The following is a guest blog from Catriona Boyle who works with an online counseling and hypnotherapy directory in the UK. Clearly, the effects of our economic problems are worldwide!
As the credit crunch bites down harder, more stress is being put onto already weary shoulders, as people struggle with money, holding down jobs, and having financial security. Stress and all the problems associated with it is one of the less obvious effects of the economic downturn. Experts predict that the mental strain and drain is only truly starting to show, and could be one of the most long-lasting effects of the recession.
Stress can lead to many other problems, both mental and physical. People suffering from stress may go on to develop further long-term mental health illnesses, such as depression or anxiety. Physical ailments can include aches and pains, digestive issues, and even heart problems.
So, in such testing times, relaxation is paramount. There are many ways to aid relaxation – much more than just taking a few deep breaths. Alternative therapies lend themselves well to this – by their very nature they bring a calming, tranquil influence, treating the body and mind as a whole and dealing with a range of issues.
For treating stress as well as physical and emotional conditions, acupuncture can be the perfect treatment. Stress can often induce tension headaches, for which acupuncture has proved hugely effective. Acupuncture is now becoming widely available, and many patients in the UK are now given acupuncture as part of treatment on the National Health Service as an alternative to prescribing medication.
Hypnotherapy is also becoming increasingly popular as a form of relaxation. Being induced into a trance-like state leaves the client more open to thoughts and suggestions, and can help change behavioural patterns. This means that the sufferer can learn how to respond differently in situations that would normally cause them stress, and help turn a negative situation into a positive one.
A recently launched UK website, Hypnotherapy Directory (http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/) aims to make the process of finding a hypnotherapist much easier, and most helpfully, stress free. There is a comprehensive search tool allowing the user to search a specific location which then brings up a list of hypnotherapists. Each hypnotherapist has their own profile, including information about which areas they cover, their fees and experience and qualification, allowing an informed choice to be made.
So don’t suffer in silence. Help is available, and most importantly it’s available in a simple, easy to find way.
