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  • Your Mental Wellbeing Exiting Lockdown

     

    For most of us, the lockdown has been a difficult time, but in contrast, it has been an opportunity to safeguard and take a break from the world.

    A time to rest for some, a time to worry for others.

    You may have found an increase in your hyperarousal and overall awareness of your surroundings and people around you conducting themselves differently under government guidelines; social distancing, PPE, exercise once a day, the list has been long, hasn’t it.

    And then, lockdown changed!

    The lockdown has indeed been lifted, and this evokes a different and more often than not, a difficult coping strategy for a lot of people as it has gone from one extreme to another. Reconnecting with life once again has been hard.

    The world is impatient, and we are too, each of us grasping any certainty in uncertain times.

    We are all our harshest critic. So not to judge ourselves on what other people are doing is paramount to looking after our mental health.

    This blog intends to signpost you with positive and practical suggestions for your health and wellbeing. It will acknowledge the trials and tribulations that have been occurring since and after lockdown.

    Fear and Anxiety

    How they have surfaced and how to cope.

    Understand, although these are emotionally exhausting sensations, they are natural and extremely common responses anyone feels to some degree during and after lockdown.

    Such as the fear of contracting the COVID virus, passing on the infection, wearing face masks, having to place ourselves into isolation to safeguard, one way systems in shops, and avoiding others best you can are all on the list.

    These can and have caused people flashbacks, panic attacks, increasing overall anxiety levels that at times are unbearable. But they are manageable with the correct tools.

    It has very much been a snowball effect mentally day by day, as things have catastrophised themselves and frustrations. Worry began to surface, as internal sensory overload emerged from isolation.

    So, how do we deal with these unwelcome sensations?

    • Control what we can control and leave the things we cannot.

    Controlling triggers for fear and anxiety are necessary by developing plans of action that can ground our minds and guide us through these times. For instance, you can control unwanted worries through planning, distraction and meditation. A walk down the road can be made less worrisome if you plan the steps you are going to take to make the walk possible such as putting your shoes on and picking up your keys. Intrusive thoughts such as I am going to get hit by a car can be thrown away as you will be walking on the pavement and cars drive on the road.

    • Develop tolerance

    Writing down what new and different approaches to daily living you have achieved is motivating and empowering. Our routines will slowly vary; we accomplish more and more at our own pace than we do when pressured. Compromise rather than give in and allow yourself time to adjust.

    • Self-pace and do not be governed by others

    This is for when you are not ready other’s perspectives. These can be exhausting and overwhelming. Everyone is different, and you are your number one priority in self-care and preservation in times like these. Only when times are right for you to meet others and leave your home, is it the best way to move forward. It is not a race. So take opportunities to relax and reset.

    • Returning to work and talking to work and talking to your employer

    For many, work never stopped for lockdown weather that was in or out of the home. But for those returning to work for the first time in over three months, the idea can be quite daunting. It is important to share these worries with your employer or representative. Most employers will assist in reassuring and keeping you aware of what their precautionary measures are.

    The new normal is for the foreseeable future. Instead of focusing on the storm of “what ifs,” that understandably enter our minds, it is beneficial to focus on the things we have learned and achieved in the last few months. What have we managed and flourished in? Which negatives did we turn positive? Keep reminding yourself of the achievements regardless of size and argue the negative and judgemental voice in the back of the mind.

    The Devon Clinic is always dedicated to bringing our readers and clients reliable, relevant, and current information. If you would like support with your mental or physical health from one of our practitioners, please contact us or complete the form below.

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  • What do Coronavirus, Lockdown and Hypnotherapy Training have in common?

    What do Coronavirus, Lockdown and Hypnotherapy Training have in common?

    With lockdown restrictions increasingly being lifted across the UK many people are re-assessing how they work. For us, it has changed the way we deliver hypnotherapy training making so much more use of programs like Zoom or Skype.

    It goes beyond that though, we have found that so many people are re-evaluating the way they live their life. Some people are finding that others are coming to them for advice, help and or support whilst others are blatantly struggling.

