Stress, its associated emotional response Fear and the anticipation of a threat Anxiety, are common features of everyday living and we all experience these in one form or another. When adaptive, a level of stress and anxiety can help us deal with challenges by increasing our level of arousal, reactivity and focus. 

Sometimes however, it becomes difficult to manage our levels of anxiety. This can bring a sense of being out of control and distress. Panic attacks may set in and other symptoms can include muscle tension, dry mouth, trembling, sleeping difficulties, chronic fatigue, irregular or rapid heart beating, unhealthy eating, nightmares and other debilitating symptoms. This is usually accompanied by constant worrying and negative thoughts that can keep bringing flashbacks of past traumas.

In some anxiety-related conditions, ritualized behaviours such as obsessive-compulsive (OCD) rituals can emerge to help relieve anxiety.

When anxiety becomes so intense or attached to inappropriate objects, events or circumstances, it becomes maladaptive and impairing all physical, psychological and social functioning. It becomes an anxiety disorder. 

The main anxiety disorders include General Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Phobias, Social Anxiety or Panic Disorder. Anxiety disorders can also be co-morbid, accompanying other disorders.

Psychotherapy enhanced with hypnotherapy, can effectively help to manage anxiety, using cognitive and behavioral re-training of thought patterns, as well as emotional and behavioural responses. The reframing of automatic thoughts, learning how to relax, and programing styles of response, all aided by practical strategies and exercises, can all make a significant change towards mental health and wellbeing.