Anxiety Clinic Dublin

Tag: Fear

  • Time for less tricks and more treats

    Trick or treat

    With Halloween fast approaching it can often evoke themes of fear, making it a prime time for the spotlight on various phobias. Here are some of the most common phobias associated with Halloween (incidentally there is nothing funny about no. 6):

    1. Samhainophobia – Fear of Halloween: Named after Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that Halloween is based on, this phobia refers to a fear of Halloween itself and the associated symbols, events, and customs.

    2. Nyctophobia – Fear of the Dark: Halloween activities often take place at night, and many people with this phobia may feel heightened anxiety as darkness is a central element of the holiday.

    3. Phasmophobia – Fear of Ghosts: Ghosts are a common theme during Halloween, making people with this phobia especially uncomfortable around the imagery or discussions of spirits and the supernatural.

    4. Arachnophobia – Fear of Spiders: Spiders are a frequent Halloween decoration, and people with this common phobia may feel anxious or disturbed by the appearance of spiders, real or fake.

    5. Claustrophobia – Fear of Enclosed Spaces: Haunted houses and Halloween attractions often involve cramped, dark spaces, which can trigger feelings of claustrophobia.

    6. Coulrophobia – Fear of Clowns: Halloween often brings out people in clown costumes, which can provoke extreme anxiety for those who suffer from this fear.

    7. Necrophobia – Fear of Death or Dead Things: Halloween’s association with death, including skeletons, graveyards, and depictions of the undead, can be overwhelming for those with necrophobia.

    8. Thanatophobia – Fear of Dying: Related to necrophobia but more focused on the individual’s own mortality, Halloween’s death-related imagery can exacerbate this fear.

    9. Hemophobia – Fear of Blood: With many costumes and decorations featuring fake blood or gory themes, this phobia may be heightened during Halloween.

    10. Masklophobia – Fear of Masks: Halloween costumes often involve masks, which can trigger fear and anxiety in people uncomfortable with concealed faces.

    These phobias are intensified by the themes of horror, death, and the unknown that are central to Halloween celebrations but it doesn’t have to be all trick and no treat.

    These phobias can be dealt with and managed effectively if you are willing to give up what you are holding onto.

    If any of the above affects you emotionally then feel free to contact me to discuss how you can best get the help you need.

    Time for less tricks and more treats

    David McAllister BSc(Hons),Dip App S.S.,ADCHP, MCHPA
    Phone: 085 843 5939
    Email: anxietyclinic@dublin.com

  • AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGThe spider who came to dinner

    Animated spider drawings

    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    It’s usually the scream that alerts you. There is uninvited guest to dinner. 

    A moving shadow on the wall, the floor or God forbid the actual dinner table!

    It’s that time of year again, the seasons are changing, but for the common garden spider it’s business as usual. Well fed on a summer bounty it’s time to come inside and find a mate.

    “That’s nice, well for them, they have been kept pests off my hydrangeas all summer so the least they deserve is a little romance.” I hear you say?

    Probably not as far as you are concerned, they can scroll along “Spider Tinder” and head for the other side of town.

    But that’s not going to happen, they are in your house looking for love and don’t really give a damn what you think.

    Think, how you think that’s the key. The spiders don’t care so why should you?

    Because you do care, you believe spiders are:

    • Ugly

    • Scary

    • Dangerous

    • Harmful

    They impact on your life, stopping you from doing things:

    • Entering rooms in your house

    • Gardening

    • Hiking

    • Even enjoying Halloween

    So the real question is do you want this to continue? Feeling scared and anxious, missing out on pleasurable and indeed just normal activities?

    What if you have had enough and want to think and feel differently?

    What if you want to stop missing out and engaging more in life?

    Well why not look into hypnotherapy?

    Hypnotherapy: A Spider-Sense for Overcoming Arachnophobia


    Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is a common phobia that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Many individuals find themselves avoiding activities like gardening, hiking, or even entering their own homes due to the fear of encountering a spider. Hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that utilizes the power of the mind, has emerged as a promising approach for overcoming arachnophobia.


    How Does Hypnotherapy Work for Arachnophobia?


    Hypnotherapy involves guiding a person into a deep state of relaxation and focus, often referred to as a trance. In this state, the therapist can work with the individual’s subconscious mind to address the underlying fears and beliefs associated with arachnophobia. This may involve:


    * Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs: Hypnotherapists can help individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts about spiders, such as believing they are dangerous or harmful.


    * Rewiring neural pathways: Through hypnotherapy, it’s possible to rewire the brain’s neural pathways associated with fear, gradually replacing negative responses with more positive and neutral ones.


    * Creating a sense of control: Hypnotherapy can help individuals develop a sense of control over their fear, enabling them to manage their anxiety and respond to spiders in a more rational way.


    Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Arachnophobia


    * Non-invasive and drug-free: Hypnotherapy is a natural and non-invasive approach that does not involve medication or invasive procedures.


    * Tailored treatment: Hypnotherapy can be customized to address the specific needs and fears of each individual, ensuring a personalized treatment plan.


    * Rapid results: Many individuals report experiencing significant improvements in their arachnophobia symptoms within a relatively short period of hypnotherapy sessions.

    * Long-lasting benefits: The positive changes achieved through hypnotherapy can often be long-lasting, providing individuals with ongoing relief from their fear.


    Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?


    Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for overcoming arachnophobia, but it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re considering hypnotherapy, contact me to discuss your specific situation and determine if it’s the right approach for you.


    Remember, conquering arachnophobia is a journey, and the path may vary for each individual. With the help of hypnotherapy, I have helped many people to overcome their fear of spiders and regain their confidence in facing the world.

    website/blog: www.anxietyclinicdublin.com

    email: anxietyclinic@dublin.com

    call: Int. ++353 85 843 5939

    Nat.        085 843 5939 

    Anxietyclinicdublin.com©

  • Do you fear heights or flying or both?

    View from an airplane window

    I am sometimes asked if a fear of heights (acrophobia) and a fear of flying (aviophobia or aerophobia) are connected as I have came across many people happy to get on an aeroplane to cross an ocean yet can’t climb a ladder to clean a window and vice versa.

    Like most phobias the psychological and physical responses are the same such as:

    • increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness, and panic attacks.

    • negative thinking patterns and previous experiences, can influence both fears.

    However the triggers are different :

    • Acrophobia: This fear is triggered by situations where an individual is at a high elevation and can see the drop, such as being on a tall building, a ladder, or a cliff. The fear is often related to the potential for falling(basiphobia)

    • Aviophobia: This fear is specifically related to the act of flying in an airplane. It can be triggered by various aspects of flying, such as takeoff, turbulence, or the confined space of an aircraft, and may include fears of crashing or lack of control.

    Yet there are overlaps and differences:

    • People with acrophobia may also experience fear when flying because airplanes are high above the ground. The thought of being high up can trigger anxiety even if the context is different.

    • However, not all people with acrophobia have a fear of flying. Some might feel safe within the enclosed environment of an airplane, where they do not perceive the height in the same way as being on an open structure.

    • Conversely, some people with a fear of flying do not have a fear of heights. Their fear may be more related to the specifics of being in an aircraft, such as claustrophobia, turbulence, or the inability to escape the situation easily.

    Thus , while there is a potential connection between a fear of heights and a fear of flying, they are distinct phobias with different triggers and may or may not co-occur in the same individual. Yet other phobias such as basiphobia and claustrophobia may be more connected and play a part in the fear triggers and responses.

    Hypnotherapy is a powerful proven therapeutic method for dealing with the emotional responses to these fears and phobias and can easily be applied to anyone who wants to get on with their lives. Perhaps visiting people in far away places or getting on the rollercoaster rides with the kids.

    You see you don’t have to succumb to your fears and phobias and miss out on the pleasures in life.

    There is always a choice, a choice to live your life on your terms and seize the opportunities that fear can rob you from.

    David McAllister

    anxietyclinic@dublin.com

    ++353(0)858435939

  • Of course I’m scared it’s a six foot mouse!

    Wooden mouse

    Of course I’m scared, it’s a six foot mouse!

    These were the words of someone I knew suffering from Musophobia, the fear of mice.

    Now the mouse in question was not a real mouse , l think we all would have a reasonable expectation to be scared if it was. Like something that has escaped from a laboratory experiment that has gone terribly wrong.

    No, this was a teacher dressed up as the dormouse in their child’s school production of :Alice in Wonderland.

    Nonetheless the fear still existed as did the symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and nausea.

    The production was fast approaching and they were desperate to attend and not to miss their child’s performance.

    So we got down to work, using the powers of hypnotic imagination and concentration in a relaxed state. Utilising powerful suggestion and imagery to address the underlying fears and anxieties associated with mice ( of any shape or size).

    I have to admit it was touch and go as the deadline grew closer but before the curtain was raised they occupied their seat to be part of a performance of a lifetime ( and the show wasn’t too bad either, although the dormouse did seem to sleep through most of the show…)

    You see you don’t have to succumb to your fears and phobias and miss out on the pleasures in life.

    There is always a choice, a choice to live your life on your terms and seize the opportunities that fear can rob you from.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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    .