    If you find that:

    1. You are wondering if your old job is still as satisfying as you would like it to be.
    2. You are the sort of person that people come to for advice

    Then read on.

    With mental health problems becoming more prolific as a result of Coronavirus some people will be wondering if they could help others. As a practising hypnotherapist, my workload is increasing daily as people are emerging from lockdown. This is only the beginning, commissioners I have spoken to have talked about a Tsunami of cases in the future. This isn’t just a few months worth of work, the repercussions of this will go on for years with things like OCD, health anxiety, agoraphobia to mention just a few.

    Book on Eventbrite here

    Some people naturally want to help others and people seem to gravitate towards them for help. When we have that instinctive desire to help and people naturally gravitate towards us then we may well be cut out to work in the ever-growing health and wellbeing sector.

    Hypnotherapy training isn’t the only option out there, there are many other courses ranging from training to be a clinical psychologist through to counselling training. Clinical psychology can be very lucrative but requires several years of study and then gaining experience elsewhere. Counselling isn’t as rigorous but still requires several years of training and, in my personal opinion, isn’t as effective as hypnotherapy.

    Hypnotherapy has got a bad press over the years but in reality, is just traditional talking therapy but done in hypnosis. That brings up the question, what is hypnosis? There are many and often wildly differing explanations, some of them quite humorous. The truth is that hypnosis is simply the acceptance of a suggestion. If we give ourselves a suggestion, and we accept it, it then becomes self-hypnosis. If someone else gives us a suggestion, and we accept it, then it becomes hetro-hypnosis.

    I am running a free*, online, two-hour hypnotherapy training class on Monday 22nd June. Places are limited to just 12 to allow for full interaction with people. If you would like to join us, please click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/107542346052

    *  Eventbrite will charge £10.00 but that will be refunded once you have completed the training.

  • Change one thing reduce boredom and stress

    Each day deliberately do something a little different

     

    Are you climbing the walls or bored with your new normal? Most of us have become accustomed to staying in a lot more and as a result, are feeling a little restless and depressed at our daily routines. The novelty and excitement of trying new things have depleted as we spend more of our time just blindly getting through the hours. These new feelings of deflation, sadness, lack of energy and anxiety can be subtle, but they are powerful, but you can do something about it.

     

    Change one thing

    To reverse some of the boredom and stagnation in your routine, change one thing. Not only will you have something new and different to look forward to it will also improve your mental wellbeing. Of course, to change that one thing requires willpower and to ensure it sticks you are going to have to mentally coach yourself to get off the couch and do it.

    Our tips below can help kick start the change:

    • Deliberately do something different every day. For example, pick an hour to do something you enjoy, such as reading, crafts or baking. You can tidy or rearrange that drawer or cupboard that you’ve been meaning to get around to.
    • Keep a good schedule. A stable sleep routine is very important and will impact on your daily productivity levels. Write down key things you want to accomplish on certain days. Having a calendar of activities and marking them off will give you a sense of accomplishment. It will also give the day meaning and help them from rolling into a monotonous never-ending loop.
    • If possible, get some sun each day. Spending upwards of 15 minutes outdoors will trigger your body to produce serotonin, needed for good mental health. It is also a great way to change the scenery around you.
    • Do that job. That one (or many) that you have been putting off for a long time. Call that friend or relative, declutter that cupboard, sort through your clothes, that junk drawer or clean those windows.
    • Move around. Most of us can admit we’ve found it hard not to drink copious tea and coffee while we watch endless boxsets on our sofas. With some dogged determination, we can break this cycle and incorporate a little more movement into our daily lives.

    change one thing“My partner and I were starting to argue a lot last week,” says Lucy. “We are both working from home and bored out of our minds.” When people are bored, they start to nit-pick at each other, and those snide remarks can turn into rows. Lucy and her partner decided to change one thing; every day at 2 pm they would go for a bike ride.

    Lucy quickly noticed how much they needed this release. Their joints were stiff from sitting at their computers all day. The fresh air and change of scenery helped relieve tensions that were building up at home.

    She says that by having this little thing on their calendar makes them feel more in control. Boredom strikes when you don’t have anything that looks like a goal. By doing one thing each day, regardless of the task, creates a sense of accomplishment.

