Category: blog

  • A to Z of phobias (Y is a new one to me! )

    I was recently asked if there is a phobia for everything. There’s certainly potential for this to be true and over the next few months I’m going to focus attention on specific phobias. So just to get started, here is an A to Z of phobias some of which you may be more familiar with than others. I have certainly not come across “Y” yet but there again who has?

    A – Acrophobia – Fear of heights.
    B – Bibliophobia: Fear of books or reading.
    C – Coulrophobia: Fear of clowns.
    D – Dentophobia: Fear of dentists or dental procedures.
    E – Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting.
    F – Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders.
    G – Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking.
    H – Hydrophobia: Fear of water.
    I – Ichthyophobia: Fear of fish.
    J- jangelaphobia – fear of jelly.
    K – Katsaridaphobia: Fear of cockroaches.
    L – Lepidopterophobia: Fear of butterflies or moths.
    M – Mysophobia: Fear of germs or dirt.
    N – Nyctophobia: Fear of darkness or night.
    O – Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes.
    P- Pogonophobia :Fear of beards
    Q – Quadraphobia:fear of the number four
    R – Trypanophobia: Fear of needles or injections.
    S – Scopophobia: Fear of being stared at or watched.
    T – Thanatophobia: Fear of death or dying.
    U – Uranophobia: Fear of heaven.
    V – Venustraphobia: Fear of beautiful women.
    W – Wiccaphobia: Fear of witches and witchcraft.
    X – Xenophobia: Fear of strangers or foreigners.
    Y – Yokai-phobia: Fear of Japanese supernatural creatures.
    Z – Zoophobia: Fear of animals.

  • Shake it off with active April

    Action for happiness active April calendar

    Follow me and others on a journey of activity this April.

    Get outdoors, enjoy the longer days, move more, exercise a little bit more, even just relax more.

    Commit today and your mind and body will thank you for it.

  • St. Patrick and me

    St Patrick’s Day

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.

    Unlike St. Patrick I can’t promise to banish all the snakes but I can certainly help you banish your fear of snakes.

    Enjoy your day and don’t let the snakes get in your way.

    anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • A helpful guide to a mindful March

    Mindful March

    Enjoy every day of Mindful March.

    Allow all the daily tips to connect .

    Feel the benefits grow exponentially.

    See you at the 31st.

  • Lá Fhéile Bríde / Happy St Brigid’s Day

    artwork by @talesfromthewood

    Lá Fhéile Bríde / Happy St Brigid’s Day everyone

    In Gaelic tradition, today was the first day of Spring.

    The Celtic Goddess Bríd -goddess of healing was revered on this day a day that signaled renewal, new growth, and movement towards light.

    Time to renew ourselves- our thoughts, our feelings, our behaviours.

    A Spring clean for the mind.

  • Lá Fhéile Bríde / Happy St Brigid’s Day

    artwork by @talesfromthewood

    Lá Fhéile Bríde / Happy St Brigid’s Day everyone

    In Gaelic tradition, today was the first day of Spring.

    The Celtic Goddess Bríd -goddess of healing was revered on this day a day that signaled renewal, new growth, and movement towards light.

    Time to renew ourselves- our thoughts, our feelings, our behaviours.

    A Spring clean for the mind.

  • England captain Owen Farrell announces break from international rugby | UK News | Sky News

    England captain Owen Farrell announces break from international rugby | UK News | Sky News
    — Read on news-sky-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/england-captain-owen-farrell-announces-break-from-international-rugby-13018975

    Important that this message is well received, for him, his family and those feeling the same way. It’s never easy to make a call like this, as you are well aware, however the more we can spread this information the better for all of us.

  • Fast Fix Fears and Phobias Workshop

    Fast Fix Fears and phobias workshop

    A big thank you to CHI Temple Street for facilitating my Fast Fix Fears and Phobias workshop today. Super condensed version but still produced great results. I really want to congratulate the participants for taking the brave step to face their fears/ phobias and for the effort they put in today. Wishing them all well on continuing the progress they made today.

