One way or another we all pay a high price for dealing with the problems of anxiety.

A Cambridge University study found those most at risk are the under 35s, women and people suffering from mental health issues. The research also showed that four people out of every 100 have been diagnosed as suffering from the condition.

And, while the impact on those affected and their friends and family can be catastrophic, it’s also an issue which impacts on all of us. It has a huge knock on effect for society with absence days costing the economy millions, placing a growing burden on a stretched NHS and impacting severely on future generations with one in four university students being affected.

My first experience of working with a client suffering from anxiety was with a 25 year old girl.  I received a call from her mother asking if I could see her daughter. H was unable to drive or leave home alone. She had been unable to continue at University, so had moved from her city centre flat, leaving friends and her job and her passion as a DJ behind to come home to “feel safe”.

 I was staggered at the impact this condition was having on not only her, but also on her family’s lives.

After only a couple of sessions using suggestion therapy/NLP and setting small goals the difference was remarkable, as well as having the support of the community Occupational Health nurse

Within a matter of weeks she was going out shopping and seeing people and after a couple of months had managed to rebuild a full and rewarding life for herself. Incredibly, she is now training to help others with the same condition and working for community organisations. 

Of course the transition does occasionally have a few bumps along the way and I’m there to provide support when she feels she needs it.  But on the whole she has her life back.

I have since treated in the region of 500 individuals all with very different backgrounds and career paths and with vary degrees of the condition. But the biggest insight I have in to the condition was when after returning to my work after having had my daughter (sleep deprived and in utter denial about my new role ) I started to feel many of the symptoms I had heard my clients describe. With heart pounding, loss of concentration and pain in my shoulders and neck I had turned in to my 14 year old Westie, I only had two responses to wag my tail and smile or bite! Luckily for me this episode passed as I was able to use the tools I had taught others

I am delighted to be working with companies who recognise the value of early intervention where anxiety is concerned and offer Mind Health checks helping to manage the condition before it escalates.

Apart from the Hypnosis, NLP and coaching work we did together, here are some tips that help keep anxiety at bay …

1 – Just keep breathing. Imagine the anxiety as a colour that you exhale and pick a relaxing colour to inhale.

2- To help get the thoughts from you head, keep a notebook handy and write down the things you’re worrying about

3- Cut down you caffeine intake. When your body is already producing adrenaline even a little caffeine can make you feel a lot worse

4- Exercise. Just get up and walk.

5- Keep away from mobile phones, laptops etc. after a certain time each evening. I think 7pm is a reasonable amount of time to allow you to wind down.

6- Remember this is not who you are, it’s something you’re working through

7 – Always seek medical advice if you are worried about your health

8- Put on music that, makes you feel good or force yourself to get in touch with friends

9- Laughter is good for the soul.

10 – Address work life balance get 8 hours of sleep at night and establish a night time routine