    Click here to see what therapies we offer to support your mental health. If you are unsure which therapy would suit you fill in the contact form below and one of our team will be in touch.

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  • Could I have a food intolerance?

    Could I have a food intolerance?

    Could I have a food intolerance?

     

    Food intoleranceA food intolerance (otherwise known as non-allergic food hypersensitivity), is a condition of the digestive system.

    It involves some form of an adverse reaction, which is caused by the body’s inability to properly digest a particular food, food additive or other compound found in food or drink.

    Food intolerances are far more common than true food allergies. They also tend to occur more commonly in women, and one reason for this may be hormone differences as many food chemicals act to mimic hormones.

    Only approximately 10% are born with an allergy. In the majority of cases, both food allergies and intolerances develop over time. So, food once tolerated might suddenly begin to make you feel unwell.

    Symptoms may begin at any age and, while they can be wide-ranging, some of the most common ones are:

     

    Stomach bloating | Water retention | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Inflammatory bowel disease | Diarrhoea | Skin rashes | Weight gain | Headaches | Mood changes | Cravings (ironically, often for the foods responsible for the intolerance or allergy) | Mouth ulcers | Recurrent bladder infections | Fatigue

     

    What causes food intolerance?

    Simply put, food intolerances can be caused by various chemicals (both natural and artificial) that are present in a wide variety of foods. The reaction experienced is usually the result of a deficiency in, or absence of, particular chemicals or enzymes in the body that are needed to digest a specific food substance.

    The role of digestive enzymes

    While we eat food for the nourishment of our bodies, our digestive systems can not absorb food in its whole form; instead, it absorbs nutrients.

    So, before it can be useful, food has to be broken down into its constituent parts. These are amino acids (from proteins), fatty acids (from fats) and simple sugars (from carbohydrates), as well as vitamins, minerals, and a variety of other plant and animal compounds.

    Without this efficient process of digestion, which converts nutrients into a form that is absorbable by the body, we would not be able to survive.

    Digestive enzymes are central to this process. They occur naturally in whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, and plants. They are also manufactured by the body to assist digestion. While this mainly takes place in the pancreas and small intestine, digestive enzymes are also made in the stomach and even the saliva glands of the mouth.

    If you do not eat a diet that contains enough enzyme-rich foods (e.g. a diet high in refined and processed foods), or your body does not produce enough of its own (e.g. because you are ill, elderly or under stress), it will struggle to break down food properly. This can lead to certain digestive complications and complaints, including:

     

    Fermentation of food in the stomach and small intestine | Putrefaction in the colon | Increased activity and overgrowth of harmful bacteria and parasites |Poor absorption of nutrients

     

    In particular, the inability to efficiently digest food can contribute to the development of food intolerances. Due to this, and if you have poor digestion, your intestinal lining can become irritated and what is known as “leaky gut syndrome” can develop.

    In susceptible people, any partially digested food particles can seep into the bloodstream, strain the immune system and lead to food intolerances, and even allergies in extreme cases.

     

    Food allergy vs intolerance

     

    Food intoleranceFood intolerances and allergies are very different.

    As mentioned above, an intolerance is a digestive system response. In contrast, a food allergy is an abnormal response to food, which is triggered by the immune system.

    A true food allergy requires the presence of specific antibodies against the offending food. Food intolerance does not. What’s more, the antibodies tend to lead to an immediate reaction whenever the offending food is consumed.

    This distinction is important because, while a food intolerance may lead to some unpleasant symptoms, it is not life-threatening and symptoms tend to come on gradually – usually within half an hour, but sometimes as long as 48 hours. An allergy, on the other hand, is typically a lot more severe and may even be fatal in extreme cases (e.g. through anaphylaxis).

    Some common examples of food intolerance include:

    Lactose intolerance

    The most common intolerance. Found in milk and other dairy products. It is caused by the body’s inability to properly digest high amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar in milk, because of a shortage or absence of the enzyme lactase.

