In a world that seems to spin faster by the day, it’s no surprise that many of us find ourselves suffering with the weight of anxiety. The knot in your stomach before a big presentation, the racing thoughts in the middle of the night, the unease that seems to tag along with uncertainty.

These are all too familiar experiences. If you’re nodding your head in recognition, know that you’re not alone.

Why do I get anxiety? The journey through anxiety is one that countless individuals navigate, each with their unique stories and struggles.

But here’s the thing. As much as anxiety can feel like an unwelcome guest in our lives, it’s rooted in something ancient and primal. Our ancestors, long before the age of smartphones and deadlines, faced their own versions of anxiety. An instinctual response that helped them survive in a world filled with potential threats.

This evolutionary gift, often known as the fight-or-flight response, served as a guardian. Alerting them to dangers and urging swift action.

So, why does this matter to us today?

Understanding the origins of anxiety sheds light on the purpose it serves in our lives. Anxiety isn’t just an unwelcome companion. It’s a signal, a beacon trying to safeguard us in a world that’s evolved far beyond what our ancestors could have imagined.

The goal of this piece is to unravel the intricate web of neuroscience and psychology that underlies anxiety. We’ll delve into the science behind those racing thoughts and jittery nerves. Empowering you with insights and strategies to not just manage anxiety but thrive amidst it.

As we venture into the heart of this exploration, remember you’re not defined by your anxiety. Instead, you’re on the path to harnessing its ancient wisdom and transforming it into a tool for growth and resilience. Let’s embark on this journey together. Unveiling the remarkable connection between our past, our present, and our capacity for positive change.

Why Do I Get Anxiety? The Ancient Roots

In the face of danger, our ancestors weren’t much different from us today. They too felt their hearts race and their muscles tense, ready to confront or escape whatever threat lay before them. This instinctive reaction, known as the fight-or-flight response, is a deeply embedded survival mechanism that has been passed down through generations.

Picture this: A primitive human, wandering through the dense forest, hears the rustling of leaves nearby. Their heart quickens, their stomach churns and they get hot and sweaty. Their senses heighten as their brain swiftly assesses the situation. Is it a predator lurking in the shadows? Or just the wind playing tricks? At this moment, their fight-or-flight response kicks into gear. Preparing them to face the threat head-on or make a hasty retreat to safety.

Fast forward to today: While the setting might have changed, our response to potential threats remains very similar. The big interview that makes your heart pound, the near-miss while crossing a busy street, or the sudden realisation that you left the oven on. These situations trigger the same ancient response. Your body readies itself to deal with the challenge, releasing adrenaline and sharpening your focus.

Think about a time when you were late for an important meeting. As you rushed through the door, your palms sweaty and your breath hurried, you were experiencing a direct link to our ancestors’ survival instincts. Your body was primed to take on the challenge at hand, just as theirs was when facing predators or rival tribes.

The beauty of this connection is that: we’re not just passive recipients of this response. By understanding its roots, we can tap into its power and even reshape our relationship with it. Our journey doesn’t end with unveiling the past. It’s about harnessing the wisdom of our ancestors to navigate the complexities of our modern lives. As we delve into the neuroscience behind this response, you’ll discover how to make it work for you. Transforming it from a mere reaction to a tool for empowerment.

Your Brain on Anxiety: A Simple Guide to Understanding

Navigating the realm of anxiety requires a peek into the intricate pathways of our brain. While it might sound complex, I’m here to unravel it in the simplest of terms.

Meet the Players: Imagine your brain as a busy city, with different neighbourhoods responsible for distinct functions. In the heart of this city, the amygdala stands as the vigilant guardian, ever watchful for signs of danger. Think of it as your brain’s alarm system, firing off alerts when it perceives threats.

Empathy Alert: Now, let’s pause for a moment and acknowledge the empathy we share. The amygdala’s intention isn’t to cause distress; it’s there to safeguard us, just like our ancestors needed protection from wild beasts. When it senses a potential threat – whether real or imagined – it sets off a chain reaction designed to prepare us for action.

Modern-Day Intricacies: Picture this: you’re walking alone down a dimly lit alley. Your heart races, and your breath quickens, as if on high alert. It’s your amygdala at work, making sure you’re prepared to handle any unexpected situation. Similarly, that nagging feeling before a crucial presentation? It’s your brain’s way of gearing you up for a challenge.

But here’s the twist: while the amygdala might be the early warning system, other brain regions, like the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, chime in to provide context. The prefrontal cortex helps you analyse the situation logically. Asking questions like, “Is this truly a threat?”. The hippocampus chips in by digging into your memory bank, recalling past experiences to inform your response.

