Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks - Bristol Hypnotherapist Catherine Embleton

Panic attacks can be very scary things, practically the first time you experience one. I still remember my first panic attacks, l called an ambulance as l was sure l was having a heart attacks, l called my sister to come over for support. The paramedics arrived and seemed so calm and relaxed and l was furious inside, thinking, ‘can’t you see l am having a heart attack.’ After a hour or so the feeling started to subside but my next few weeks were filled with fear and anxiety that it would happen again and feeling like l had no control.

After a few sessions with my Cognitive hypnotherapist in Bristol, l discovered that this intense fear actually started in my childhood but those feelings, those memories, those beliefs, had been unconscious until that very moment. Through the hypnosis sessions my anxiety and fear subsided and l soon realised that actually l had a lot more control than l thought l did and, 8 years later, l have never had a panic attack since. This is proof that change is possible and that you can live life and be panic attack free.

Signs of a panic attacks:

●        Shaking & feeling disorientated

●        Nausea and dizziness

●        Rapid & irregular heartbeats

●        Dry mouth & sweating

●        Tightness in the chest

●        Feelings hard to breathe

●        Intense panic, fear and worry

If you have experienced any of these symptoms I am here to say that there is a solution. Often this intense fear comes from an unconscious feeling of not feeling safe. This has probably been there since childhood but was only made conscious in that moment when you had the panic attack. So although it feels like it was out of nowhere, your body has been carefully waiting for the right moment where you are strong enough to actually deal with this deeper fear. So remember, even if it's scary or uncomfortable, you are now ready and able to process the pain from your past so that you can move forward and live a life of deeper peace, calm and happiness. This is best done with a professional because at the beginning, the fear and the panic attacks can feel quite scary and overwhelming.

What to do when you are experiencing a panic attack?

●  Breathe in as slowly, deeply and gently as you can, through your nose and out through your mouth. Such a simple thing but so effective, and even just taking a few long and deep breaths, slowing down your nervous system, will start to help.

●  In that moment, tune into what you need to feel safe. Is it moving somewhere else on the tube so you have more space or stepping out of a meeting to have some fresh air.

●  As the anxiety begins to pass, start to focus on your surroundings and continue to do what you were doing before.

●  Close your eyes or try putting you head between your knees

●  Is there someone nearby who can reassure you. If you’re having a short, sudden panic attack, it can be helpful to have someone with you, reassuring you that it will pass and the symptoms are nothing to worry about.

●  Remember that this will pass and this is temporary.

It is important to know that anxiety or panic attacks can't actually hurt you. They may feel uncomfortable and scary, but they are not dangerous and like other feelings, they will go again. Finding out what your triggers are is an important part of the healing journey. Triggers for panic attacks can include overbreathing, long periods of stress, activities that lead to intense physical reactions (for example exercise, excessive coffee drinking) and physical changes occurring after illness ,sudden change of environment, job loss or rejection.

How to prevent it happening again?

● Regular deep breathing or meditation.

● Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, will help you to manage stress levels, release tension, improve your mood and boost confidence.

●  Book a session with a therapist and find out why this happened, what needs to be worked on so you can be free from anxiety.

● Eat regular meals to stabilise your blood sugar levels.

● Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar and smoking – these can make panic attacks worse.

● Get out into nature regularly.

●  Find things that help you relax and do them regularly.

●  Share what you are feeling with those close to you. A problem shared is a problem halved.

How can Cognitive Hypnotherapy help with my panic attacks?

-   Firstly, we can find out what are the triggers that create the panic attacks and what from your past or current lifestyle is contributing towards that.

-   We can discover when the feelings of anxiety and fear started happening in your past and reframe these earlier experiences. This self awareness is the key to change.

-   Boost your confidence and relaxation so that even if you do feel anxious, you feel much more well equipped to manage it and process it.

-  Improve your self knowledge and transform your mindset so that you feel much more calm, in control and able to enjoy life.

-  Provide you with tools and exercises to do at home so that anxiety becomes a thing from the past.

Whatever you are feeling, no matter how hard or uncomfortable it may be, remember that you are not alone. In the UK, over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time. An estimated 822,000 workers are affected by work-related stress, depression or anxiety every year and up to 1 in 3 people in the UK have or will have a panic attack in their lifetime.

Everything comes from somewhere, and when we find the root, we find the solution. How we are, the way we think, behave, react, is not a coincidence. It is a carefully selected collection of ideas, fear, dreams, memories, aimed at keeping us safe.

So whether your panic attacks are created by stress at work, not sleeping, work do’s, going to parties or anything else, know that life doesn’t have to be this way. Are you ready to take that first step towards a happier and more relaxed you?

To book contact me here and feel free to ask me any questions about the process. Or Call Me Now On 07896281723