    Gluten sensitivity

    Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. The term “gluten sensitivity” is used to describe those individuals who can’t tolerate gluten and experience symptoms similar to those with coeliac disease, but yet lack the same antibodies and intestinal damage as seen in cases of coeliac disease.

    Interestingly, although Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by an immune response to gluten, it can also result in gluten sensitivity, as well as temporary lactose intolerance.

     

    How is food intolerance identified?

    Food intolerances are often more challenging to diagnose than food allergies because they tend to be more chronic, less acute and therefore, less obvious in their presentation. For example, there are no antibodies present.

    As such, they are most often identified through a simple trial and error approach. A dietitian or nutritionist will go through a process of elimination with the individual, removing suspected problematic foods and systematically reintroducing them back into the diet, looking for the corresponding improvement and worsening of symptoms.

    Other methods of diagnosis include hydrogen breath testing for lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption and ELISA testing for IgG-mediated immune responses to specific foods.

     

    Living with a food intolerance

    Once the offending food or foods have been identified, the best advice is to avoid them where possible. This is likely to lead to a reduction, and hopefully, over time, the total elimination of symptoms.

    Fortunately, nowadays, there is several specialised “free-from” foods and health supplements available online, and in supermarkets, which help to make life a lot easier for those with food intolerance.

    However, with any diet where there is restricted food choice, it is crucial to ensure that you are still getting all of the nutrients you need daily. Severe food intolerance can, for example, lead to excessive weight loss and, occasionally, can even result in the individual becoming malnourished. Optimum nutrition can be achieved through careful meal planning and appropriate supplementation

     

    Food intolerance

    For further information, guidance and testing for digestive health and allergies please contact us today on 01803 500300.

  • Coronavirus: Spike in  football players seeking mental health support

    Coronavirus: Spike in  football players seeking mental health support

    football mental healthThe Heads Up mental health campaign was launched in February helped by the Duke of Cambridge. It follows a spike in the number of football players seeking mental health support since the start of the lockdown.

    Compared with last years figures of 653 players accessing support this first quarter has already seen just shy of half of that, some 299 and counting.

    The PFA (Partners Football Association) director of player welfare, Michael Bennett commented that he’s worried that the impact of the situation has hit home for the players. He states that some have financial worries, while others have raised concerns over gambling.

    “When you are used to structure and are unable to follow that being stuck indoors day in, day out-I am concerned about the football players emotional and mental health”.

    “It is key for them to understand that when something doesn’t seem right that they seek support.”

    “We had an idea that to begin with, it would be a bit of a honeymoon period, but we always thought the longer it went on, the more it would hit home”.

    Having first been paused on March 13th, Elite football in England -the Premier League and the three divisions that make up the league are currently suspended indefinitely. They do hope to complete the current season but how or when remains uncertain.

    Players caught up panic buying

    Earlier it was proposed that EFL (English Football League) and PFA proposed those in leagues one and two defer up to twenty-five per cent of players’ wages.

    Bennett said that after an initial trickle of players, more were coming forward to talk about financial problems. He commented that they put forward a proposal to ensure players were aware they could access support through their benevolent fund should they have any financial hardship.

    After an initial “trickle” of players approaching the PFA to talk about financial problems, Bennett said more and more were now coming forward to seek help.

    “During the first few weeks, we had players calling because they’d been caught up panic buying and overspending money they don’t really have. They were now struggling to get by.”

    He added with boredom now setting in he was now concerned about the increase of gambling among players.

    A leading UK charity for problem gamblers stated that addicts might be at greater risk during the pandemic, but it was too early to tell if numbers were on the rise.

    football mental healthYear on year rise in mental health support

    The number of players seeking mental health support has risen year on year. In 2008 some 428 increasing to 53 in 2019 – and if the rest of 2020 follows suit, then some 1,200 will seek support from Sporting Chance Clinic’s therapists and confidential helpline.

    Now that social distancing is fully in place; sessions are being conducted virtually via video call.

    A questionnaire has also been sent to members asking about their mental health. We are slowly getting responses, and while we continue to monitor them, we are supporting those who have requested it.

  • Has Your sleep Gone out of sync?

    insomnia

    Have you found your set sleep and wake routine becoming blurred? You are not alone.

