As humans we have an amazing ability to think ahead and anticipate obstacles or problems. This has proven an essential survival skill, prehistoric man would not have survived without this basic skill. Everyone worries to some degree and some thinking ahead can help us to plan and cope. There is no 'right' amount of worry, a normal amount of worry helps you get what you want and can be an important part of problem solving (worry in effect can be defined as failed problem solving). However excessive worry can leave you demoralized, exhausted and get in the way of the life you want to live; interfering with relationships and career plans. Worriers tend to get caught up in a whirlwind of negative thoughts or unhealthy thinking styles and become so used to worrying any attempts to stop may seem ineffective or simply make it worse. Signs and symptoms you may be worrying too much are very similar to those of anxiety:
Palpitations, Butterflies in stomach or digestive upsets
Headaches
Once the physical sensations appear this can create further worry, anxiety or panic attacks. Excessive worrying or Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects up to 5% of the general population, causing much distress and without help very debilitating.
How can I help?
Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapycan be a highly effective treatment of worry. Together we can get the root of your worries to help identify if it is ‘a real’ problem we can find a solution for or hypothetical worries (something which at present does not exist but may do in the future). By practicingcoping skills such as problem solving, ACT, mindfulness and self-compassion we can learn to let go of worries we cannot change and bring our attention back to the present moment. Find out more:
Read my blog on‘How to cope with worry’.
I offer a free 20 minute consultation, if you have any questions or are still unsure how I can help please feel free to contact me via phone or email.