  • 5 ways hypnosis can help people with autism to cope better with challenges

    Always interesting to work with and learn from ASD clients. This article below will give you an insight into five ways how hypnosis can help. Well worth a read.

    — Read on www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/understanding-hypnosis/202209/hypnosis-the-treatment-autism

  • Fear by Kahlil Gibran

    Read and reread this fantastic poem until you realise what fear really is.

    It is said that before entering the sea
    a river trembles with fear.

    She looks back at the path she has traveled,
    from the peaks of the mountains,
    the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

    And in front of her,
    she sees an ocean so vast,
    that to enter
    there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

    But there is no other way.
    The river can not go back.

    Nobody can go back.
    To go back is impossible in existence.

    The river needs to take the risk
    of entering the ocean
    because only then will fear disappear,
    because that’s where the river will know
    it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
    but of becoming the ocean
    .

  • 10 benefits of a day off. What’s your favourite?

    Taking a day off from work or regular responsibilities can have several benefits for your overall well-being and productivity. Here are some of the key advantages:

    1. Rest and Relaxation: A day off provides an opportunity to recharge your energy and reduce stress levels. It allows you to step away from the demands of work and take time for yourself.
    2. Mental Health: Regular breaks and time off can positively impact your mental health. It can help prevent burnout, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and improve your mood.
    3. Physical Health: Taking a day off can give your body a chance to recover from physical strain and potential ailments related to stress and overwork.
    4. Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, taking time off can boost your productivity in the long run. It allows you to return to work feeling refreshed and more focused, potentially leading to higher-quality work and better problem-solving abilities.
    5. Enhanced Creativity: Stepping away from your routine can foster creativity and inspiration. Having new experiences and exploring different activities can stimulate your mind and lead to fresh ideas.
    6. Work-Life Balance: Taking regular days off is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It enables you to spend quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities you enjoy.
    7. Prevention of Burnout: When people overexert themselves without taking breaks, it can lead to burnout, which negatively affects their physical and mental health. Taking time off helps to prevent burnout and fosters long-term job satisfaction.
    8. Improved Relationships: Spending time away from work can strengthen relationships with family and friends. It allows you to be more present and engaged during your time off.
    9. Self-Care: Taking a day off is a form of self-care, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
    10. Long-Term Health Benefits: Consistently taking days off and managing stress can have positive effects on your long-term health, reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.

    Remember, the benefits of taking a day off can be maximized when you use your time intentionally. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, and avoiding work-related tasks during your day off can help you reap the full advantages of this well-deserved break.

    So ditch the guilt and jump right in, you deserve it, go on treat yourself.

    Have a good one.

    David

    Contact

  • National survey reveals high rates of anxiety and depression

    Three in five people experience depression across the country while four in five experience anxiety, according to a recent survey.
    — Read on www.independent.ie/irish-news/national-survey-reveals-high-rates-of-anxiety-and-depression/a965429193.html

  • Welcome to Joyful June

    30 days and 30 ways to make life a little bit more positive.

    Try out the daily tasks see which ones work best for you. Keep going until the end of June. If you miss one or two, that’s okay, the tasks are small enough and doable enough to double up on any given day.

    Give it a go you might just surprise yourself.

    Joyful June

  • 3 Mistakes when feeling anxious

    www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/202109/3-mistakes-we-make-when-we-feel-anxious

    3 good points highlighted in this article about anxiety.

    We can all do them.

    Remember to walk away, don’t engage until later, you may surprise yourself with your own different perspective.

    It’s about managing our thoughts, feelings and behaviours so we are prepared more when anxiety comes calling again.

    You are more supported than you think but seek out the help you need as no one can do this all alone.

    David McAllister

    http://www.anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • Spring blossom into action

    I love Spring
    I love cherry blossom trees
    Seeing the changes and growth in nature reminds me that we too can harness this change and growth.
    Immerse yourself in nature you’ll feel better for it.

