Fear and Hypnotherapy
Fear is a primal, natural, and powerful human emotion. It involves both a universal biological reaction and a strong individual emotional reaction. Fear warns us that there is a danger or a threat of harm, whether it is physical or psychological. Fear can be triggered by real hazards, but it can also be triggered by imagined dangers. Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder are among mental health illnesses that can cause fear (PTSD). Fear is made up of two types of responses to a perceived threat: physiological and emotional. The most common phobias seen by hypnotherapists are:
- Fear of close spaces
- Fear of dentists
- Fear of animals
- Fear of flight
- Fear of heights
- Fear of needles
- Fear of pregnancy
- Fear of illness
- Fear of spiders and other insects
- Fear of drowning
Symptoms of Fear
Fear often involves both physical and emotional symptoms. Each person may experience fear differently, but some of the common signs and symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Upset stomach
In addition to the physical symptoms of fear, people may experience psychological symptoms of being overwhelmed, upset, feeling out of control, or a sense of impending death.
Causes of Fear
Fear is incredibly complex.4 Some fears may be a result of experiences or trauma, while others may represent a fear of something else entirely, such as a loss of control. Still, other fears may occur because they cause physical symptoms, such as being afraid of heights because they make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach.
Some common fear triggers include:
Certain specific objects or situations (spiders, snakes, heights, flying, etc)
- Future events
- Imagined events
- Real environmental dangers
- The unknown
Types of Fear
Some of the different types of anxiety disorders that are characterized by fear include:
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobia
- Social anxiety disorder
How Hypnotherapy works
Hypnosis can reduce the fear that individuals experience. Measurable qualities of fear include blood pressure and heart rate. The technique may lower blood pressure by easing the mind and body into a relaxed and calm state. Once the hypnosis relaxes their body, they can redirect their mind away from focusing on their fears.