Anxiety is complex and can be unpleasant. I would like to explain more about anxiety. Different types and ways anxiety can show up. I will also discuss how I, as a hypnotherapist for anxiety, help people manage and overcome anxiety. If you or someone you care for suffers from anxiety, get in touch to see how a hypnotherapist for anxiety can help.
Hypnotherapist for anxiety and panic
As a hypnotherapist for anxiety I see how anxiety can really have a negative effect on people. I, myself, have experienced anxiety. In the past I experienced panic attacks and phobias also. Anxiety can really be a complex tapestry of fear, worry, and unease. It is more common than you might think and affects millions worldwide.
While it is a normal human emotion, when anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it can significantly impair one’s quality of life. Let’s delve into the nature of anxiety and explore its various forms and manifestations. I hope this article will shed light on anxiety and also how hypnotherapy can help you.
Anxiety and the ‘fight or flight’ response
At its core, anxiety is a physiological response triggered by perceived threats, both real and imagined. This response, often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response, prepares the body to confront or evade danger. Sometimes when that isn’t possible, you might ‘freeze’. This can also happen when a person encounters a life-threatening, traumatic or abusive situation. However, when this anxiety response is activated inappropriately or excessively, it can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms.
Hypnotherapist for anxiety and types of anxiety
One common manifestation of anxiety is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday events and activities. As a hypnotherapist for anxiety, I see many people with this type of anxiety. Individuals with GAD will often find it difficult to control their worries. As such, they can interfere with their daily lives, relationships, and work performance. You might find travel on public transport or talking in meetings hard or find that small, unexpected changes to expected events provokes anxiety too.
Another common form of anxiety is panic disorder. Panic disorder is marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense episode of fear or discomfort accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. There are thoughts that the symptoms are too much or uncontrollable. I help many people with panic attacks and panic attacks can be incredibly distressing and can lead to significant avoidance behaviours. You instinctively withdraw from doing anything that might cause panic or strong anxiety. This is how phobias can start off too.
Phobias are anxiety too
Phobias can be intense and seemingly irrational fears of specific objects or situations and are another type of anxiety disorder. Indeed phobias can range from common fears, such as heights or spiders, to more specific ones, like fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) or fear of public speaking (social phobia). As a hypnotherapist for anxiety I help many people with a whole range of phobias. Phobias can severely limit a person’s ability to function in everyday life and can also lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviours. Avoiding things can then reinforce and heighten the phobia.
Performance anxiety is also a common type of anxiety. This can be around public speaking, talking in meetings or worries about getting things right or wrong. It is a type of social anxiety and is characterized by intense fear and anxiety in situations where one is expected to perform or be evaluated by others. This can manifest in various settings, such as meeting new people, job interviews, athletic competitions or giving work presentations. Performance anxiety can impair performance and lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Anxiety and OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another anxiety disorder. This is characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and often also compulsive behaviours or rituals. These obsessions can range from fears of contamination or illness, to concerns about harm coming to oneself or loved ones. Compulsions, such as excessive handwashing or checking ovens and doors, are often performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety associated with these obsessions.
An important anxiety to discuss is referred to as PTSD. This has gained attention in recent years and was really something talked about when soldiers came back from the Vietnam war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that can develop after exposure to almost any traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related triggers, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function and can lead to social isolation and relationship difficulties.
Hypnotherapist for anxiety and physical health
The manifestations of anxiety are not limited to psychological symptoms. Anxiety can also have a profound impact on physical health. Common physical symptoms of anxiety include muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, digestive problems, and headaches. In severe cases, anxiety can even lead to more serious physical health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. As a hypnotherapist for anxiety it is often these physical symptoms that prompt people to seek help.
What causes anxiety?
The causes of anxiety are complex and multifaceted. Causes can involve a combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Neurotransmitter imbalances, such as low levels of serotonin and GABA, have been implicated in the development of anxiety disorders. Additionally, genetic factors may play a role in predisposing individuals to anxiety. Psychological factors, such as negative thinking patterns, stress, and trauma, can also contribute to the development of anxiety.
Hypnotherapist for anxiety treatment
Research has shown that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thinking patterns and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety symptoms.
Medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, can also be helpful in managing anxiety, particularly in combination with therapy.
As a hypnotherapist for anxiety working in London and online, I help people reduce anxiety. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool, able to shift subconscious thoughts and feelings. With clients, we look at the causes of anxiety and strategies to reduce stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy can also help reduce anxiety, enabling people to lead happier and calmer lives. If you would like to find out more about hypnotherapy for anxiety, click here. Don’t wait to reduce anxiety and start feeling better.