    Before I started working from home, I had a rather strict sleep routine. During the week I went to bed no later than 10.30 pm and woke up at 8 am. In the morning I would get up, get ready for work and leave by 8.40 am. Now, no two days are the same. Some nights I do go to bed at 10, others its 2 am. In the mornings, I can be awake at six or struggle to pull myself out at 8.55 to sign on to the system for 9 am. The days I have to force myself out of bed I spend in a confused haze, usually in nightwear and a cardigan.

    The days and nights blur, and as it is light until almost 9, it is hard to shift to night mode. Add to that the constant anxiety and negative press at every turn, I shouldn’t be surprised I’m finding routine tough, but I am. And I am not alone either.

    Over the past couple of months, millions have moved to work from home to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. For many, the experience has profoundly impacted their routines.

    “I sometimes wake up at 4, or 5 am even if I go to bed at 11 or 12, and I’m busy homeschooling three small children,” my friend said during a video call as she made dinner for her family. She went on to say that other days her children come in to wake her, which can be anytime from 6-10 am! “I sometimes just lay there in bed for hours unable to fall asleep.”

    sleepMany therapists have noticed the rise in clients reporting that they are having trouble sleeping.

    They note that even those that are used to working remotely or even from home are struggling. New challenges such as having their partner or children around, not being able to go outside, stress and anxiety about the constant influx of negative news and worries about family and friends are making things harder.

    Managing these stressors has led people to stay up later or snacking at odd times. These are normal responses, but they do wreak havoc on the circadian rhythm-the process that regulates the natural sleep-wake cycle.

    When I told a therapist that I’ve been doing just that-sleeping later in the morning to compensate for late nights, I was told not to do this. The therapist said to me that within a week, you’d be used to this pattern, so it is better to get up at your regular time. They advised to avoid napping and nighttime news (to avoid extra stress/worry) and to exercise in the morning sun as it gives energy.

    Sunlight is key to sleep

    Sunlight is the number one factor that affects our circadian rhythm. It lets our body know when to wake up and go to sleep, so being inside all of the time can disrupt the signals. Food also plays a part, so if you have been snacking more than usual close to bedtime, it can also play a role in why you are having a harder time going to sleep.

    Above all, hold on to whatever normalcy you can. Eat, sleep, shower, work, exercise as you did before Coronavirus. If you live with others, try to get them to follow the same routine so that you aren’t all fighting different zones of the day/night.

    If you are struggling, reach out. You can speak to one of our therapists for free. Contact us here, and we will put you in touch with someone.

    Remember, you cannot control the virus, how long you have to stay at home, the news or the economy. But you can control when you sleep and wake, how you manage your day and what you do with those negative feelings. Control what you can, keep an open dialogue and don’t be hard one yourself if something doesn’t go quite to plan.

  • Hidden Anger

    Hidden Anger

    There is a thin line between anger and fear

     

    AngerWe all have a way of playing draining board Jenga. Some delicately arrange items in specific pre-thought out ways while others precariously create a balancing act of which the slightest breeze will resemble a cliff crashing into the sea. So, when I reached to adjust a cup and a bowl the other day, I knew I was pretty much picking a fight with my other half. Was my reaction a display of hidden anger?

    Their response worried me more than any snap comeback would have. Instead of telling me to go away, they apologised! What made it worse was in that moment I realised that this had been happening a lot in the past few weeks. They apologised for the dishes, the hoover, for noise when I was working, even for the dogs.

    Why was I worried about this? Because as someone with an anger management issue, I have learned that when a loved one starts to apologise for small things, the problem isn’t them, it’s me and my anger.

    Now, I don’t think I am alone in noticing the fact that being cooped up at home has the potential to create ugly tensions. Unchecked and unresolved nit-picks can evolve into major issues creating tension and arguments, and it isn’t like we can go anywhere to cool off.

     

    Isolation and Anger

    Hidden in the almost impossibly inescapable deluge of COVID-19 news stories we hear about the dangerous impact of imposed quarantine on our mental and physical health, especially those in abusive relationships. But even those of us who don’t fit the typical definition of ‘abusive partner’, the current situation poses some risk. Yet we aren’t taken seriously.

