Hypnotherapy for Stress

Many of us lead busy lives and we all suffer from varying degrees of stress. About one in seven people are suffering from stress or anxiety at any one time in the UK. While some people manage, more and more people are showing signs of over-anxiety, which leads to stress, this can make a significant impact on quality of life and wellbeing preventing individuals from living their life in the way that they would like. They experience frequent and intense feelings of pressure and anxiety, in situations where most people would not experience such strong reactions. They become overwhelmed by it, unable to cope or function with everyday tasks. It is when their stress starts to control their lives that it becomes a real problem. Long term, chronic stress is difficult to live with – emotionally, psychologically and physically. When stress reaches this level of intensity it is called a ‘stress disorder’. A stress disorder can be a devastating force that has the power to prevent us from fulfilling our true potential – if we are unable to reduce stress and release it.

When we experience acute stress our body reacts in a consistently predictable way. The region in the brain known as the hypothalamus triggers the release of powerful hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. This raises the blood pressure and places extra strain on the heart as the heart rate increases considerably. Simultaneously, normal bodily functions such as digestion are suppressed. Chronic stress can even elevate the risk of stroke or heart attack and seriously compromise the immune system, leaving us vulnerable to disease.

The psychological effects of stress are clear. Stress fosters anxiety and fear, producing anger and guilt, wreaking havoc with relationships and playing an important role in depression and other difficulties. Common psychological signs of stress and anxiety are:

• Inner tension
• Agitation
• Fear of losing control
• Irrational dread that something catastrophic is going to happen
  (such as blackout, seizure, heart attack or death)
• Irritability
• Feelings of detachment
• Phobias and fears

It could be an event that is causing your anxiety, such as:

• Exams
• Interviews
• Speeches and presentations for work or occasions
• Flying
• Sports competitions

Research shows that prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress related hormones can cause medical issues such as:

• Memory problems
• Weakened immune system
• Weaker bones
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced fertility
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Depression