Hypnosis for mental health

When people hear the words ‘mental health’, many still feel there is a stigma associated with it and that to admit that there is an issue somehow will cloud other people’s judgement of them in a negative way. Yet most people have no problem opening up about any symptoms they may be experiencing with their physical health, whether it is an injury such as a broken leg or an illness such as diabetes.

So, why are they so reluctant to openly speak about the health of their mind? After all, our minds have so much to deal with, and we all react to experiences in different ways at different times, and our perception may vary depending on what else is going on around us at that particular moment.

There is no one trigger that can set someone into a downward spiral of feelings of hopelessness and despair. Obviously the death of a loved one or a tragedy will cause a person to feel sad, but not necessarily cause depression. Yet some people can become depressed for what others may think is a trivial reason, or even for no apparent reason at all.

Some people are certainly more prone to suffering from recurrent depressive episodes, and one minute appear to be fine then, in the next, their mood just drops and a feeling of stillness envelops them. The thoughts in their head that they’ve kept at bay for so long re-emerge, and if not addressed early on, can end up consuming them, telling them they are useless, that they’re a failure, or that everyone would be better off without them. These become stronger and are at the forefront of their mind day and night. It interrupts their sleep pattern and steals all joy from their existence.

What are the benefits of hypnosis for mental health?

Hypnotherapy can greatly help by interrupting that thought pattern and redirecting it from conscious thought. When a person becomes depressed, negative thoughts keep going round in a loop in their head, and it becomes harder and harder to break out of that as it makes them feel weak and unworthy of even trying. The person may think it’s not worth the effort to try hypnosis, as they are so consumed in dark thoughts that they cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, it will be worth it, as the work the therapist does will start working immediately.

The therapist will initially encourage the client to relax by clearing her mind and concentrating on his instructions, guiding her to a feeling of safety and calmness. He will remind her of times when she felt good about herself and explain that the negative feelings she is experiencing at the moment are only temporary and can be banished and are not a true reflection of her self-worth and value. They will explain these feelings are serving her no real purpose, that she deserves so much more from life, and will instil positive feelings and energy. 

The hypnotherapist will be able to change the thought process so that if the negative voice reappears, it is quickly shut down and new, positive thoughts easily replace them.

Depending on the individual, several sessions may be required, but positive change will happen and that invisible heaviness weighing them down will be removed. 

Sometimes when I say “I’m okay”, I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight, and say “I know you’re not”.