Who has never felt butterflies in their stomach when faced with a new or challenging situation? It’s true, we have all faced anxiety at some point in our lives. Anxiety, in these moments, is a natural response of our body. It is absolutely normal to feel a bit anxious in stressful or unfamiliar situations.

However, if you feel that this emotion has taken over your daily life and affected your quality of life, this complete guide was made especially for you. Here, we are going to dive deep into the world of anxiety.

We will explore the world of anxiety in detail, covering everything from its definition to the best practices for effectively identifying and controlling it. Additionally, we will show how hypnosis has helped many people deal with this complex emotional challenge.

So, are you ready? It’s time to learn all the tools necessary to overcome anxiety!

What is the Origin of Anxiety? A Deeper Look…

Anxiety is a normal response of our body when we perceive something as a potential threat. If we go back thousands of years in human history, we will see that our ancestors needed this instinctive biological response to ensure their survival in the wild environment.

Imagine yourself as a prehistoric inhabitant. They felt that extra dose of energy and alertness when faced with predators or other imminent dangers – after all, it was necessary to act quickly and make the right decisions in critical moments. Therefore, the first humans who experienced fear had a better chance of predicting future problems, thus increasing the odds related to success in combating these perfectly adverse events.

However, in our current society, we rarely need to face dangers similar to those of primitive times. Yet, our bodies continue to respond in the same way to stressful or unknown situations, which we call an anxiety crisis.

But then, what is the problem? The issue is that this natural response can become deregulated and start to be activated excessively or continuously – causing what we call anxiety disorders.

What are the Types of Anxiety? And what are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?

There are different manifestations of anxiety, and not all of them are classified as disorders. This is because anxiety is not a unique phenomenon; it appears in various forms and contexts. So, what are the main types of anxiety and what are the anxiety disorders? Here is a list of the most common ones:

1. Anxiety attack: It is an isolated event where the person experiences a sudden and intense increase in anxiety and fear, generating a series of physical and psychological symptoms. The anxiety attack can occur without warning, without a trigger, in adverse situations, or with an apparent cause, but it is not yet considered a disorder.
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This type can be understood as a constant background noise. It is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about various aspects of daily life, such as work, family, or financial health. These worries are difficult to control and can lead to symptoms intensified by stress. People with GAD may feel anxious most of the time without any apparent reason or have intense anxiety in response to specific situations or topics, such as health or finances.
3. Specific Phobia: This disorder occurs when someone has an irrational and constant fear related to a specific object or situation – for example, spiders, driving cars, or airplanes. The fear is so intense that the person will avoid the situation or object as much as possible, causing limitations in their daily life.
4. Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurring and spontaneous attacks of extreme sensations of panic. These panic attacks can include intense symptoms such as accelerated heartbeat, tremors, stuttering, and other incapacitating symptoms that make emotional control difficult. Generally, these attacks happen without any warning, leading the individual to live in constant fear of a new attack.
5. Social Phobia (Also known as Social Anxiety Disorder): Here, the person lives with an excessive and irrational fear of social situations. They fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in front of others, becoming even reclusive to avoid social events such as work, parties, and group gatherings.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This type of anxiety arises after the person has experienced a significantly threatening event to their life or physical or psychological integrity, or of other close people. PTSD leads to frequent and distressing memories of the traumatic event, which significantly interferes with the person’s daily life.

What are the main symptoms of anxiety?

Have you ever wondered: “How do I know if I am suffering from anxiety?” It can manifest in very different ways in each individual, and understanding its symptoms is the first step to dealing with this challenge. It is important to emphasize that anxiety is not just a matter of being “in someone’s head.”

It can have concrete effects, both physical and psychological, that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In this section, we will explore in more detail the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety disorder, so you can identify them and seek the necessary help. Shall we?

What are the main physical symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety, in addition to the psychological symptoms already mentioned, also affects the body in various ways. The main physical symptoms related to anxiety include, but are not limited to:

1. Accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia): The feeling that the heart is beating faster than normal can be uncomfortable and worrisome.
2. Sweating (excessive sweating): Sweating a lot, even in situations where there is no heat or physical activity involved, is a common symptom of anxiety.
3. Shortness of breath (breathlessness): Difficulty in breathing or the feeling of shortness of breath can further increase the worry and fear experienced during an anxiety episode.
4. Muscle tension: Muscles tend to contract when feeling nervous or stressed, causing discomfort and stiffness throughout the body.
5. Tremors and/or involuntary muscle spasms: Shaking and uncontrollable muscle contractions can occur during moments of intense anxiety.
6. Dizziness or vertigo: Some people experience imbalance, as if they are spinning or about to faint when facing moments of heightened anxiety.
7. Nausea and/or changes in regular appetite: Anxiety can also affect our digestive system, causing nausea, loss of interest in food, or compulsive eating for emotional comfort.
8. Persistent fatigue: Feeling tired and exhausted, even after resting, can be another physical symptom of anxiety.

