Do you feel sad all the time but cannot think why do you feel like that? Have you walked out of get-togethers, meet ups, and parties because you just couldn’t stand being there… for no reason? Have you lost friendships because you are “always grumpy, always thinking about the bad side of a situation, always whining”… but you are just as frustrated because you don’t know why do you feel so?

This feeling of not being able to control your own emotions might push you to be more bitter. It is not a good feeling at all. You don’t deserve that pain. You deserve to know what is happening? Why is is happening? And what is the best remedy for you to feel peaceful again?

If you are going through this, you are reading the right blog. You will find answers to all these questions here. Also, you will know more about how hypnotherapy can help you get rid of your dark thoughts.

Pro tip: Don’t be ashamed of those thoughts. Find a solution instead.

The Role of Trauma in Anxiety and Depression

Apparently, almost all people who have depression and anxiety… have at least one trauma in their lives. Thing is, you might not even know that you have it. It may have happened when you were a child.

Trauma never leaves you… until you push it out yourself. It sits back in your subconscious mind but continues to make you sad and constantly in pain emotionally.

1. Neurobiological Impact of Trauma

It can change your brain waves forever, if you leave it as it is. Even your brain’s structure might change… and not for the best.

The amygdala deals with how you manage your fight or flight response, i.e. your fear and other emotions. When you are in trauma, your amygdala goes into a hyperactive frenzy that makes you more anxious.

Hippocampus is another part of your brain that makes memories for you and stores them. Thing is, it stores traumatic memories too. The bad thing is that it shrinks whenever you get stressed or angry. 

As a result, you cannot remember how to regulate your emotions. See how remembering a bad event can make you forget all the good ones? That is how you get sad… and that is how you get anxious and depressed all the time.

2. Emotional and Psychological Effects

Trauma does not let you feel safe or trust anyone… not even yourself. What’s more, it does not let you love yourself, too. You may find yourself in-between all the negative emotions; hurt, fear, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, loneliness; and you may not know just how you can get out of there! 

Sadly, other people cannot see it. They can only see you always frowning, always being sad, always the “party-ruiner”.

3. Cognitive Distortions

Your negative thoughts make you think the worst of everyone and everything. You might become what people call “cynical”. Psychologists call it cognitive distortions. You can have these thoughts (or something very like it):

“I am a fraud,”

“I am not worthy,”

“Everyone is a liar.”

These thoughts keep circling your mind until you start to think that they are actually true… even if they are not. You get sucked into a vicious cycle of dark thoughts bringing up even murkier reactions. So, you look distressed, upset, sad, hyperventilating to others.

4. Dysregulated Stress Response

Dysregulation is when you cannot mould your brain to react situation-appropriately. You might blow up on small things, or cry bitterly because your phone didn’t charge quickly. Why does it happen? Simple answer, because of your hidden trauma.

Is Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression Scientifically Proven?

The World Health Organization says that 264 million+ people suffer from depression around the world. Similarly, about 284 million suffer from anxiety. Did you find it alarming too? More and more people are getting miserable in their surroundings by the year. 

That is why we need quick ways to make them feel better so they can cope with their moods.

We have already established that hypnotherapy is a natural method that works with the subconscious mind. Let us tell you that researchers have been testing it on different types of patients. Their results say that it can treat anxiety and depression quite professionally. 

Study 1:

A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reviewed several other studies. They found out that hypnotherapy can be more successful in treating depression along with other behaviour and talk therapies. 

The analysis tells you that participants who used hypnotherapy showed more significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to those who did not. [SOURCE]

Study 2:

Researchers did17 trials and found out that participants who received hypnotherapy were able to manage their anxiety more. On the other hand, 84% of the participants… who did not go through hypnotherapy… could not control their symptoms as better. 

These results show that hypnotherapy is a great choice if you want to manage your symptoms. [SOURCE]

Study 3:

One public study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis reported that patients who received hypnotherapy had better depression scores (decreased). 

But patients who did not receive hypnotherapy still had bad depression scores (increased) . [SOURCE]

How Hypnotherapy Works for Anxiety and Depression?

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that enables individuals to delve into the deeper, often hidden causes of anxiety and depression by accessing the subconscious mind. 

This approach allows for the identification and resolution of deep-rooted emotions, patterns, and behaviours that contribute to these mental health conditions.

When someone undergoes hypnotherapy, they enter a deeply relaxed, trance-like state where the conscious mind’s critical thinking is subdued. In this state, the hypnotherapist can communicate directly with the subconscious mind, where many of these issues are stored and perpetuated. 

