Table of contents:
- Overview of the hypnosis method
- How can hypnosis deal with anxiety?
- Consider this first before choosing a hypnotic way to deal with anxiety
According to 2013 Riskesdas data, nearly 14 million people aged 15 years and over experience anxiety disorders, or the equivalent of 6 percent of Indonesia's population. This figure is not a small number so that it needs to be handled immediately. Currently, there are many treatments that have been done to deal with anxiety, one of which is hypnosis or hypnotherapy. So, how effective is hypnosis for dealing with anxiety disorders? Check out the full review below.
Overview of the hypnosis method
Not a few people think that hypnosis (hypnosis or hypnotherapy) will completely eliminate consciousness. In fact, hypnosis sessions will only help you relax and focus your thoughts. This state is similar to sleep, the difference is that your mind is more focused and able to respond. Hypnotherapy is usually used as a support for certain psychotherapy, not as the main treatment.
It is believed that this more relaxed state can make you focus more on your subconscious mind. This is what allows you to explore some issues more deeply and calmly. Hypnotherapy sessions can be used for the following things:
- Neutralizing negative emotions due to psychological trauma that has occurred, especially in the past.
- Helping you lose weight by instilling a desire to adopt a healthy lifestyle and adjust your diet.
- Overcoming anxiety by creating calm and confidence.
- Helps control habits, such as quitting smoking and overeating.
Hypnosis practitioners or therapists will not control your thoughts. They will only guide you to express all the fatigue and problems you are experiencing. From there, you alone can determine what the solution is.
How can hypnosis deal with anxiety?
Hypnotherapy is not as widely known as psychotherapy and medicine to treat anxiety. However, researchers have studied its impact on a variety of mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression for several years.
In a 2016 study, researchers looked at the brain condition of people undergoing hypnosis therapy. They found that the brain condition of the hypnotized person underwent several changes, such as becoming more focused and better able to control some physical and emotional symptoms.
When you enter a hypnotic situation, the therapist will ask you to focus on times when you are feeling anxious. You may be asked to focus on the physical sensations while thinking about your anxiety triggers. Once you recognize this sensation, the hypnotherapist will say soothing words and give you the best advice. This technique is known as suggestion planting.
For example, if you feel anxious at work, you will be asked to be more confident in your own abilities and more confident. In addition, the therapist will teach you techniques to help you relax and calm down the next time you feel anxious. As a result, it will be easier for you to deal with the symptoms of anxiety that often recur, such as:
- Hard to breathe
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Easy to get angry
- Restless
Anxiety is a psychological pressure that many cancer sufferers experience. A study published in 2017 noted that hypnosis can reduce anxiety levels in cancer sufferers, especially for children who have cancer and are under stress. For this reason, hypnosis is recommended to help overcome anxiety.
Consider this first before choosing a hypnotic way to deal with anxiety
The most important thing to consider before deciding to use hypnosis is the qualifications of the practitioner. Look for a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, counselor, or medical doctor who is also a hypnotherapist.
Hypnosis is just one of many clinically effective ways to help with anxiety. However, you cannot simply choose hypnosis without advice from the medical team. Therefore, consult your doctor or psychiatrist first for the best advice.
