Many of us live a lifestyle that is unintentionally negatively affecting our environment. With travel being more accessible and popular, and consumerism on the rise, it is easy to forget the consequences of our actions, even when they seem small and insignificant.
We constantly encounter distressing images of rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather which feeds anxiety and concern. This constant exposure to our world’s degradation on social media and news channels negatively affects our psyche and is turning into a source of severe anxiety, which is being termed ‘climate anxiety ’ or ‘climate change anxiety’.
Understanding the impact of climate anxiety is important, as it can affect you on a deep emotional level. Amongst the rising concerns, you might be searching for ways to overcome this anxiety, which include adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle. While this will give you some peace of mind, dealing with climate anxiety will likely take more than this alone.
Amidst other treatments, hypnotherapy stands out as an effective alternative form of therapy in dealing with climate anxiety.
Let’s check it out!
What is Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety or eco-anxiety is a psychological condition that arises when your concerns about the impact of climate change on our planet become overwhelming. This worry isn’t just a floating thought, it dominates your mind continuously for long periods. It can take the form of an overwhelming fear which will start affecting your daily life and well-being.
This anxiety can be triggered by anything related to the climate crisis. For instance, exposure to news about global warming or encountering extreme weather can trigger anxious thoughts.
However, remember you are not alone in these feelings! According to the Office of National Statistics, almost three in every four adults in the UK suffer from climate change anxiety.
What Are The Symptoms of Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety can vary among individuals, but there are common signs to be aware of. Climate anxiety symptoms include feelings of helplessness about the future and difficulty focusing on daily activities. You may find yourself making significant changes to your lifestyle, diet, or habits to lessen your environmental impact.
Beyond the mental aspects, you might also encounter physical challenges like sleep disruptions, headaches, or stomach issues, often associated with stress. If you identify with these symptoms, seeking professional assistance is essential for improved mental and physical well-being.
How Hypnotherapy Helps Calm Climate Anxiety
Hypnotherapy has proven to be effective in dealing with climate anxiety, a condition induced by concerns about climate change. This anxiety and its significant consequences, lead to overwhelming feelings of helplessness, fear, or despair. Hypnotherapy’s therapeutic approach uniquely manages these intense emotions by engaging with your subconscious mind’s power.
During my hypnotherapy sessions, I will guide you into a completely relaxed and focused mental state. In this state of relaxation, accessing the subconscious becomes easier, where thoughts and beliefs are stored. This is where you will be more open to positive suggestions and explore thoughts that are usually hidden or suppressed. Think about it as a process that unlocks a part of your mind that can help you better understand and manage your feelings about climate change.
Hypnotherapy Techniques That Help in Dealing With Climate Anxiety
There are many hypnotherapy techniques that I use in the treatment of climate anxiety. Since each patient is unique and the triggers of their anxiety differ, the techniques I use will naturally vary from one patient to another. Here are some of the common techniques that I can include in your treatment:
1. Guided Imagery
I will encourage you to imagine positive and calming mental images by quietly explaining descriptive details. For example, I may ask you to imagine a thriving planet, full of trees and clean water flowing in the rivers. Or, I may ask you to think of a scenario where all human beings live sustainably. This technique will calm your mind and ease your climate change worries.
2. Regression Therapy
Regression therapy is often used to delve into your past experiences that may contribute to the anxiety. This gentle exploration uncovers and heals traumatic experiences connected to environmental concerns, ultimately aiming to release the emotional burden associated with those memories. By understanding the negative moments that trigger your anxiety I can help you let go of them and form a more peaceful mindset about environmental change.
3. Cognitive Restructuring
Through this hypnotherapy technique, I will help you rewire your negative thought patterns by encouraging you to form positive and realistic beliefs about environmental challenges. This transformative process enables you to approach climate-related situations with a renewed and calming outlook. It will promote a more positive perspective on our collective ability to address and adapt to environmental changes.
Get Hypnotherapy for Climate Anxiety with Susannah Saunders
Now that you know how climate anxiety hypnotherapy works, it’s time to book an appointment and start your hypnotherapy journey.
At City Hypno, I aim to help people lead a calmer, more balanced life by gaining control of their minds.
With years of experience helping people with different types of anxiety, I can assure you that you will receive my utmost care and compassion during this healing process.
I also offer treatments for a range of mental health issues such as addiction, depression, eating disorders, OCD, and insomnia.
To learn more about our treatments, visit our homepage or contact us now!