This process provides a unique opportunity to uncover and address the root causes of emotional distress, which may stem from various sources.

For some individuals, the cause of anxiety or depression might be linked to experiences in their present life, such as unresolved trauma, chronic stress, or negative thought patterns. 

For others, the origins could lie in past life experiences, where unresolved issues continue to influence their current emotional state. 

Additionally, hypnotherapy can reveal how individuals may be entangled in the emotional dynamics of their family system. This concept, rooted in systemic and family therapy, suggests that an individual’s anxiety or negative emotions could be inherited from their parents or ancestors, passed down through generations as unresolved emotional energy.

By identifying and addressing these underlying causes, whether they are rooted in the present, past, or family lineage, hypnotherapy helps individuals release these deep-seated emotions, leading to significant relief from anxiety and depression. 

This holistic approach not only alleviates symptoms but also empowers individuals to achieve long-term emotional healing and well-being.

The Mechanisms of Hypnotherapy in Treating Anxiety and Depression

Hypnotherapists also facilitate the exploration and reframing of negative thoughts, fears, and traumas that often fuel anxiety and depression. In the case of anxiety, hypnotherapy helps by desensitising triggers and reducing the hyperactivity of the amygdala, the brain’s fear centre. 

Through this process, the subconscious is reprogrammed to respond differently to stressors, promoting a sense of calm and control.

When it comes to depression, hypnotherapy can assist in shifting deep-seated negative beliefs and self-perceptions that often underlie depressive symptoms. 

By reinforcing positive affirmations and visualising desired outcomes, hypnotherapy aims to rebuild self-esteem and motivation, gradually lifting the weight of depression.

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression vs Other Treatment Modalities

Hypnotherapy matches with antidepressants and talk therapies only in the end goal; to help you get back in control of your feelings so you can resume your life. Otherwise, it is totally different.

Other treatment modes focus on your conscious and present mind to treat anxiety and depression. On the other hand, hypnotherapy focuses on your subconscious mind (you can call it id, too) to help you become whole. 

When it comes to treating anxiety and depression, hypnotherapy offers a unique approach that differs significantly from more conventional methods like talk therapies, medication, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications that primarily focus on alleviating symptoms by altering brain chemistry. 

These medications can be effective but often come with side effects, including weight gain, drowsiness, and dependency concerns. Furthermore, medications require ongoing use to maintain benefits, and discontinuing them can lead to relapse or withdrawal symptoms.

In contrast, hypnotherapy targets the subconscious mind, where many deep-seated fears, traumas, and negative beliefs reside. This approach can lead to profound and lasting changes because it deals with the root causes of anxiety and depression rather than just managing the symptoms on a surface level. 

Hypnotherapy is often quicker in producing results compared to traditional methods, with many clients experiencing significant improvements after just a few sessions.

In addition, hypnotherapy is free from the side effects associated with medication and can be used alongside other treatments to enhance overall effectiveness. 

It also empowers you with self-help techniques, such as self-hypnosis, which you can use independently to manage symptoms and maintain mental well-being. This holistic approach makes hypnotherapy a valuable alternative or complement to other treatments for anxiety and depression.

Hypnotherapy provides a great cure, especially when combined with other treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). For many, it offers a path to deep healing, allowing them to make lasting changes in their mental and emotional health.

Related Read: Does Hypnotherapy Work for Depression?

Case Study: How Payton Conquered Anxiety and Depression with Hypnotherapy?

Background

Payton, a 35-year-old professional, had been battling anxiety and depression for several years. Despite having a successful career and a loving family, Payton found himself increasingly overwhelmed by feelings of dread and hopelessness. 

His anxiety took the form of constant worry and panic attacks, while depression left him feeling unmotivated, exhausted, and disconnected from those around him. The weight of these conditions made it difficult for him to maintain relationships, focus at work, and even enjoy the activities that once brought him joy.

After trying several traditional therapies, including medication, Payton felt only minimal relief. The side effects of the medication, combined with the persistent nature of his symptoms, left him feeling stuck in a cycle of despair. 

Determined to reclaim his life, Payton began exploring alternative treatments and stumbled upon hypnotherapy.

Payton sought out our certified hypnotherapist with experience in treating anxiety and depression. His initial consultation involved a detailed discussion of his symptoms, triggers, and past experiences. 

The hypnotherapist explained how hypnotherapy could help him access his subconscious mind, where many of his deep-seated fears and negative beliefs were rooted. This understanding gave Payton hope that this approach might succeed where others had not.

How Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression Works for Payton?

Treating Anxiety and Depression from the Root

Payton’s treatment plan was tailored to address his unique experiences and the specific challenges posed by his anxiety and depression. The sessions began with induction techniques designed to bring Payton into a deeply relaxed, trance-like state, creating an optimal environment for accessing his subconscious mind. 

Once in this deeply relaxed state, our hypnotherapist guided Payton into a hypnotic trance to uncover and address the deep-rooted beliefs that fueled his emotional distress.

During these sessions, Payton was able to trace the origins of his anxiety back to his early childhood. It was revealed that much of his anxiety stemmed from his mother’s constant stress during his infancy, a time when he subconsciously absorbed her emotional turmoil. 

This stress from his mother led to a deep-seated belief that he was not good enough, which developed around the same time due to the lack of emotional support and attention he received.

Our hypnotherapist used inner child therapy to create a sense of safety for the younger version of Payton, effectively separating the threat of his mother’s stress from his own emotional experiences. This process allowed Payton to release the anxiety he had carried for years, as it was no longer linked to his current reality.

Our hypnotherapist uncovered that Payton’s anxiety was also tied to unresolved fears and a belief of inadequacy. We worked with him to upgrade these beliefs, replacing them with empowering beliefs.

In addressing his depression, our hypnotherapist also helped Payton to rebuild his self-esteem and sense of purpose. Payton was encouraged to reconnect with his inner strengths and achievements from the past, forgive himself for all the things he regretted about and visualise a future where he felt motivated and in control. 

The hypnotherapist also introduced future pacing techniques, allowing Payton to practise imagining himself waking up each day with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

By the end of his hypnotherapy sessions, Payton experienced significant relief from both anxiety and depression. The personalised approach helped him address the root causes of his emotional distress and empowered him to create lasting positive change in his life.

Excellent Progress and Lovely Results

The transformation Payton experienced through hypnotherapy was terrific. Over several weeks, he began to notice a significant reduction in his anxiety levels. 

The panic attacks that once paralysed him became less frequent and less intense, allowing him to engage more fully in both his professional and personal life. Payton’s depression also began to lift. 

He found himself waking up with a renewed sense of hope and motivation, eager to tackle the day ahead.

Payton’s relationships improved as well. With his anxiety under control, he was able to communicate more openly with his loved ones, and the emotional distance that had developed between them began to close. 

At work, Payton’s newfound confidence led to increased productivity and the ability to take on new challenges without the crippling fear of failure.

Perhaps the most remarkable change was Payton’s shift in perspective. Hypnotherapy had not only diminished his symptoms but had also equipped him with tools to manage his mental health proactively. 

He learned how to access a state of calm and focus through self-hypnosis techniques, which he now uses whenever he feels anxiety or depression creeping back in.

Payton’s journey with hypnotherapy is a testament to the power of this therapeutic approach in overcoming anxiety and depression. By treating the subconscious roots of his fears and negative beliefs, hypnotherapy provided Payton with a path to lasting healing and personal growth. 

His story serves as an inspiration for others struggling with similar challenges, highlighting that with the proper support and treatment, it is possible to reclaim one’s life from the grip of anxiety and depression.

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression Reviews

We have seen many clients experience significant relief from anxiety and depression through hypnotherapy. Take the case of Alex B., who had chronic anxiety and depression for years, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. 

After a series of hypnotherapy sessions at MIHH, Alex B. noticed a terrific change in his mental state. He began to feel more at peace, with a renewed sense of hope and the ability to engage more fully in his daily life.

Alex B., a client at our clinic, shares his journey:

“I attended both in-person and virtual sessions with Sandy, and her compassionate and professional approach made a world of difference. Through hypnotherapy, I’ve experienced a significant reduction in my anxiety and depressive symptoms. Sandy helped me rediscover my inner strength, and I’ve gained a new perspective on managing my mental health. 

I would highly recommend this therapy to anyone looking for effective support in overcoming anxiety and depression.”

In a Nutshell

Based on the available evidence, hypnotherapy should not be dismissed as pseudoscience. It holds promise as a legitimate treatment option that can help you manage anxiety and depression. However, it is necessary to approach hypnotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of qualified professionals.

If Payton’s story resonates with you, and if you’re searching for a natural and effective way to manage anxiety and depression, hypnotherapy is the best solution for a depressed-free, more fulfilling life. So, Book a FREE consultation TODAY!