Summing it up: In essence, anxiety isn’t an abstract villain. It’s a complex dance of brain regions working in harmony, although sometimes a bit too enthusiastically. The next time you feel your heart skip a beat or your thoughts start racing, remember that your brain is just following its ancient script. And understanding this script is the first step towards rewriting it in your favour.

The Global Picture: Statistics and Realities of Anxiety

In our interconnected world, anxiety isn’t confined to any particular corner – it’s a widespread experience that goes beyond borders. Let’s take a global lens to see just how significant this challenge is.

Mind Charity statistics show that:

1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.

8 in 100 people are diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depression in any given week in England.

Champion Health statistics show that:

Out of 4170 individuals, 60% experienced mild symptoms of anxiety.

Mental Health UK

In the UK, over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.

General stats: The UK has the 62nd highest rate of anxiety disorders in the world, with New Zealand coming first.

Around 55% of people experience anxiety as a direct result of work stress.

A World of Worries: Imagine a map dotted with countless points of concern, each representing someone’s battle with anxiety. According to recent global statistics, over 264 million people of all ages suffer from this condition. It’s like a shared thread that binds individuals from different walks of life. Reminding us that we’re not alone in this journey.

Peeling Back the Layers: These numbers, while striking, are more than just data. They paint a clear picture of the impact anxiety has on individuals, families, and communities. Anxiety isn’t a fleeting emotion; it’s a reality that shapes our interactions, decisions, and overall well-being.

Speaking of global impact, let’s explore a solution that can help…

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy: Empowering Positive Change

Amid the vast toolkit of strategies to combat anxiety, there’s one approach that stands out for its transformative potential. Solution focused hypnotherapy. Imagine it as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a calmer, more empowered you.

The Tale of Transformation: Meet Rachel. A person much like you or me, who once felt trapped in the clutches of anxiety. Her racing thoughts and restless nights were constant companions until she discovered the power of solution focused hypnotherapy. Through this journey, Rachel rewrote her story. Transitioning from a life overshadowed by restless nights and worry to one defined by resilience and self-assurance.

Unlocking the Mind’s Potential: So, how does this magic happen? Picture hypnotherapy as a gentle navigator, steering your subconscious towards healthier pathways. It’s not about clucking like a chicken or losing control. It’s a collaborative effort between you and a skilled therapist. By delving into your thoughts and beliefs, hypnotherapy helps rewire neural pathways, fostering positive changes in perception and behaviour.

Think of it as a: “brain spring-cleaning.” Just as decluttering your physical space brings clarity, hypnotherapy clears away the mental cobwebs that anxiety weaves. It’s not about erasing your concerns – it’s about equipping you with tools to manage them with grace and strength.

With each session: you’re crafting a new narrative. One where anxiety takes a backseat, and your innate potential drives the wheel. And remember, if Rachel could transform her story, so can you. Solution focused hypnotherapy isn’t just about addressing anxiety. It’s about tapping into the reservoir of your own resilience, unlocking the door to a life lived fully and authentically.

Stories of Transformation: Real People, Real Results

Eleni said that she was able to turn her life around in ways she never thought possible.

Since having hypnotherapy, she has achieved so much – Eleni is sleeping better, feeling calmer, and more positive. Her negative thoughts have been reduced, and she managed to secure her dream job. In Eleni’s words, “I can honestly say that Stacey’s online hypnotherapy sessions have been life-changing.”

View more of my client’s success stories here.

Speaking of empowering transformations, let’s dive deeper…

Neuroscience and Hypnotherapy: Backed by Credible Insights

Exploring the world of your mind may sound complex, but let’s keep it simple. Think of your brain as a puzzle, with each piece responsible for your thoughts and feelings. Neuroscience tells us that these pieces can change and adapt, like a puzzle being reshaped.

Neuroplasticity in Action: Neuroplasticity is like your brain’s version of remodelling. It’s a scientific term that describes how your brain’s connections can transform over time. Now, hypnotherapy enters the scene as a coach, guiding these changes to create a more peaceful pattern.

The Science Backs It Up: These aren’t just words; there’s real science behind it. Trustworthy sources and studies have explored how hypnotherapy affects anxiety. What they’ve found is that hypnotherapy can cause changes in how our brains work. Offering a fresh perspective on addressing anxiety.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy: In a pilot with Northumbria Police, 80% of officers lost all symptoms of anxiety and depression. Read my blog for more info here.

The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis

A 2018 study looked at how hypnosis helps with anxiety. They looked at many studies and found 15 that fit their criteria. In these studies, they compared people who got hypnosis for anxiety with people who didn’t.

When they looked at the results after the hypnosis sessions, they found that, on average, the people who had hypnosis had much less anxiety than about 79% of the people who didn’t get hypnosis. This is a pretty big reduction!