  • High Hang-xiety and what it’s telling you

    www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/well/live/hangover-anxiety-mood.amp.html

    An interesting portmanteau for hangover and anxiety. Growing up I would known this as “the fear”. An interesting article which for me highlights the need to go with your anxiety, listen to what it is telling you, there is much truth in the old Latin saying,”In vino veritas”. We can learn lessons from anything and anyone and this might be another way to really focus in what your mind and body are telling you. However remember to enjoy yourself as time does march on , as always it’s a question of balance and if you do find yourself in that Sunday morning state of “hang-xiety” , take your “go to” cure (mine was Irn Bru, for those unfamiliar with this drink you are missing a trick) and sit down and listen to yourself as school is in for an unfiltered session on what’s going on in your life.

    David McAllister

    anxietyclinic@dublin.com

  • Is the Sun setting in on summer ?

    Setting sun bowing figure

    I like September.

    On an island with the Atlantic to the West and the Irish Sea to the east September brings in many changes. Not only the weather as who can tell the variables of such a potent force? But more than this for us as people. Our lives change back to the normal, back to the routine- school, work, commuting, and so on.

    Another year has passed, some people have gone, some have arrived , that unstoppable circle of life that the seasons only provide a marker to what time it is. The Sun’s casting shadow getting longer, if indeed you’re lucky enough to see it (remember it always shines above the clouds) as we tread further into our daily life.

    Like I said at the beginning I like September as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the summer gone, even the year that has passed but more importantly take notice of what’s going on now. A moment to plan for the winter ahead on how we are going to protect ourselves, physically from the elements and mentally from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.

    So as the sun sets on summer what are you going to do to protect yourself perhaps some of these tips will help:

    • Keep connecting with your family and friends
    • Get active, move more
    • Make time for yourself doing something that you want to do
    • Smile and be grateful for what and who you are
    • Take two minutes to be mindful (I can send you on my two minute sessions for you to try)

    Whatever it is you choose remember the sun is going to set anyway, your not alone, the seasons will come and go , we all go through it, but we can go through it together.

    For further information feel free to Contact me.

  • Earth hour

    Earth hour candle

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

  • Anxiety and Covid-19. It might surprise you.

    Some alarming statistics where nearly 20% linked to anxiety based disorders.

    Get this quote from the paper :

    Anxiety and fear-related disorders were a prevalent condition in our sample; they were also the second highest risk factor for death among the underlying conditions considered in our study.

    Click to access 21_0123.pdf

    Of course it doesn’t have to be like this. We as individuals, groups even societies can do something about this.

    However we need to be honest with ourselves and take the intelligent first step towards action and seek out the help needed.

    I’m sure you will agree it is in all our best interests to do so. Agreed?

    anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • 10 things stopping you being awesome

    Awesome
    1. Stop worrying about what others think of you, as they probably too consumed with worrying about the same thing.
    2. Spinning too many plates. Stop. No one can do it all by themselves, start delegating or outsourcing to free up time.
    3. Hate your job? Do something about it as it won’t change itself.
    4. Too many energy vampires in your life? Ditch them, spend more time with those who help and motivate you.
    5. Lacking motivation, no.4 above will help, then set a small manageable goal and build from there.
    6. No direction? Like motivation it’s time to plan what you want in life and set goals.
    7. Putting other’s happiness before your own? Time to be positively selfish and let the happiness in for yourself first.
    8. It’s not your fault? Maybe so but don’t let circumstances dictate your life take responsibility and you’ll feel better.
    9. Ditch the comparison trap, focus on what you already have how more awesome you can be for you and others.
    10. Stop living in the past or too far into the future. We all only have this present moment. Make it count.

    Feel free to contact me for further information.

    David Mcallister

    Contact

  • Memento mori (we all must die)

    Memento Mori

    Remember we all must die. I’m in my 50s and here I am just listening to some old records(vinyl to those too young to know what a record is) after talking to old friends in the modern communication via Zoom. We are middle aged and beyond, yet I don’t see who we are now but the children we were. To close my eyes, just to listen and it takes me back. Not men, not fathers, not husbands, but just us.

    As a student of the social sciences many years ago I discarded the views of ageing as it was put to me then. For youth would of course never die, or at least , have an appreciation of an end. But then those held dear, close, go, gone. It hurts. Perhaps only for a short time and we move on. Youth remains strong. But not forever.

    We never can be sure when it happens, when the first cut of age takes it’s quota- a wrinkle, an ache, thoughts of the past more prominent than the future, who can be sure other than to know it just happened beyond our control. Then what?

    Do we continue down the path we’ll worn by those who came before us or challenge ourselves to greater glories or wait, just wait for something, anything to change our course?

    I come across far too many people who dream and hope that things will improve but like the ancient Romans are willing to leave their fates to the Gods of fortune( Fortuna spinning her wheel of fortune).

    This alarms me as I see an abundance of talent and potential just dreaming or wasting their lives away not realising everyone including you has something to offer through being alive.

