help me until I stop taking them.”
According to the NHS, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can cause both psychological and physical symptoms, including:
- Feeling restless or worried
- Having trouble concentrating or sleeping
- Dizziness or heart palpitations.
“Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, see a GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress,” the health body says.