  • Holland & Barrett promote Hypnotherapy for anxiety

    www.hollandandbarrett.ie/the-health-hub/conditions/mental-health/mind-and-body/how-to-deal-with-anxiety/

    Good to see hypnotherapy suggested as a positive way of managing your anxiety (number 7).

    Taking action is imperative when dealing with anxiety, seeking out help from a well trained hypnotherapist such as all the members of the CHPA (chpa.ie) can make all the difference.

    Don’t leave it to chance, if you or someone you know, is need of help in dealing with anxiety then contact the CHPA, where a hypnotherapy professional will be happy to help.

  • Look into my eyes: A look at the online hypnosis phenomenon

    Interest in hypnosis soared during the pandemic, largely thanks to social media and video conferencing. Is it a fad, or does going into a trance-like state help relieve stress and anxiety? 
    — Read on www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandwellbeing/arid-41019341.html

    As the current Chairperson of the CHPA I would like to thank Aidan and The Irish Examiner for this excellent article highlighting the positive impact hypnotherapy has had on providing support for people suffering during the pandemic. The CHPA is leading the way in providing professional hypnotherapy services, with all members fully qualified, insured and Garda (Police) vetted.

  • Young people to be prescribed surfing and dancing by NHS to help anxiety | Mental health | The Guardian

    Study to assess if ‘social prescribing’ such as surfing or rollerskating can stop conditions worsening while on waiting lists
    — Read on www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/25/young-people-offered-surfing-dancing-nhs-help-anxiety

    A good article about how the medical profession can utilise different approaches to assist their patients with anxiety.

  • Morning reflections

    Pigeon on a river bridge

    We all need a bit of time to reflect what better time than now.

  • World mental health day 2022

    World mental health day 2022

    Remember that it’s not just for today but all days.

    anxietyclinic@dublin.com ++353 (0)858435939

    David McAllister click here for more information Contact

  • The more you give the more you get

    Altruistic August

    Whether you believe in the concept of altruism or laws of attraction or even if you don’t well there is no harm in trying. So this August why not follow the daily suggestions as outlined above on the calendar and you might just surprise yourself how different you feel.

    You have nothing to lose and all to gain. So start today by consciously focusing on being kind to both yourself and others.

    Enjoy yourself it’s later than you think…

  • Earth hour

    Earth hour candle

    We are only custodians of this Blue Planet. Let’s leave better than we found it.

  • Mindful communication

    Operating theatre door

    Getting ready to deliver some mindful communication with the fantastic theatre nurses of CHI @Temple Street Dublin. It’s always a pleasure.

  • Working hard or getting the right thing done at the right time. What do you choose?

    Working with anxiety

    It’s a simple enough question, you would think. However are you feeling anxious just thinking about how to answer?

    We all assume that working hard is a good thing and many studies suggest that having a good work ethic enhances your motivation, discipline and encourages continuous skill set improvements.

    That may be true however at what cost?

    I encounter many hard working people at my anxiety clinic who despite putting in all the effort still feel anxious, stressed and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

    So what can be done to reduce these anxious feelings?

    Well let’s start by saying working hard is a good thing but in the right way at the right time. So continue to work hard but just enhance it by adding the following suggestions:

    1. Grade Tasks in level of importance : Focus your time and energy on what matters the most first and prioritise others accordingly.

    2. Be goal specific : Nothing new in this however don’t get hung up if they don’t work out. It’s the journey not the destination that matters.

    3. Utilise technology : Embrace the 21st Century’s technology. Such as: productivity apps, automated repetitive tasks and online resources

    4. Time Outs : Essential to recharge your batteries. Be guilt free and embrace your breaks. You will feel better for it.

    5. See the learning : There are no mistakes, only feedback, acknowledge it and use it to improve.

    By letting go of the feeling of having to do everything will give you the ability to get the right thing done at the right time. Do it, you might just surprise yourself.

    David McAllister anxietyclinicdublin.com