    Sure if you’re content with your life and don’t feel the need to do anything differently, then that’s fine, it’s your choice. You probably don’t need to continue reading but for those who don’t feel that way then please stay with me.

    In the long run we are all dead.

    John Maynard Keynes

    I’m not going to preach, that’s not what’s this is about. I just want you to understand, no mortal being lives forever, not you, not me , not the generations past or indeed yet to come.

    We all have to start somewhere, no matter your current age or circumstances, if you want to change where you are then do it and do it now.

    Remember:

    • Dreams and hopes don’t come true without action
    • Waiting doesn’t change anything or get things done
    • Memento Mori (we all must die) make it a life worth living

    David McAllister BSc(Hons), ADCHP, MCHPA

    Contact

  • Poll: Has the pandemic affected your mental health? · TheJournal.ie

    The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on many people.
    — Read on www.thejournal.ie/mental-health-covid-19-2-5176991-Aug2020/

    Nearly 60 % of people surveyed said their mental health has been affected during this pandemic.

    It doesn’t all have to be like this.

    Let’s do something together to change this affect.

    This is a global phenomenon so no one should be left behind.

    So if you’re one of the 60% or not sure how you feel then take action now.

    There is no need to suffer alone people like me are here to help so get the help you need.

  • Embrace the fear and do it anyway

    Fear is okay

    Bertrand Russell , a hard read, but worth it.

  • Who’s responsible anyway?

     

     

    close up photo of left hand
    Photo by Dids on Pexels.com

    You may have heard this story before but indulge me as it’s important and relevant to all our lives. I have a copy of this on my office wall. Only through our own actions will we change our lives:

    This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.  There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

  • Freedom from Anxiety Journey

    What’s the most common route to dealing with your anxiety?

    GP?

    Medication?

    Counselling?

    CBT?

    Sometimes these interventions work which is great as you will not need to wait to see me however more often and not these don’t work. I know this as this is the route many people take before contacting me.

    But that’s okay as you are now taking action and just because these interventions didn’t work this has nothing to do with my therapy.

    Ask yourself this this question. How is my anxiety going to go away?

    Seriously ask yourself, do you expect the things that didn’t work before to somehow work now?

    Really focus on this as you now have a choice:

    A: Continue doing what you are doing and hope for the best

    OR

    B: Contact me

    We all need a plan B so if you have anxiety

    contact me and I’ll show you how to retrain your mind so that can take control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

    However only contact me if you really want to smash your anxiety and live the life you deserve.

    Change is a lot easier that you might think.

    Contact me today on:

    www.anxietyclinicdublin.com

    email: anxietyclinic@dublin.com

    085 843 5939

    person standing on road
    Photo by Adil Gökkaya on Pexels.com

  • How you can stop feeling self conscious

    One of the most common signs of anxiety is self consciousness. It’s not unusual for people to think that  others are talking about them or feel negatively towards them.This “what will people think” mindset causes much anxiety.

    Am I self conscious?

    This can Result in paranoia  and is almost certainly only “in the mind” of the person who experiences it. The idea that they are in the forefront of someone else’s mind is simply not true. In the same way we are in our own little bubble thinking about ourselves, they are doing the same. We are not in other people’s thinking as much as we like to think.

    When you are anxious  you look for clues to validate your  belief that people are secretly talking about you behind your back or thinking bad about you. You become a “mind reader” where you actually think you know what other people are thinking about you. In reality people aren’t walking around thinking about you.

    Tips on how to stop feeling self conscious

    It’s funny when you mind read though, you never think that they think anything nice about you! It’s always negative. Yet if you really could read minds you would be rich, you’d be on TV you’d be a celebrity. Are you any of these things? No. So you can’t read minds so it’s just paranoid thinking then.

    So whenever you try to “read people’s minds” there’s usually only 1 outcome. You will think something negative. It’s rare you will ever think “they think I’m great”. Let’s face it not everyone will like us in life. Do you like everyone you meet? No. If people like us that’s great if they don’t well that’s their loss.This is key to how to stop feeling self conscious.

    Please absorb this!

    You weren’t put here to please people, if they don’t like your personality it’s fine. You don’t like everyone’s personality either. It works both ways. Some people will like you some won’t. It’s the way it’s always been. So when you accept this it creates peace. It gives you closure. You stop bending your personality to try to please people. They aren’t bending to please you. All you do is lose yourself when you try to please everyone.

    It’s time to take back control of your thoughts and feelings.

    If you need one to one help to combat the above you can call me on:

    085 843 5939

    anxietyclinic@dublin.com

    best wishes

    David

     

  • Let’s talk about scrabble

    anxietyclinicdublin.com

    Some games are more insightful than others. If your scrabble board looks like this …it’s time to talk

  • Plan B or not to Plan B…Is that the question?

    http://anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • The Symptoms Tree

    Just like this so thought best to share.