These physical symptoms can make daily life much more difficult, especially when they occur simultaneously or at critical moments, such as an important work presentation or during travel.

Dealing with these symptoms in environments where there are no emergency therapeutic resources available or ready to provide adequate medical assistance can further increase the tension and fear associated with anxiety.

Therefore, understanding and addressing these signs is crucial to regain control over your life and effectively face anxiety.

What are the Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety?

In addition to the physical symptoms, it is essential to address that anxiety can also manifest expressively in the psychological dimension. It is important to understand and recognize each type of symptom to better deal with them. In the emotional and mental context, we can identify various symptoms related to anxiety, among them are:

1. Irritability and nervousness: A sudden increase in impatience or intolerance in everyday situations, making it difficult for the person to remain calm during stressful episodes.
2. Constant mental agitation: The mind never seems to rest, always filled with unwanted and harmful thoughts that leave no room for relaxation.
3. Excessive worries: Recurrent worrying thoughts that revolve around future events or imaginary inconveniences – often without realistic basis.
4. Sudden memory loss: Difficulty in remembering important information in the short term or temporary forgetfulness caused by the stress of an agitated mind.
5. Feelings of fear, panic, or terror: Intense emotions that arise without apparent reasons or specific triggers and compromise emotional balance.
6. Difficulty concentrating: Problems focusing on daily tasks, even those simple and routine, creating obstacles in professional or personal performance.

The interaction between mental and physical symptoms can generate a significant and disturbing emotional impact on the lives of people affected by anxiety disorders.

This combination can lead to a series of other secondary problems, such as sleep disorders – whether insomnia or excessive sleep -, difficulties in interpersonal relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as the development of chronic or acute problems related to physical health.

Now that you know the main symptoms of anxiety, both physically and emotionally, you are probably wondering: how can I improve? How to regain the joy of living, the quality of sleep, and the ability to enjoy life without this constant feeling of worry and fear?

Are there tests that diagnose anxiety?

Yes, there are! And not just one, but a range of them.

Anxiety is a complex emotion that manifests through feelings of tension, worry, and intrusive thoughts, which, in some situations, can be accompanied by physical symptoms. Have you ever felt your heart race, hands sweat, or an inexplicable tremor? Well, these can be responses of your body to anxiety.

Now, imagine if these feelings became chronic and disproportionate to the situations that trigger them. This is the scenario for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. These conditions can negatively affect the quality of life and functioning of the individual, so it is essential to identify and diagnose anxiety early, so that appropriate treatment can be provided.

So, what are these tests that diagnose anxiety? Let’s explore the different types:

1. Psychological Tests: These tests generally involve questionnaires, scales, and interviews to assess the presence, severity, and nature of anxious symptoms. Some of the most common tools include the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). How does it work? By answering these questionnaires, you reflect on your behavior, emotions, and reactions to everyday situations, allowing the mental health professional to identify specific patterns of anxiety.
2. Clinical Tests: Conducted by doctors, these tests involve a review of the symptoms presented by you. The professional will analyze your medical history, check for the presence of other conditions that may be causing the symptoms of anxiety, and assess the duration of the symptoms. Sometimes, blood tests are also performed to complement the diagnosis.
3. Instrumental Tests: These refer to the use of technological tools, such as CT scans and MRIs, which can show changes in brain activity associated with anxiety. However, these techniques are more used in scientific research than in clinical practice and are not always available to patients.

A crucial reminder: The diagnosis of anxiety must be made by a qualified healthcare professional. So, if you believe you may be suffering from anxiety, do not hesitate to seek professional help. This is a serious condition, but with the correct diagnosis and treatment, it is completely manageable.

Now that we have clarified how tests can help us identify anxiety, it is natural to ask: “And what do we do next? How can we control anxiety once it has been diagnosed?” Don’t worry, we will explore this next.