    You may have heard or even used the term cabin fever to express your feelings. Although not an official condition symptoms include feelings of isolation, resentment, mood swings and irrational outbursts.

    We, as a society, have a complex relationship with anger. Throughout life we are to control and manage it. We learn that getting or being angry is a character flaw, but that isn’t always true. Power and success derived from positive anger is often rewarded.

     

    AngerSo, What is Anger?

    Generally speaking, there are three types of anger; Passive Aggression, Open Aggression and Assertive Anger.

    Passive Aggression is the indirect expression of anger by a person unable or uncomfortable to express hurt feelings honestly or openly. -Moving items on the draining board because I can instead of telling my boss that I am angry about his email.

     

    Open Aggression comes from a need to be in control. A person may tend to lash out verbally or physically and can hurt themselves or others.

    Assertive anger is the best way to communicate feelings of anger. For example, telling a person, “I feel angry when you do that…” is assertive anger. The feelings pressed but in a non-threatening way.

     

    The Evolution of Anger

    To scientists, it sounds obvious, but anger reminds us that like any other behaviour or emotion, it exists today because it is proven to be advantageous. Fear alerts us to danger, rumblings of the stomach to hunger, and anger to injustice.

    Anger is commonly thought to have origins within the fight or flight mechanism-there to save our lives. Response to anger depends on personal perception; what may highly greave one may unfazed another. Philosopher Aristotle observed that anger was connected with the idea of right and wrong, so alongside that and personal emotions, ethics play a large part in anger.

     

    What My Anger Looks Like

    During my teens, I would unleash my anger physically on my younger brother until I learned an interesting trick. As my anger level rose to boiling point, I could swallow it. Psychologists call this suppression. It has been studied and is thought to cause a variety of psychological and physical ailments alongside anger.

    Over the years, this tendency has shown itself in some ugly ways and tested all those around me. I nit-pick, argue over the smallest things and sulk. It turns out I’d have been better off just letting it out on a punching bag or using constructively to get ahead. It would have saved relationships, and quite a few friendships had I not let my niggles take over what really mattered.

     

    angerAnger and Control

    Assertive anger, when used correctly, is a good thing, but when the control has been removed, it can be very dangerous. Heightened situations such as the one we are currently in, has removed large areas of this control aspect, specifically the freedom of movement. Subsequently, this has caused great changes in daily living and behaviour.

    So, what happens when your entire life has changed beyond your control, and only anger is there to support you internally?

    Recognise, interpret, and address

     

    I recognise I’m angry because cannot go for a drive. I realise that I am angry because the current situation means I must stay at home; therefore, I cannot just go for a drive, but I understand why (interpret). Instead of sitting here or nit-picking at my partner (or the dogs), I will clear some space and try an exercise video I’ve seen online (address).

    Simply put, recognise the feelings, listen to them and their reasoning, and change what you can.

    Everyone over the past few months has felt some degree of anger; what they have chosen to do with it is very individual. Regardless of social media posts, not everyone is taking advantage of unexpected “free time” to learn new skills. As someone who is just trying to survive this and not drive those around me and myself to the brink of all-out war, I am learning still learning that just because I don’t burst out my shirt like Hulk doesn’t mean I don’t have an anger issue. For me, recognising the small passive things that I do are signs of regaining my self-control.

    Returning to the fight or flight mechanism inside us all-anger is never far from fear. Right now, we are bombarded with both fear, so if you start to feel it, that’s okay. It’s normal to feel strong emotions (negative or positive); it is what we do with them that holds the key to our success.

    If you would like to talk about your thoughts, worries and feelings, please contact us to be put in touch with a talking therapist via our free COVID-19 Talking Therapy Service.

  • Child Phobia: How Hypnotherapy Helps

    Child Phobia: How Hypnotherapy Helps

    Child Phobia

    Hypnotherapy can effectively aid your child in overcoming their fears

     

    As any hypnotherapist will confirm, supporting a child to overcome a fear is very rewarding. Knowing that they will go through life without something hanging over them only encourages us to reach further and to treat more suffering with a phobia.

