As the winter holiday season approaches some people may be anticipating a less than happy Christmas.
When everyone else seems to be getting ready for a merry time with their loved ones, for some people this time of year only worsens their feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness, and for others the struggle to cope with the pressures associated with ‘having a great time’, managing finances, family and all of the associated stressors creates a tremendous feeling of anxiety.
Depression and anxiety are on the increase in the UK, with more than 12 million people going to see their GP with some form of mental health issue each year and many more struggling on without any form of help.
For some people, the festive season exacerbates their existing symptoms, and for others depression and anxiety are quite specific to this time of year, approaching it with dread rather than excitement.
What sorts of things cause this “Holiday Stress – Anxiety - Depression”? Well it depends; these feelings are all individual, and of course what makes one person sad, anxious or depressed may not affect another person at all.
Typical sources of holiday stress can include trying to balance all the demands of family with shopping and the social engagements, unrealistic expectations, financial worries and sometimes bereavement - this can be a very difficult time of year. Sometimes the pressure of being with people (often family) that you would not choose to be with can lead to relationship tension.
So it’s not a great time for those who feel depressed or anxious. Symptoms can range from increased headaches, excessive drinking, comfort eating, insomnia, trouble concentrating, to mood swings, fatigue, tearfulness – while everyone around seems so happy. So what can be done to help?
Hypnotherapy can help …
… by assisting people to break out of the cycle of negative thinking using practical, modern and well-researched strategies which can lead to significant and positive changes in a relatively short period of time.
… by looking at what people want to achieve rather than dwelling on the problem/s that prompted them to seek change.
… by focusing on the present and future, and not on the past, enabling us to identify possible solutions and thereby working towards them.
Hypnosis itself reduces anxiety and this is done very simply through relaxation and visualisation, allowing the client to focus on the positive aspects of their lives that encourages a shift in perspective.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful and truly positive technique that has enabled me to help many people deal with sadness, depression and anxiety.
It’s great to know that I can work with people to proactively help them have a happier festive period. As a client commented recently “This therapy far exceeded my expectations, I got so much more out of it than I bargained for. I feel like I’ve got my old self back!”
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