Stress

Stress Definition:

Stress isn’t always bad.

There are two types of stress, Eustress (Good Stress) and Distress (Bad Stress). Eustress can be motivating and energising. Whereas Distress is damaging and can lead to long-term illness.

Within a therapeutic context, when we are talking about stress, most of the time we are referring to Distress. This type of stress occurs when we feel under too much pressure, as if we do not have the resources to cope and like there is no way off of the treadmill of life.

Too much stress over a long-period of time is dangerous. It can cause serious physical and psychological illness if left unaddressed.

Stress Facts:

According to a 2024 survey of UK adults, 1 in 9 people feel stressed every day.

74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point in the past year that they felt unable to cope.

32% of adults have experienced suicidal feelings due to stress.

Stress Symptoms:

Physical

Headaches

Muscle tension

Increased or decreased appetite

Skin issues including psoriasis

Nausea

Heart palpitations and fast breathing

Digestive issues

feeling hot, sweaty and dizzy

Bowel or bladder problems

Sexual problems

Disrupted or loss of menstrual cycle

Ulcers

Psychological

Unable to make decisions

Forgetful

Negative thoughts

Poor concentration

Catastrophising

Unable to switch off

Imagining the worst

Looped thoughts

Racing thoughts

Suicidal thoughts

Behavioural

Insomnia

Drinking more alcohol or caffeine

Smoking

Taking drugs

Increased or decreased exercise

Fidgeting/moving quickly

Ranting/talking quickly

Poor time keeping

No longer a team player

Long To Do List/No To Do List

Compulsive or risk-taking behaviour including online shopping, gambling etc.

Emotional

Low mood

Mood swings

Anger outbursts

Anxiety

Low self-esteem/confidence

Tearful

Hopeless

Unsociable

Unreasonable

Tired

Withdrawn

This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes, symptoms can be present and do not necessarily indicate stress. The most important thing to note is any changes in your usual attitude and behaviour.

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The Science of Stress:

When the brain detects a perceived threat the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) kicks in. Next, the Sympathetic system within the ANS is activated, preparing us to Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn or Flop.

Once the threat has been dealt with the Sympathetic system switches off and the Parasympathetic system switches on. When everything is safe again our hormone levels return to normal. This state is known as Homeostasis.

Serious problems occur when people are continually stressed. The Sympathetic system does not switch off and the Parasympathetic system does not turn on meaning that Homeostasis is not achieved. This is when damaging mental and physical health issues arise.

How can hypnotherapy help with stress?

When you are in hypnosis, your Sympathetic system is switched off and your Parasympathetic system is switched. This enables you to enter Homeostasis/relaxation.

During a hypnotherapy session you will identify your specific stress triggers, eliminating and managing them.
By accessing your subconscious mind you will identify and addresses the root causes of your stress taking a historic and holistic overview.
Through practical exercises, including creating a Stress Inventory, you will learn how to replace stressful thoughts with more constructive ones, empowering you to live more positively and putting you in a better position to spot stress warning signs more quickly.
You will be taught relaxation and release techniques as well as coping mechanisms including Anchoring and Self-Hypnosis to equip you with in-the-moment access to stress relief.
By experiencing deep and complete relaxation cortisol levels are reduced and physical symptoms of stress are relieved including muscle tension, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Ego-strengthening your self-esteem and confidence will lift your mood
Reframing, affirmations and positive thinking protects you from stress.
Reviewing and revisiting stressful memories whilst under hypnosis will enable you to re-code a new stress response.
Age progression and future mapping will enable you to consolidate a new stress response.
Direct suggestions leverage your neuroplasticity and encourage the formation of new neural pathways which is vital for long-lasting change.