    The vast majority of phobias are created in childhood. These tend to be ‘simple’ phobias, which means they tend to be linked to animals such as dogs or experiences such as heights. In contrast, ‘complex’ fears tend to be anxieties about social situations. Simple phobias are often the result of an unpleasant childhood experience which then becomes a strong negative reaction directly associated with that situation.

    For instance, a child who lived on a farm was one day bitten by a horse and developed a phobia of horses. Many child hypnotherapy clients have similarly unfortunate experiences such as being stung by a wasp, which subsequently created terrifying associations and feelings of extreme fear when close to anything relating to that item.

     

    Phobia Starting Points

    There are other common starting points for childhood phobias, such as learned behaviours. Typically these come from parents and caregivers but can also be picked up from siblings and peers. A parent may have a phobia of spiders and react in accordance with their fear upon seeing one. The reaction is witnessed by the child and potentially copied, thus creating a fear that never previously existed. Another example may be while watching a film; the child becomes uneasy upon seeing a clown. The parent comments they do not like clowns either because they are scary. In this situation, the sense of unease in the child becomes amplified as clowns are now something they should worry about, should fear. The initial experience does not always have to be an extreme event to create the phobia.

    Should your child have a phobia, you need to remember that this fear is out of proportion to the object. It is extreme and in most cases, irrational. Reassuring facts, comfort and phrase will do no harm, but they tend to have little impact. Your child’s reaction to the situation is one of fight or flight, and all sense of rational thinking is impossible.

     

    How can hypnotherapy help if you are a child with a phobia?

     

    The human brain finds it close to impossible to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. This is partly why some things are terrifying to some and not to others. By aiding your child to enter an imaginative and creative state of hypnosis-where, they are more receptive to positive experiences under the guidance of a hypnotherapist-we can help to imagine a positive outcome. The positive experience in place of the negative one can be rehearsed until it becomes a reality.

    An example of this is a child has a phobia of dogs because they were once bitten by one.
    Having helped your child relax into a state of hypnosis, the hypnotherapist will encourage them to visualise a different outcome to the one that happened. The hypnotherapist would set up a superhero power for the child, which quickly takes them into a positive, empowered state, accessible at any time.

    In addition to hypnotherapy sessions, you can support your child with their phobia by:

     

    • Not belittling them. It may be hard to understand, but for them, it is very real.
    • Don’t get caught up. Children may use fears to gain attention
    • Remain calm, comfort and reiterate they are safe and move on.
    • Do not avoid situations due to your child’s phobia because you can make it worse.
    • Seek advice. It is better to seek support as early as possible.
    • Inform your child. For example, if your child is attending a doctors appointment, tell them.

    Often children feel they are the only person in the world with this ‘problem’ and it can greatly impact peer interactions and activities. Phobias can affect confidence and self-esteem. If left untreated, they can be carried into adulthood further impacting the quality of life.

     

    If you feel your child would benefit from hypnotherapy and would like to discuss how it works please contact us to speak with one of your hypnotherapists.

     

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  • Depression Myths

    Whether you have dealt with some of life’s knockbacks or know of someone who has, you will understand that depression does not discriminate.

    It can hit you like a tonne of bricks for no reason or slowly creep in when you are going through a tough time. Regardless of the even, some 300 million worldwide are affected (World Health Organisation statistics). Despite this, many myths surround the condition, most of which are rather unhelpful.

    Counsellor and author, Lynn Crilly:

    “It’s a deep-rooted, debilitating and destructive mental illness that affects both the sufferers and their carers alike. ‘Facts’ are often quoted about depression that are myths, which can prevent people from getting to grips with and being able to understand depression.”

     

    Here are our top five misconceptions about depression:

    1. It is obvious when a person has depression

    Not true. Many if not most with depression, hide it, or try their best to. A person may become so good at concealing how they feel to such an extent that only the most alerted loved ones can see what truly hides behind the smiles. And this is where knowing a person well and knowing the difference between what is normal for them is vital. If they start to display out of character behaviours such as recklessness, staying up more/sleeping less, or changes to their eating habits, dig deeper to see if depression or another mental illness could be the cause.

