Anxiety

Anxiety

A Root-Cause, Whole-Person Approach to Inner Calm – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Anxiety is real. And while it’s common, it’s not something you should have to manage alone—or silence with medication without understanding why it’s happening.

Dr. Brenda Marshall views anxiety not as a diagnosis to mask, but a message to decode. Whether your anxiety is occasional or chronic, physical or emotional, her integrative approach works to uncover the biological, nutritional, hormonal, and environmental imbalances contributing to it—so you can feel calm, present, and in control again.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s racing thoughts or chronic overthinking. For others, it’s a physical sense of tension, dread, or restlessness—even when life seems "fine."

Common symptoms include:

• Racing heart or palpitations
• Sleep disruption or early waking
• Shortness of breath or tight chest
• Muscle tension or jaw clenching
• Digestive issues or nausea
• Rumination, looping thoughts, or panic
• Trouble concentrating or feeling “on edge”
• Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or crowds

These symptoms often overlap with other conditions Dr. Marshall treats, including hormonal imbalance, sleep issues, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and mold toxicity.

When Is It an Anxiety Disorder?

While many patients experience anxiety symptoms without a formal diagnosis, some meet criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or hormone-related mood shifts (like PMDD or perimenopausal anxiety). Dr. Marshall works with all types of presentations—whether you’ve been diagnosed or not.

Dr. Marshall’s Functional Medicine Approach

1. Nervous System Assessment

• Adrenal testing (cortisol rhythm, stress resilience markers)
• HRV patterns, sleep-wake cycle evaluation
• Vagus nerve tone and parasympathetic activity

2. Neurotransmitter & Nutrient Support

• Assessment of magnesium, B6, omega-3s, zinc, and amino acids
• Nutritional psychiatry strategies to support serotonin, GABA, and dopamine
• Gut-brain connection testing when inflammation or microbiome imbalance is present

3. Hormone Testing

• Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone balance
• Thyroid evaluation (especially if anxiety is new or worsening)
• Cortisol rhythm via saliva or urine (DUTCH test)

4. Gentle Regulation & Lifestyle Tools

• Natural calming supports (GABA, theanine, inositol, adaptogens)
• Mind-body techniques for real-time anxiety relief
• Support with sleep, blood sugar, and environmental triggers

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a diagnosis to work on my anxiety?
A: Not at all. Many patients feel anxious without meeting criteria for a disorder. Dr. Marshall works with you based on your experience, not just labels.

Q: Can nutrition really help anxiety?
A: Yes. Nutrients like magnesium, B6, and omega-3s are critical to neurotransmitter function. A stressed gut can affect your mood more than most people realize.

Q: Could my hormones be making me anxious?
A: Definitely. Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, or cortisol can all heighten anxiety—especially during perimenopause or with adrenal fatigue.

Q: What if I’m already taking medication for anxiety?
A: That’s fine. Dr. Marshall can support you alongside existing treatment, helping reduce side effects, address root causes, and possibly reduce reliance over time (with collaboration from your prescribing provider).

Q: How soon will I start to feel calmer?
A: Many patients report subtle but steady improvements within the first few weeks as we reduce inflammation, stabilize sleep, and introduce calming support.

🧘‍♀️ Gentle Calming Habits – Try These Anytime

Small practices, done consistently, help reset your nervous system:

☐ Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) – 2 minutes
☐ Magnesium (glycinate or threonate) in the evening
☐ Herbal tea (lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower) before bed
☐ Journaling: Write down three worries—and one action step or mantra
☐ Limit caffeine to before noon
☐ Reduce scrolling in the evening—especially news or social media
☐ Walk outside for 10–20 minutes, even without a goal
☐ Gentle pressure: Place one hand over your heart and breathe slowly
**☐ Practice saying “no” or “not now” to one non-essential task

Pick one or two, not all. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress toward peace.

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