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Do you often feel restless or on edge? These feelings can lead to physical symptoms like a racing heart, trembling, sweating, or even hyperventilation. You might also experience muscle tension, headaches, or difficulty sleeping. These signs are all common indicators of anxiety.
Anxiety often goes beyond just feeling stressed; it can include persistent worry, irritability, and trouble concentrating. Many people find themselves avoiding situations that trigger their anxiety, which can further affect their daily life. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for managing anxiety effectively. Research has shown that significant life events, like divorce or chronic illness, can greatly contribute to anxiety (Abdul Khaiyom et al., 2021). By understanding the symptoms and their causes, you can take steps to address your anxiety and improve your well-being.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
While there are various methods to ease anxiety, such as meditation and mindfulness, sometimes seeking help from a mental health professional is essential. A highly effective option is intergrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with hypnotherapy, known as Hypno-CBT®.
CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and is well-supported by research (Lee and Stein, 2023). The APA Division 30 defines hypnosis as “a state of consciousness with focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, marked by an enhanced response to suggestion” (Elkins et al., 2015).
Hypnotherapy uses focused attention, imagination, and suggestion to help clients achieve specific goals. It is not about putting someone in a trance or other altered states, and certainly not giving up control; hypnotherapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist for clients to experience a concentrated focus and an open-minded exploration, which allows them to tap into their inner resources and reframe their thoughts and behaviours.
Research indicates that around 66% of individuals achieve better outcomes when hypnosis is combined with CBT compared to CBT alone (Ramondo et al., 2021, as cited by Davis, 2023).
This approach enhances the effectiveness of therapy by increasing relaxation and boosting confidence in managing anxiety. Finding the right approach is crucial, as everyone’s needs are unique. Working with a qualified professional trained in Hypno-CBT® can significantly improve your ability to manage anxiety and enhance your overall well-being.
Besides Hypno-CBT, another promising option for managing anxiety is neurofeedback therapy with Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG). This approach helps people learn to control their brain activity, which can be especially useful for those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Studies show that QEEG-based neurofeedback can significantly reduce anxiety and depression, helping individuals feel calmer and more in control.
For example, research found it effective in lowering anxiety symptoms in women with high anxiety levels (Aristizabal et al., 2024), and these benefits often last over time (Abdian et al., 2021; Gregory et al., 2020).
By exploring options like Hypno-CBT and neurofeedback, people can find effective ways to manage their anxiety.
Our mental health is significantly affected by the struggles we face, and anxiety can emerge when life becomes too heavy to carry alone. Anxiety is not just an internal battle; it is often a response to the external pressures and challenges we face daily, so we should not blame ourselves when we feel these feelings or experience anxiety.
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