If you’re overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, sleepless nights, and constant worry, you’re not alone.
Millions of people search for help with anxiety every single day.

In fact, many of the most frequently Googled questions about anxiety are the same ones I hear from clients in clinic sessions.

So if you’re wondering:

– “Is what I’m feeling normal?”
– “How do I stop panic attacks?”
– “What causes anxiety?”
– “How do I help someone else?”

You’re in the right place.

In this post, I’ll answer the top questions people ask about anxiety — and share how Cognitive Hypnotherapy offers a natural, personalised path to relief.

1. What is anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s natural alarm system — an automatic response to stress or perceived danger.

It’s normal to feel anxious before a big presentation, an exam, or a first day at work.
Anxiety is your brain’s way of trying to protect you from threat.

The problem?
Your unconscious mind sometimes struggles to tell the difference between real danger and imagined threat.
That’s when anxiety becomes chronic or overwhelming.

2. Is anxiety a mental illness?

Rather than thinking of anxiety as a mental illness, it can help to see it as your mind trying to protect you.

It’s like a dog barking at the postman — it’s doing its best to keep you safe, even when there’s no real danger.

Your unconscious mind may have learned (often from earlier life experiences) that staying on high alert is the best way to avoid pain or risk.

In Cognitive Hypnotherapy, we explore where that hyper-vigilance comes from — and help your system feel safe enough to switch off that constant alarm.

3. Do I have anxiety?

If you’re asking this question, you might be noticing:

– Racing thoughts or overthinking
– Muscle tension or jaw clenching
– Trouble sleeping
– A constant sense of dread or fear

A Cognitive Hypnotherapy session can help you understand your anxiety patterns and gently begin calming your nervous system.

4. How do I stop anxiety?

There’s no instant cure — but you can retrain your mind to respond more calmly to stress.

Techniques used in Cognitive Hypnotherapy include:

– Deep trance relaxation
– Psycho-somatic therapy
– AMDR (Applied Memory Desensitisation & Reprocessing)
– Timeline therapy
– Guided imagery
– Positive suggestion therapy
– Coaching-style tools to manage symptoms

These approaches work together to support natural anxiety relief — from the inside out.

5. How do I stop a panic attack?

Panic attacks can feel terrifying, but with the right tools, you can take back control. Try:

– Box breathing: Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4 — imagine a square as you breathe.
– Movement: Walk, stretch, or gently shake out tension.
– Grounding visualisation: Picture a safe, calm place in detail.
– Anchoring techniques from Cognitive Hypnotherapy to bring you back to safety.

These are all part of a tailored panic attack relief plan I use in one-to-one sessions.

6. Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes — anxiety is both a mental and physical experience.
Common physical symptoms include:

– Urge to escape or flee
– Uneven breathing or shortness of breath
– Tight chest, racing heart
– Digestive issues
– Sweating, trembling, or fatigue

Hypnotherapy works by calming the root of the stress response, helping both mind and body relax naturally.

7. What causes anxiety?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but common root causes include:

– Childhood experiences
– Trauma or past triggers
– Chronic stress
– Learned patterns of fear or control

In therapy, we gently uncover and reframe these patterns — helping your mind feel safer and more in control.

8. What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. For some, it’s:

– Restlessness or irritability
– Trouble sleeping
– Headaches or stomach issues
– Panic or constant worry

In Cognitive Hypnotherapy, we work with both the emotional and physical symptoms — so you feel more balanced, inside and out.

9. What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD involves ongoing, excessive worry about everyday life — relationships, health, finances, work.
It can be exhausting and isolating.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy supports long-term anxiety relief by:

– Calming the fight-or-flight response
– Helping your nervous system feel safe again
– Creating practical tools to manage thoughts and sensations

10. How can I help someone with anxiety?

Supporting someone with anxiety starts with empathy. Try:

– Letting them talk without trying to “fix”
– Encouraging small, daily calming habits
– Suggesting they speak to their GP or therapist
– Minimising overwhelm (e.g., reduce caffeine or screen time)

If someone you care about is struggling, I offer one-to-one Cognitive Hypnotherapy sessions — either online or in-person at Lucks Yard — to gently guide them toward healing.

Final Thoughts from a Cognitive Hypnotherapist

If you’re reading this, you’re already taking the first step: understanding what’s happening and seeking support.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a safe, natural, and effective way to get to the root of anxiety.
It helps you retrain your mind, calm your body, and reclaim your sense of calm, confidence, and control.

If you’re ready to explore whether this approach is right for you, I invite you to book a free discovery call:

Visit: www.laurieharvey.co.uk