How to Control Anxiety: Treatments and Strategies

To effectively control anxiety, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that includes both medical treatments and self-care strategies and hypnosis. Here are some options you can consider:

1. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has proven to be very effective in treating anxiety. It helps identify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to the condition, helping the patient develop skills to face it.
2. Medication: Anxiolytics, antidepressants, or other medications may be prescribed by a doctor to treat anxiety symptoms. It is important to remember that these medications should be used under medical supervision and according to the recommendations of the responsible professional.
3. Meditation: Practices like mindfulness have been increasingly used as aids in controlling anxiety. They help the person focus on the present moment, reducing excessive worries about future events.
4. Physical exercises: Regular physical activities can help decrease stress and anxiety levels, as well as promote a sense of well-being. Choose an activity you enjoy – whether it’s dancing, running, practicing yoga, or anything else that makes your heart beat!
5. Relaxation techniques: Try techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga. These practices contribute to reducing physical and mental tension, helping to face anxiety.
6. Balanced diet: Opting for a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods can provide adequate nutritional support, helping to control mood and anxiety.
7. Clinical hypnosis or hypnotherapy: Hypnosis can also be useful in treating anxiety. Hypnosis has been successfully used in many cases of people seeking to relieve or control symptoms of anxiety and stress. In clinical contexts, it is conducted by duly certified healthcare professionals.

Clinical hypnosis or hypnotherapy, which is often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings, can be an incredibly effective tool for alleviating anxiety symptoms. Let’s explore this further.

How does hypnosis work in treating anxiety?

Hypnosis is an intentionally induced state of consciousness that involves focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterized by an increased capacity for response to suggestion. In this state, the subject is guided to experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior, aimed at a goal.

During the hypnosis session, the therapist uses induction and hypnotic suggestion techniques to help the patient achieve a state of deep relaxation and intense focus. In this state, the patient becomes more receptive to suggestions that aim to promote changes in their behavior and emotions, contributing to the reduction of anxiety.

Hypnosis acts in the treatment of anxiety through:

1. Promotion of relaxation: Hypnotic induction leads the patient to a state of deep relaxation, which can help reduce the tension and worry associated with anxiety.
2. Cognitive restructuring: During hypnosis, the therapist can use suggestions to help the patient modify negative and irrational thoughts that contribute to anxiety.
3. Development of coping skills: Hypnosis can help the patient develop more effective coping skills to deal with stressful situations and reduce anxiety.

Efficacy of hypnosis in treating anxiety: a detailed look

The efficacy of hypnosis as a therapeutic approach to treating anxiety has been proven through scientific evidence and various studies conducted over the years.

In fact, research in relevant journals indicates that hypnosis can be as effective as other recognized therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in treating generalized anxiety, phobias, and panic disorder.

These studies also highlight significant advances in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients undergoing hypnotherapy – making it a highly recommended resource for those dealing with anxiety-related conditions.

Advantages of hypnosis in treating anxiety

The use of hypnosis in treating anxiety presents several interesting advantages for both professionals and people involved in this process. Some of these advantages include:

1. Non-invasive approach with no undesirable side effects: The non-invasive nature of hypnotherapy means that it is free from the risks or complications associated with traditional medical procedures, such as the use of pharmacological medication or surgery.
2. Combination with other therapeutic modalities: The versatility of the treatment allows combining hypnosis with other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT or exposure therapy, increasing its effectiveness and providing more significant relief from anxiety.
3. Development of self-hypnosis skills: Mastering self-hypnosis techniques during treatment can be extremely beneficial for patients, allowing them to continue working on reducing anxiety outside of therapy sessions and facing their daily problems with greater emotional control.

Who can benefit from hypnosis to treat anxiety?

Hypnotherapy can be an attractive and promising treatment option for individuals who:

1. Suffer from different types of anxiety disorders: Those facing conditions such as generalized anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can significantly benefit from this therapeutic approach.
2. Have not succeeded with other therapeutic approaches: Individuals who have tried other methods without achieving satisfactory results can explore the potential of hypnotherapy as a viable alternative.
3. Prefer to avoid medications or face undesirable side effects related to the use of these medications: With its non-invasive nature and without the typical risks of traditional medical procedures, hypnosis is ideal for people concerned about the possible inconveniences associated with continuous medication use.

Anxiety is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Hypnosis, with its roots in the concepts and research of professionals such as Milton H. Erickson, Ernest Hilgard, Clark L. Hull, David Spiegel, Michael Yapko, and Irving Kirsch, offers a promising therapeutic approach to help reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.

If you wish to work with hypnosis to help people and make a difference in their lives, don’t miss the opportunity to train through the hypnosis training of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. Access our hypnosis course schedule and enroll today to learn from the best professionals and transform lives through hypnosis!