When first experienced, panic attacks tend be very scary as they share some of the symptoms of life-threatening conditions, including chest pains and shortness of breath. Sufferers are frequent visitors to accident and emergency departments thinking they are having a heart attack. Luckily, hypnotherapy helps stop panic attacks and anxiety with a range of rapid and effective strategies.
Anxiety can have many causes and sometimes they are not obvious. Research has revealed that difficult scenarios, or stressful life circumstances can increase anxiety levels and bring on panic attacks. Often, anxiety and panic attacks appear to come out of the blue for seemingly no reason. All of us have a natural fight or flight response that initiates the release of adrenaline when we find ourselves in situations where we sense danger and feel the need protect ourselves.
Living with panic attacks can cause further problems. The fear of a repeat attack can create high levels of emotional stress. Avoidance of any place where the symptoms may be triggered can lead to isolation and a fear of going out at all. Anxiety and panic attacks can consequently reduce confidence and create further emotional stress. Depression can set when anxiety is persistent and unresolved. Being with an individual who is experiencing a panic attack can be frightening but is far worse for the person going through it. One in 10 of us will suffer some form of anxiety disorder in our lifetime. It is hugely challenging to live each day with the fear of having a panic attack.
Doctors can prescribe medication to assist with anxiety and stress. However this only helps with the signs and symptoms, not the cause. Hypnotherapy helps stop panic attacks and anxiety by aiming to eliminate entirely the root issues generating them. It can bring about beneficial behavioural changes by interrupting the anxious thought processes of the subconscious mind. Triggers for anxiety and panic attacks can be managed and, for many sufferers, removed altogether.
Tunbridge Wells hypnotherapist Karen Martin, a specialist in dealing with anxiety disorders, said: “Hypnotherapy employs specialist techniques to enable relaxation, identify and remove triggers that may cause anxiety, resolve problems which cause fear or stress and eradicate further panic symptoms. Itis an option for people who seek individual supportive treatment and delivers extraordinary results when used either as an alternative or in conjunction with medication.
“A hypnotic approach is even more powerful when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy which helps the mind to think clearly, calmly and logically, alleviating feelings of fear and anxiety. From the shadow of continuous worry and fear, people can gain the confidence to lead fulfilling lives without limitations. By changing behaviours within the subconscious mind, it really is possible to achieve full recovery,” She added.
Hypnosis is a highly successful treatment that supports clients in changing adverse habitual responses. Many psychological and physiological symptoms of anxiety can be effectively treated with hypnotherapy. These include conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, psoriasis and high blood pressure. Professional hypnotherapists can also assist with habits and addictions aggravated by stress and anxiety.