Stress, anxiety and depression

We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time and an element of this in our lives is positive. As a human race we have evolved to protect ourselves. One of the ways that we do this is through the ‘fight or flight’ response. If our brains perceive a threat or danger, it releases hormones to prepare us to run away or to fight.

These hormones include adrenaline and cortisol, which make us feel more vigilant of what is happening. They also make our heart beat faster, so that blood is sent to where it is needed most when we are under attack.

It is also suggested that a certain amount of stress is good for us as it keeps us challenged and motivated and helps our overall performance.

Human beings are immensely resilient, and most of us can deal with moderate amounts of stress and anxiety. However, the lifestyle that many of us have now is busy and complex with many different demands on us and negative stress can build up within us often without our noticing it. When we experience longer-term stresses, which become overwhelming, we can find ourselves in trouble, both psychologically and physically. This can result in us experiencing anxiety disorders and clinical depression.

The effects of longer-term stress:

Symptoms of anxiety and depression constitute a constant state of fear and worry, sometimes with no apparent causes, which can make this appear all the more frightening and affect day to day living. Anxiety typically involves an emotional component (for example fear, nervousness and panic), a physical component (for example a trembling, dry mouth, racing heart, churning stomach) and a cognitive component (negative and frightening thoughts, for example, I’m going to fail / make a fool of myself / lose control).

Feelings of real stress just seem to drain away our energy and vitality, leaving us exhausted. A person’s attempts to manage stress on an external level can cause truly negative side effects and may lead to long-term health problems, including panic attacks, insomnia and the inability to function normally. There may be increased use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, quick-fix energy drinks, chocolate, cakes, compulsive eating, and other short-term approaches which offer only temporary distractions to the problem. Symptoms of anxiety and depression and the accompanying behaviours are extremely debilitating and can be damaging to relationships, career development or many aspects of life. This is why an effective strategy for stress reduction and stress management is essential if we are to maintain our inner balance and well-being. Yet few people have such a strategy in place.

Effective stress management:

The good news is that we can help you. Skilfully applied hypnotherapy is a truly effective means of stress management and treatment. Hypnotherapy for anxiety can help boost feelings of confidence and self-belief while reducing feelings of fear and intense worry. It can assist you in developing the ability to access the calm state of mind needed to overcome the often-overwhelming emotions that come with stress, anxiety and depression. The deep relaxation that is available through hypnosis greatly reduces the condition, improving mood and cognitive function.

During sessions we will explore any practical lifestyle changes that you can make to help you in dealing with periods of increased pressure. Using the power of hypnosis, we will work to establish the root causes of your anxiety or depression in addition to identify ongoing ‘triggers.’ We will also help you to regain a sense of control so that you can learn to respond in a more positive manner to the triggers, gaining real and lasting stress relief.

Client Testimonial

Rebecca came to us struggling with crippling anxiety, resulting in panic attacks, sleep issues and physical health conditions. We are delighted that through our work together, she has now transformed her life.