Some things which cause anxiety in our lives are way beyond our control. For instance, Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election will be a reason for anxiety for many people as this move could bring turmoil and indecision into play as the world wonders how he will be as the leader of the USA.
But there is nothing we can do about that anxiety. Trump’s election was beyond our control. Other things, like writing exams at school, stressing about a major presentation at work or dealing with a relationship problem, we should be able to cope with.
Dealing with anxiety and stress is part of every day life and modern living has put more pressures on us. But not everyone finds it easy to cope with these pressures and this is where anxiety disorders can creep in.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy says anxiety is a ‘fear or concern that is exaggerated and is out of proportion to the situation, although sometimes it may not feel like this’. It adds that anxiety is an adrenaline response to a situation that causes the heart to beat faster.
This is to pump oxygen around the body to those parts that need it to provide protection.
“You may feel as if you are on high alert as well, unable to calm down or relax, your mind may race unable to focus or quieten down,” says the NCH.
An extended period of anxiety needs to be taken care of as this can lead to memory problems, a weakened immune system, increased blood pressure and even reduced fertility.
But besides anti-depressants and other medication, talking therapies like clinical hypnotherapy can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. According to the Mental Health Foundation, close on seven million people in the UK are suffering from an anxiety disorder.
The Foundation adds that current economic and political uncertainties make matters even worse, with around two thirds of adults saying they fear for the future. It says that when anxiety is severe and long-lasting doctors class it as a mental health problem and it suggests that if the anxiety continues for several weeks help should be sought.
One sure way to prevent fears and anxieties talking over your life and leading to severe stress and depression is to speak to a hypnotherapist. The NCH has more than 1,800 highly qualified and experienced therapists on its register across the UK – all trained to help conquer anxiety and stress issues.
In the initial session, the hypnotherapist will take detailed history and with some conditions may request permission from you to write to your doctor, to let them know you are having hypnotherapy.
They will then discuss you goal and what you would like to see or feel at the end of your sessions. And, by working with the subconscious mind, a therapist will get to the root of the cause of your anxiety and stress.
While there are some people who fear that hypnosis is mumbo-jumbo, it is not. The NCH says: “Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. People are often surprised that they hear every word and could get up and walk out of the room at any moment. Unless you enter a deeper state, you may not seem any different, just very relaxed.
“Everyone experiences it differently and your therapist will be able to reassure you and help you relax and enjoy the experience.”
The national body adds that hypnotherapy can unlock your potential to break free of negative thought patterns and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in your life that may have previously made you anxious.