Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal internal response, and most of us will experience it from time to time. It can affect us in many different ways, and our ability to cope with and manage anxiety varies from person to person. Stress is usually triggered by external factors and can arise at different stages of our lives. Anxiety, however, can persist and grow even when there is no clear or identifiable cause.

Anxiety can cause us to exaggerate situations and imagine that circumstances are far worse than they actually are. This heightened fear response often leads to avoidance, preventing us from confronting situations and reinforcing the anxiety cycle. It is important to recognise that anxiety is a natural set of bodily responses that has existed since our early “caveman” days.

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help to retrain the mind to understand these responses as part of everyday life, rather than as threats. Our base brain, often referred to as the “caveman brain,” is equipped with an internal alarm system designed to protect us from danger — the fight or flight response. This response heightens alertness by increasing adrenaline levels, raising heart rate, and directing oxygen to the muscles so we are prepared to fight or flee. Common sensations include butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, and a dry mouth.

When anxiety becomes excessive, the response can become disproportionate to the situation being faced. This can lead to irrational fear, avoidance behaviours, and a further escalation of anxiety. Over time, this pattern can significantly affect confidence, wellbeing, and daily functioning.

For some people, there is a clear cause for their anxiety, such as a traumatic experience or a significant life event including surgery, bereavement, relationship difficulties, or work-related stress. These issues can be treated effectively using Clinical Hypnotherapy and other therapeutic approaches offered by Sara Stevens. In other cases, there may be no obvious cause, which can create additional distress and result in anxiety manifesting as imagined or unexplained physical symptoms.

Support is available, and help can be accessed online in the comfort of your home. Sara Stevens has been practicing since 1994 and is extensively qualified to help. You are welcome to book a free consultation to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and explore how therapy may help you move forward.