From personal struggle to professional help: Managing anxiety

As a hypnotherapist who has personally suffered greatly from anxiety, I understand the debilitating effects that it can have on a person's life. Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes chronic and interferes with daily activities, it can be a serious problem.

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be mild or severe. It can be triggered by a specific event or situation, or it can be a constant feeling that seems to have no specific cause. Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat, as well as psychological symptoms such as racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of impending doom.

It is often the result of negative thought patterns and beliefs that have been ingrained in the subconscious mind. These negative thoughts and beliefs can be triggered by external events or internal stressors, and they can create a vicious cycle of anxiety that is difficult to break.

Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for treating anxiety because it works directly with the subconscious mind to identify and change negative thought patterns and beliefs. By accessing the subconscious mind through hypnosis, a hypnotherapist can help a person reframe their thoughts and beliefs in a more positive and empowering way.

During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist will guide the client into a state of deep relaxation and suggestibility. In this state, the client is more open to suggestions and can access their subconscious mind more easily. The hypnotherapist will then use a variety of techniques to help the client identify and change negative thought patterns and beliefs.

One common technique used in hypnotherapy for anxiety is called anchoring. Anchoring involves creating a physical or mental cue that can be used to trigger a positive emotional state. For example, the hypnotherapist may guide the client to visualise a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest. The client is then instructed to associate this scene with a feeling of calm and relaxation. The hypnotherapist may then suggest that the client create a physical anchor, such as pressing their thumb and forefinger together, that can be used to trigger this feeling of calm and relaxation whenever they need it.

Another technique used in hypnotherapy for anxiety is called reframing. Reframing involves helping the client to see their situation in a more positive light. For example, if a client is anxious about public speaking, the hypnotherapist may help them to reframe their thoughts from "I'm going to embarrass myself" to "I have valuable information to share with my audience."

In addition to hypnotherapy, there are many other strategies that can be helpful for managing anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, exercise, deep breathing, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It's important to find the strategies that work best for you and to seek professional help if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life.

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help to reduce anxiety by breaking the cycle of negative thoughts and beliefs.

Exercise is also a powerful tool for managing anxiety because it releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Deep breathing exercises can help to calm the body and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and sweating.

CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT can be very effective for treating anxiety because it helps the client to develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

It's important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's also important to seek professional help if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life.

As someone who has personally experienced anxiety and come out the other side, I know how difficult it can be to manage. But with the right tools and support, it is possible to overcome anxiety and live a fulfilling life. If you are struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone and that there is help available.