Hypnotherapy for fears, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety, depression

About Anxiety

We have a tendency to regard anxiety as being a modern condition, perhaps a result of the stress of everyday modern living. But it was as long ago as 1621 that Oxford scholar Robert Burton wrote “Many lamentable effects this fear causeth in man, as to be red, pale, tremble, sweat; it makes sudden cold and heat come over all the body, palpitation of the heart, syncope, etc. It amazeth many men that are to speak or show themselves in public."

Yes, panic attacks, fear of public speaking and social phobia were all a thing as long ago as the seventeenth century.

But rather than worry that you are going mad, you can be assured that you are just a normal human being and, although it does't seem like it, it is your mind's attempt to keep you safe, usually based on past experiences (real or percieved).

"I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” Mark Twain

This recording by the subconscious mind of percieved threats and it's subsequent alert system was vital to our survival in early human history but not so much in today's world and we end up worrying over events that have not happened yet nor, as noted by Mr. Twain, are likely to happen. Mysterious phobias appear seemingly from nowhere along with other avoidance behaviour restricting life and the choices we make. 

About Stress

Whilst anxiety looks forward and worries over the future, stress is more about the here and now - overload, burnout or constantly dealing with difficult, demanding situations. 

But whether you are suffering anxiety or stress, the effects are the same - a nervous system on constant alert, high levels of the hormone cortisol, chest pains, problems with sleep, the digestive or cardiac systems and even skin conditions.

Anxiety and stress then are serious and widespread problems. A survey conducted in 2018 on behalf of the Mental Health foundation found that 74% of people in the UK had been so stressed at some point in the twelve months prior, that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope, with 32% having had suicidal thoughts and 16% having self-harmed.

The symptoms of both anxiety and stress mimic those of some other conditions (particularly chest pains or digestive symptoms) and warrant a consultation with your doctor to rule those out. 

After this, there are a wide range of highly evidence-based therapies and techniques available to help you regain your health and remain anxiety / stress free in the future.

So please do get in touch by any means convenient to you; a free, no obligation, introductory appointment is available and I look forward to hearing from you.

Paul.