Low mood and depressed feelings 
We all feel down from time to time. But sometimes we just can't shake it off and seem to get stuck into a downward spiral. We start convincing ourselves that we will never feel better again.

 

However, studies have shown that when people get out of this way of thinking, they go back to seeing things in a more positive and balanced way.

 

By perceiving things in a very negative way we exacerbate feelings of depression.   Negative thoughts get in the way of feeling better. For example:

• Nobody likes me;  I’m worthless;  I’m unlovable
• I am a fraud – I should not be here
• Nobody will ever want to have a relationship with me
• I don’t fit in;  I’m different;  I will always be alone
• I have nothing in common with anyone here
• It’s hopeless;  I won’t be able to cope
• Things will never get any better
• I am always going to feel like this

This is irrational thinking, and you can learn more helpful ways to talk ot yourself. Click here for more info.

 

Cognitive behavioural therapy will help you change your thinking patterns. and once you think like the person you want to be, you will soon feel and behave like that too.

 

If you want to see if you can do-it-yourself, try this terrific website, run by Chris Williams of Glasgow University. And read this good self-help leaflet. And if you want a guiding hand, contact me.

However, when anxiety is constant, our performance is impaired. Anxiety can be made worse by other difficult emotions such as guilt, shame, sorrow,anger or fear. When these feelings become constant or too strong, they can interfere with our normal life.

Anxiety can affect our body too, such as irritable bowel syndrome, which is well treated with hypnotherapy.

Tips
Try the self-help leaflet in the Free Stuff section. By the way, caffeine can produce some of these symptoms too, so check the amount you are drinking. Try not to drink caffeine after about 3.00pm.