As ‘Freedom Day’ approaches many people are feeling a sense of relief and optimism as they contemplate the progressive easing of restrictions. While this is an exciting time for many, others are worrying about the easing of lockdown with the resulting higher rates of Covid circulating and increased risked of falling ill or losing vulnerable loved ones.
The arguments for and against opening up have been thoroughly debated elsewhere; it’s evident that the past 18 months have been tough both mentally, physically and socially. Some people have realised that their levels of anxiety have increased to the degree that or some they’ve heightened that that the idea of all restrictions ending brings worry, anxiety and fear.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) has over 2000 fully-trained therapists across the UK on its register. It says that anxiety issues are becoming more common with more people than ever seeking help for anxiety, panic and heightened levels of distress throughout the pandemic. High levels of stress and anxiety – like we’ve been living through recently – can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life and wellbeing.
If the levels of anxiety you’re feeling are affecting other areas of your life or causing you distress it might be time to consider talking to a professional. Working with a hypnotherapist may help you feel more confident and more at ease about things which have previously been challenging for you says the NCH. A qualified clinical hypnotherapist can assist individuals in learning to better understand anxiety and change their relationship to their anxious thoughts and feelings.
“Hypnotherapy unlocks the potential you have to break free of negative thought patterns, and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in your life that may have previously made you anxious.”
In the current situation, it can be difficult to separate out what is ‘normal’ stress and when it tips over into unhealthy thought patterns that then affect your enjoyment of life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by feelings of worry or anxiety about the idea of socialising, whether it’s the idea of being around people again or the threat of Covid, it can be helpful to know that you’re not alone.
Focus on the present and try and find small adjustments that you can make that help you feel more at ease. Just because restrictions have ended doesn’t mean that you need to stop wearing masks or limiting indoor socialising if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Remind yourself of the benefits; being able to travel to see friends or socialise with more than one other family at a time can give you a real boost.
If you’re anxious about freedom day, a few sessions with a qualified hypnotherapist can teach you tools that will enable you to feel more confident and in control. To contact your nearest NCH-registered therapist simply click here.
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