Submitted by: Katie Donnelly
Client: Female, 39 years old
Initial presentation: Female client experiencing symptoms of ongoing anxiety and stress. This has been increasing in intensity over the past six months and is becoming more intrusive in her day-to-day life. Waves of anxiety can be overwhelming, and she finds it is impacting her ability to do her job, which is a source of a lot of her stress.
She describes a happy home life with a supportive husband and two children, aged six and seven. Her seven-year-old child is on the autism spectrum and experiences extreme emotional outbreaks.
Her diet varies and there is a tendency for emotional eating and binge eating. Bowel motions are regular but digestive discomfort does occur on occasion. She relies on coffee to wake up (2 flat whites per day) and red wine to calm down (usually 2 glasses but up to one bottle daily).
Sleep schedule is undisturbed and she typically sleeps from 8.30pm to 6:00am.
Takes anti-depressant medication (past six months) and anti-inflammatory (2 per day for past three months) for an old recurring injury.
Herbal formula:
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) 1:2 70 mL
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) 1:2 60 mL
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 1:2 40 mL
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 1:2 40 mL
Daily Dosage: 5mL x 3 - 4 times per day.
Additional recommendations
- Reduce coffee intake to 1 per day to start with and reduce wine to maximum 1-2 glasses per day. Introduce more water (aim for 2L) – this can be flavoured with sliced lemon or orange, or have a cold brew herbal tea.
- Include increased proteins throughout the day to balance blood sugars and reduce the tendency to binge on carbohydrates and refined sugars. Aim to have eggs, quality meats (over deli meats), legumes, nuts or nut butters, quinoa. Combine these with a variety of vegetables and include fruits as a snack food.
- Eat and drink at separate times to support adequate digestion. Set a specific time to have a meal rather than eating and driving, for example.
- Take regular breaks throughout the work day, take exercise breaks and move regularly.
- Debrief with a trusted colleague (if appropriate) or professional when experiencing tough times at work to support the emotional stress.
Follow up:
After 2 weeks: The client has been regularly taking the herbal formula with a small amount of apple juice to dilute. Has also been adding it to her water bottle on occasion. Has found that the ritual of taking it has been helpful, and she feels as though she has another ‘tool’ to fall back on when things feel as though they are getting out of hand.
She has made some changes to her diet, with a focus on including more of what is helpful rather than focusing on restricted eating. Has found smoothies to be a great breakfast. Have suggested she could add some hemp or other protein powder to this.
Suggested diaphragmatic breathing exercises and reaffirmed the importance of prioritising exercise as a release.
After 4 weeks: The client is still having bouts of anxiety but feels as though they are less intense and more manageable. She has invested time into a free counselling service and advised that this has been a huge release for her.
Added Withania somnifera to her formula for adaptogenic actions. The client wishes to slowly reduce anti-depressant medication so have referred her back to her doctor to discuss suitability. Have advised that we can alter the herbal formula as needed if she chooses to go ahead with this decision.