    1. The only treatment is antidepressants

    Some see antidepressant medication as something to be feared and avoided due to side-effects and the potential to lead to addiction. Of course, these concerns shouldn’t be ignored, but it shouldn’t put a person off seeking medical help for their mental health.

    Lyn Crilly says the best person to advise on medication is your medical practitioner. However, this is not to say that all responsibility should be handed to them; the patient and those around them should have input where appropriate.

    Medication is only one line of treatment, and it not always the first nor always required. Talking therapies such as counselling, Hypnotherapy, CBT, and can be very effective treatments.

    1. It affects mainly women

    While the number of women known to be suffering from depression is higher than men, we also know that men are much less likely to seek support for their symptoms than their counterparts.

    The most shocking fact is the most significant cause of death among men under 50 is suicide. This clearly shows that men are suffering and they too need to be right at the centre of mental health conversations.

    The myth that “real men don’t get depression” must also stop. Far too many still believe mental illness is a sign of weakness, making it even more dangerous for both genders.

    1. The taboo no longer exists

    There’s no mistaking that mental health recognition has come a long way. Celebrities and Royal family members continue to campaign to break the stigma and change how we view those with mental health. Suddenly society became flooded with awareness and the conditions placed firmly under the spotlight. A real shift seems to have occurred; however, the battle is not over yet.

    People are still wary of admitting mental ill health for fear of judgement, exclusion and potential career risks. There are still plenty of misconceptions of what having and living with a mental illness is truly like.

     

    1. You cannot help those with depression

    Granted you can’t wave a wand and make depression disappear, but you can support someone with a mental health condition. Showing acceptance, understanding and compassion can make their journey easier to bear. Should they wish, you could aid them at appointments or accompany them during errands. Sometimes people just need a friendly face to be with them. These may seem like trivial activities, but they can make a huge difference.

    Professionals such as employers and teachers can play an important role in ensuring mental ill-health is treated the same as any physical illness.

     

    For information on we can support your mental health please contact us today on 01803 500300.

     

    Depression Myths

  • How To Manage Your Email Inbox

    How To Manage Your Email Inbox

    email

    It may surprise you that on average, we receive, 364 work emails a week? Email is now up there as one of the most problematic areas of our working lives. The pressure has increased tenfold in recent times as many of us have now taken the office home. We have gotten creative in our attempts to replicate our workspaces, and those dining room table spots have never been so in demand.

    There is no doubt that email is a great communication tool; the sheer volume can sometimes feel out of control. Its design as a distributor of information but it is also a great distractor. Some productivity gurus speculate it can hamper productivity by some 500%. They suggest working methodically, seeing one email or task through to completion before beginning another instead of jumping all over your inbox.

    We have come up with seven effective habits to regain control of your email stress:

    1. Don’t be a slave to the inbox
    You control your emails. Choose if and when you open them.

    2. Put them into perspective
    How often are the emails you rush to reply actually require an immediate response? The reality is that if you decided not to answer for a few days, things would still carry on.

    3. Choose when you read your emails
    Set aside a time or a couple of times a day to read and action emails. By doing this, not only are you reducing your stress levels, but you are also being far more efficient than leaving them open and constantly checking that inbox.

    4. Save and file straight away
    A good habit to get into if you don’t already; once read and actioned file that email straight away.

    5. Process and delete
    Delete irrelevant emails. Sort the others into relevance and work on the most important first.

    6. Does your inbox resemble your attic?
    When you think of your inbox, does it remind you of your attic? Does it contain emails as old as your Christmas decorations or perhaps that old box that you aren’t even sure what’s in it? If the answer is yes, its time for a good clear out.

    7. There isn’t a need to panic
    If a person needs you urgently, they will call. Just because we live in a digital era, doesn’t mean you are a slave to the keyboard. When your device pings, don’t panic and jump to it.

     

    Technology is a wonderful tool, and we should use it to our advantage. It is when it begins to control our actions and dictate our lives that we need to take a step back.

    Schedule time for your emails and tidy afterwards much like you would cooking dinner.