And when they checked back later, after some time had passed, they found that the people who had hypnosis were doing even better. On average, they had less anxiety than about 84% of the people who didn’t have hypnosis.

It also showed that hypnosis worked even better when combined with other kinds of talk therapy than when used by itself. This means that using hypnosis along with other forms of therapy, like hypnotherapy, can be very helpful for reducing anxiety.

( E. Valentine, Leonard S. Milling, Lauren J. Clark, and Caitlin L.Moriarty)

Seeing the Link: Imagine hypnotherapy as a bridge between science and solutions. As we explore how it connects with the science of your brain, you’re opening doors to practical ways of managing anxiety. It’s not just about theories; it’s about using what we know about your brain’s flexibility to your advantage.

5 Ways to Keep Anxiety in Check: Personal Insights

In addition to the transformative power of hypnotherapy, there are practical strategies I personally turn to for managing anxiety. These strategies have become anchors in my journey, helping me navigate life’s twists and turns with a sense of empowerment and resilience.

1. Positive Interactions: Surrounding myself with positive people and fostering meaningful connections has been invaluable. Engaging in conversations that uplift and support. Whether with friends, family, or support groups, has a way of lightening the burden of anxiety.
2. Positive Thoughts: Redirecting my thoughts towards positivity has been a game-changer. When anxiety starts to knock, I consciously shift my focus to things, no matter how small, that bring joy and positivity to my life. This small shift in perspective has an incredible ripple effect on my overall well-being.
3. Positive Actions: Engaging in acts of kindness and service for others has an uncanny ability to soothe anxious thoughts. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a friend, or simply doing something I enjoy, the act of giving back is a comforting embrace for the soul.
4. Sleep and Regular Exercise: Prioritising sleep and making time for regular exercise has been foundational. A good night’s sleep sets the tone for a productive day. While physical activity releases endorphins that lift my mood and help alleviate anxiety.
5. Mindful Living: Practicing mindfulness, whether through meditation or simply being present in the moment, is like pressing the pause button on anxiety. It offers a moment of respite from the chaos and allows me to reconnect with a sense of calm.

These strategies aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re tools that I’ve woven into the fabric of my daily life. Each one contributes to a more balanced and anxiety-resilient me. By combining these practices with the insights of solution focused hypnotherapy, I’ve discovered a powerful toolkit for embracing positive change. And fostering a sense of peace in the midst of life’s challenges.

Embracing Hope: Change is Within Reach

During challenges, remember that every step you take towards managing anxiety is a step towards a more peaceful mind. The journey might seem daunting, but the possibility of positive change through consistent effort is your guiding light.

Reassurance in Every Step: Embracing change is a courageous endeavour, one that reflects your commitment to well-being. It’s okay to have moments of doubt – they’re natural companions on any transformative journey. But even in the face of uncertainty, know that you’re not alone.

Transitioning with Assurance: In the midst of challenges, remember that you’re part of a community of individuals who are all striving for growth. Your story intertwines with countless others, each marked by resilience and the determination to overcome.

So, as you step forward from this journey, carry with you the knowledge that you’re not alone in your pursuit of a more peaceful mind. The path may have its twists and turns, but it’s also paved with moments of triumph, connection, and growth. Your efforts matter, and the possibility of change is woven into each choice you make. With each step, you’re crafting a brighter future. One where anxiety’s grip loosens, and the promise of a more serene existence comes into focus.

Finally

As we finish our exploration into the world of anxiety and its intricate ties to our past and present, let’s recap the essential insights that can guide you toward a more peaceful future:

Ancient Wisdom: Recognise that anxiety, rooted in our evolutionary past, is a natural response aimed at safeguarding us from threats.

Neuroscience’s Clues: Dive into the science of your brain, understanding how anxiety manifests and how hypnotherapy can help reshape neural pathways.

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy: Embrace the power of solution-focused hypnotherapy as a transformative tool that can empower you to rewrite your anxiety narrative.

Practical Steps: Equip yourself with practical strategies such as deep breathing, exercise, mindfulness, and seeking support to effectively manage anxiety in your daily life.

Now, as you stand at the crossroads, ready to embrace change, consider the potential that solution-focused hypnotherapy offers. By exploring this avenue, you’re embarking on a journey toward a more serene existence – a life where anxiety doesn’t dominate your thoughts and actions.

Ready to embrace change?

The path may have its challenges, but each step you take brings you closer to a life where anxiety’s grip loosens, and your inner strength takes the lead. The journey isn’t about erasing anxiety altogether; it’s about reclaiming control, nurturing resilience, and paving the way for a brighter, calmer, and more fulfilling future.

Contact me and start your journey today.