Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced symptoms of
anxiety. We have fretted about an important meeting at work with a difficult
colleague or manager, or anxiously waited on critical exam results. Maybe we
have worried about the health of a loved one or a poorly pet. All of these
situations can trigger sleepless nights, an upset tummy, a tight chest or a
short temper, but thankfully often this experience is short-lived. Understandably,
in these situations, many individuals become anguished and anxious, but these
emotions and the accompanying physical symptoms will usually cease after the event
that provoked the elevated stress has passed.
Other people experience some form or manifestation of anxiety as an
everyday occurrence. It may have been around for so long that it seems normal;
almost a part of their identity. Some will be reluctant to seek help with these
issues either because they don’t believe anything can help or they’ve tried
many things before and nothing has worked so far.
The circumstances that trigger anxiety will vary from person to person,
but the universal factor is the perception of danger or threat. When this
occurs, a spontaneous reaction occurs at an unconscious level and the body
prepares for potential life saving fight or flight. Whether the danger is real,
imagined or exaggerated, this response is then stored in the individual’s unconscious
mind as a way of managing this threat in the future. This protective response
serves a very important function when there is real danger, but all too often
this is not the case and the flood of stress hormones into the individual’s
blood stream cause uncomfortable symptoms.
The great news is that hypnotherapy can be very useful in reducing
anxiety and self-hypnosis provides a great technique for controlling or lessening
anxiety and stress. Hypnotherapy is quicker than many other talking therapies
and most people find the effects of hypnosis supremely relaxing as well as
effective. I teach all my clients how to use self-hypnosis if they wish to
learn this easy practice. I also show them techniques such as ‘tapping’ or EFT
(Emotional Freedom Technique) which is another amazingly simple, yet effective
way to curb anxious thought patterns and instil a sense of calm and
equilibrium.
We often have little or no control over the events that unfold in our
lives, but what is important for us is to find effective responses to life’s
challenges. A degree of anxiety when testing things occur is understandable and
some people consider it motivating. However when it negatively impacts on our
life or wellbeing or stops us living a happy or fulfilling life something needs
to change.
If you are
struggling with anxious thoughts or the physical symptoms that accompany such
thoughts, book a call with me and we can have a chat about how I might help
you.
