Anxiety is a very broad term and comes in many forms, such as GAD, Social Anxiety, PTSD and OCD. Symptoms can vary from a sense of unease to full-blown panic attacks and may include restlessness, difficulty sleeping and excessive worrying.

Hypnotherapy often incorporates visualisation techniques to help reduce anxious thoughts. The trance-like state achieved works in a way that’s similar to how REM sleep restores the body naturally. It also helps relax the mind and allow positive messages to form as a result of it.

This feeling of anxiety can be overwhelming. A good way to work through it is to practice ‘spring cleaning’ for your mind, just as you would for your home. That way, you can combat fear and look forward with confidence and optimism.

It is an amazing quality of the human brain to be able to alter itself in response to different learning and experiences. This phenomenon is referred to as neuroplasticity and it shows how our brains are capable of adapting to changing circumstances. Neuroplasticity enables us to alter our response to stress and anxiety, thus allowing us to achieve the life we aspire to.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an ever-growing issue in our society, with research showing that it has only gotten worse since the pandemic. It affects people of all ages and from every walk of life. It is now one of the most common mental health conditions there is. The widespread nature of negativity can be attributed to human nature. People are naturally wired to think and act in a negative way.

Anxiety is like an alarm system to alert us of danger. In situations that require our protection, it can be beneficial. However, it can also be triggered by our own worries and fears. Humans have a special ability unlike any other species to envision what could go wrong.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Our brain produces hormones and electric signals in reaction to our thoughts; this explains why we should be mindful of the thoughts we have. It is beneficial to learn how to use thinking patterns in a constructive manner as it can help create better pathways in our brains. Negative thought patterns can be interpreted by your brain as a threatening situation, even if the threat is imaginary. This can result in a chain reaction of neurochemical responses, potentially leading to the common signs of anxiety.

Signs of anxiety can vary significantly from one individual to another but include:

• Palpitations – Feelings of a racing heartbeat, excessive sweating, and difficulty in breathing are all common symptoms of palpitations.
• A sensation of being overwhelmed, with too many tasks and not enough progress.
• Avoidance – Many people tend to shy away from social engagements, choosing instead to stay home and avoid situations that involve seeing family and friends or going to work. This kind of avoidance behaviour can be quite detrimental in the long run.
• Constantly worrying and thinking too much about things which are not in our control can lead to a vicious cycle of rumination. It’s important to keep perspective on the situation and focus on what we can control.

People who suffer from anxiety often seek help to try and get rid of it. However, the reality is that just suppressing it in the short-term isn’t enough. To truly gain relief from anxiety, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach and make long-term changes. In order to beat your anxious feelings, it’s important to develop coping strategies and practice them so that they become second nature. Otherwise, your anxieties will continue to linger and take control of the situation when triggered. You must be proactive in taking measures to subdue this kind of mental hold over you.

Breaking free of the Anxiety Cycle

During our first appointment, I will explain how your brain works and this fundamental knowledge will be revisited during all of our sessions. Once you understand how your brain works, you can begin to ‘rewire’ it.

I have the privilege of equipping my clients with a lifetime resource, which they can access whenever they need to tackle the obstacles life throws their way. This knowledge is invaluable and will stay with you forever.