People might think that the biggest problem neuralgia causes is pain. But, often, the fear of a sudden neuralgic attack can develop into anxiety, which in turn can begin to have a detrimental effect on day-to-day life.
With trigeminal neuralgia, for example, sufferers describe the pain as intense, like an electric shock, stabbing through their face, neck and head. It can be so severe that a person may suddenly experience a physical jerk accompanying the neuropathic pain. This experience can be distressing and without knowing when or where such an attack might happen again, anxiety can steadily increase around a sense of losing control and how they will cope if it does. This could possibly lead to time off work, a restriction on social outings, or a general anxiousness about what the future holds.
Medication can certainly help with neuralgic pain and any ensuing anxiety. But, fear and anxiety are emotional responses which, in the long-term, could impact negatively on physical and mental health if left untreated.
If you suffer with neuralgia it is essential that you follow the advice of your GP. The good news is that in addition to any medical treatment, there are things you can do to manage stress, reduce anxiety and improve your everyday life. Common strategies include learning relaxation techniques, taking regular exercise and practising mindfulness.
Hypnotherapy can also be a very effective complementary treatment to medical intervention, helping you to discover a deep and re-energising level of relaxation, to alleviate and release any anxious thoughts and fears from your mind, and to feel more confident in dealing easily with daily tasks and challenges.
A skilled hypnotherapist will also be able to teach you how to practise self-hypnosis at home, helping you to be less anxious and more at ease within yourself, so that you can feel more in control of your everyday well-being.
Whilst managing pain and anxiety through hypnotherapeutic techniques can be very effective, it is reassuring to know that neuropathic pain isn’t always constant. Sometimes, it might be an isolated event, or there could be years between attacks. But, worrying about if, and when, the pain might suddenly onset can take its toll. Knowing how to manage and reduce stress and anxiety can really help you to worry less, enjoy life more, and look forward to the future.
