While the pandemic has caused stress and anxiety for many, there is a debate as to whether it’s impact will eventually be classified as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. The symptoms of post COVID stress disorder do not yet meet the models associated with PTSD. However, the reactions and the symptoms are like those experienced when PTSD is present. Regardless of how it is classified, the emotional reactions can be debilitating. Fortunately, it is possible to overcome post-COVID stress disorder with hypnosis.
Common reactions and symptoms
The pandemic has caused financial difficulties and forced many into isolation. A recent research article examined trauma as it relates to the pandemic. The symptoms of stress and trauma most often associated with COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, anger, helplessness, and anxiety. These reactions have led to an increase in depression as well as social anxiety. People who suffer with these reactions and symptoms are prone to avoidance, grief, insomnia, hyper arousal, negativity, and feelings of sadness.
Hypnotherapy and PTSD
Scientific studies demonstrate the efficacy of hypnosis in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Traumatic experiences and memories can be restructured and reframed so that patients are able to overcome intrusive thoughts and feelings. Additional studies show that hypnotherapy was effective at eliminating or reducing long term post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. It stands to reason that hypnosis would also be effective in helping overcome post COVID stress disorder.
Inducing hypnotic trance
The most common misconception is that hypnosis is a form of sleep. In fact, patients are aware and responsive, while and after, being guided into hypnotic trance. Hypnotic trance is achieved by a combination of relaxation, breathing techniques, imagery, and confusion. In hypnosis, the unconscious mind comes to the forefront and can be taught, or programmed, to release trauma and limiting emotional reactions.
Restructuring memories
All our experiences and memories are stored in the subconscious mind. Past experiences shape our future reactions. We learn early on that if we touch fire we’ll get burned. However, some memories cause us to be fearful and respond in a limiting way. In hypnotic trance, these experiences can be restructured so that we are free of these limiting responses. Hypnotherapy helps us to gain a new perspective and to let go of the past. Once restructured, these experiences no longer impact us. Essentially, we learn that we can feel safe and secure in a post COVID world.
Overcome post-COVID stress disorder with hypnosis
Regardless of whether COVID stress symptoms or labeled as trauma or not, they can be overwhelming. Most of us have some lingering post COVID stress symptoms. However, when those symptoms prevent us from leading a healthy and normal life, we need to seek help. Hypnotherapy can help address depression, isolation, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and grief. By reframing past experiences and changing the way we perceive the world around us, hypnosis can help overcome post COVID stress disorder.