What effects do stress and anxiety have on the body?

Our subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between what is real and what is not. Therefore even if you only 'think' worst case scenarios or have anxious thoughts of any kind, then that is what your subconscious will perceive as real and will respond accordingly.

Think of our subconscious minds as our protection mechanism, if it feels a threat of any sort it will automatically gear us up for the flight or fight response. This response serves us well if we really are in danger of any kind, giving us that split second chance to either run for the hills or stop and fight, whatever option will keep us alive at that particular time. Of course this is all well and good when we really are in danger, but as already mentioned earlier, the subconscious doesn't know the difference between what is only perceived and what is real.

Is it any wonder then, that with all the technology, stimuli, social media and incessant demands on our time, that anxiety and stress reportedly affect around 5% of the world's population at any one time! That's approximately 370,000,000 people! So if you are one of those that are currently suffering with stress or anxiety, you are not alone.

This is a very brief summary of what happens every time we have an anxious thought or think the worst (therefore when our subconscious mind perceives it as real danger). The hypothalamus which is situated in the brain, triggers the autonomic responses to 'kick in', affecting our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems such as body functions like blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. This in turn sends huge surges of the 'stress' chemical, cortisol to run rampant through our systems (therefore enabling us the fight/flight response). This is fine in short bursts but if constantly aroused, can cause all sorts of distress to our internal organs, interfering with our blood sugar levels, immunity and metabolism, plus the many other mechanisms/organs also regulated by our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Phew! The good news is there is help available for those who suffer from the consequences of stress and anxiety in the form of hypnotherapy, BWRT® (brain working recursive therapy), psychotherapy, GAD therapy (generalised anxiety disorder) and NLP.

And even better news, for those who don't want to leave the comfort of their own homes for whatever reasons, many issues including stress and anxiety are now easily and effectively treated via Skype sessions. (Hypnotherapy sessions are recorded separately and sent electronically as mp3s).

As therapists have many different approaches to the treatment of the stress and anxiety, it is important that you speak to the therapist first to check that you feel comfortable with them and their style of working.