Dan’s Blog

Overthinking and Anxiety

by Dan Regan | May 8, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Overthinking and Anxiety: Why Your Mind Won’t Switch Off

Overthinking is something almost everyone experiences at times, but when anxiety is involved, it can feel constant, exhausting and difficult to escape.

You might find yourself replaying conversations long after they’ve finished, worrying about things that haven’t happened yet, or analysing situations over and over again without reaching a clear answer.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In my work as an anxiety therapist in Ely, overthinking is one of the most common challenges people describe. And although it can feel overwhelming, it is something that can be understood – and changed.

This article links with Episode 2 of the Dan Regan Hypnotherapy Podcast, brought to you in association with Spotted in Ely. This episode focuses specifically on why overthinking happens, why the mind gets stuck in worry loops, and how changing your response to anxious thoughts can help break the cycle.

Recognition for Clinical Hypnotherapy & Anxiety Support Work in Ely

by Dan Regan | May 7, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Recognition for Clinical Hypnotherapy & Anxiety Support Work in Ely

Over the years, one of the most rewarding parts of my work has been seeing people regain confidence, feel calmer again, and move forward after struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, stress or self-doubt.

Because of this, I was very pleased to recently receive recognition in the SME News Business Elite Awards 2026 as:

Best Clinical Hypnotherapy & Coaching Specialist 2026 (East of England)

While awards are never the reason for doing this work, it’s always encouraging to see specialist mental health and anxiety support recognised.

As an anxiety therapist and clinical hypnotherapist working in Ely and the surrounding Cambridgeshire area, my focus has always been on helping people feel safe, understood and supported while making meaningful changes in their lives.

Why Anxiety Comes Back

by Dan Regan | Apr 28, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Why Anxiety Comes Back (Even When You Thought It Was Gone)

One of the most frustrating experiences with anxiety is when it feels like it’s gone – and then suddenly, it’s back again.

You’ve been through all the physical discomfort and mental anguish. Maybe the anxiety passed on its own, or you may have benefited from anxiety therapy.

You’ve started feeling better and more like yourself. And then your unwanted thoughts and feelings come back.

You might find yourself thinking:

“I thought I’d dealt with this”
“Why is this happening again?”
“Am I back to square one?”

It can feel discouraging, especially when things had been improving.

For example, you might have felt calmer for weeks or months, only to notice the same thoughts or feelings returning in a familiar situation.

Why Do Some Thoughts Stick In Your Mind?

by Dan Regan | Apr 27, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Why Do Some Thoughts Stick in Your Mind More Than Others?

Have you ever wondered why some thoughts get stuck in your head?

You have hundreds of thoughts every day. Most of these thoughts pass through your mind quickly.

They don’t bother you too much and you probably don’t even notice the majority of them.

But every so often, a thought appears that feels different.

It might feel:

more important
more uncomfortable
harder to ignore

And instead of passing, it seems to stay.

These are often thoughts that create an emotional response, such as anxiety, These thoughts can seem to get stuck in your head.

Fear of Needles: How a Long-Term Phobia Can Start to Change

by Dan Regan | Apr 21, 2026 | Phobias and Fears

Fear of Needles: How a Long-Term Phobia Can Start to Change

Many people experience a fear of needles linked to anxiety, even when they know logically that the situation is safe.

You know it is perfectly safe – and even positive for your health and well-being. Yet still it fills you with dread and anxiety.

Many people dislike needles and injections. But for some people, it’s not just discomfort, it’s a strong, immediate reaction that can feel out of proportion but very real.

It can cause a racing heart, muscle shakiness and tears. Your mind races and some of my clients in Ely even described fainting and passing out when in sight of a needle.

Fear of needles anxiety can affect:

Why Some Fears Don’t Make Sense

by Dan Regan | Apr 21, 2026 | Phobias and Fears

Why Some Fears Don’t Make Sense (But Feel Completely Real)

You know your fear doesn’t make any sense. It’s not rational. But the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that come with it feel very real.

If a fear doesn’t seem to make sense, it’s usually not about the situation itself, it’s about how your mind has learned to respond to it.

Whatever thing your phobia and fear is linked to, it can bring on worry, anxiety and panic.

For example, the fear of swimming is a common anxiety that I help clients in Ely to tackle.

You might find yourself avoiding going to the pool when you know it isn’t logically dangerous.

It could be:

Fear of Dogs in Children

by Dan Regan | Apr 18, 2026 | Phobias and Fears

Fear of Dogs in Children: A Recent Success Story

Fear of dogs is something many children experience at some point..

For some, it’s a mild discomfort. They can be in the vicinity of dogs but are wary and keep a distance..

For others, it can begin to affect day-to-day life, especially when it leads to avoiding places like parks, walks, or outdoor activities. Just the possibility that there may be a dog can create anxiety and fear. If a dog comes nearer it creates panic..

Recently, a parent got in touch about their daughter, who had developed a strong fear of dogs..

She had reached the point where she was refusing to go on walks or visit the park in case she might see one. Just the thought of a dog coming near could create worry..

After our sessions, things changed positively and dramatically..

Whilst this was help for a child and fer of dogs, I’ve helped many adults too who struggle with this fear..

OCD and Anxiety

by Dan Regan | Apr 17, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

OCD and Anxiety: Why Thoughts Can Feel So Real

OCD and anxiety can make your thoughts feel very really – and very difficult to ignore. Your thoughts scare you because of what you are imagining. That anxiety leads to more intrusive thoughts. You start to doubt what you’ve done or worry about what you could do.

You might find yourself having thoughts that feel completely out of character.

They may be:

intrusive
repetitive
difficult to ignore
upsetting or confusing

And often, the more you try to push them away, the stronger they seem to come back.

They may be about harming yourself or others. Your thoughts mess with your recollection of events and what may have happened. You worry why you are thinking such intrusive thoughts and what that means about you and what you are capable of. Your own thoughts scare you.

Sometimes it can lead you to do certain repetitive behaviours to bring some temporary relief. Other times it can all be about that ongoing cycle of intrusive thoughts that torment you inside your own mind.

OCD and anxiety can feel very real – and often quite frightening.

Men’s Mental Health Support in Ely

by Dan Regan | Apr 15, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Men’s Mental Health Support in Ely: How Walking and Talking Can Help

Many men I speak to tell me a similar story.

They’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed – but they keep it to themselves.

Not because they want to, but because it can feel difficult to open up, or they’re unsure where to start.

For some, one-to-one support like hypnotherapy can be incredibly helpful. For others, a more informal first step – simply being around others who understand – can make a real difference.

That’s why I wanted to share a local resource here in Ely that I’ve recently connected with and that is actively helping many local mean to connect and improve their mental health.

Introverts and Anxiety

by Dan Regan | Apr 14, 2026 | Anxiety Stress and Panic Attacks

Introverts and Anxiety: When Socialising Feels Draining

Today I’m covering introverts and anxiety and writing about how socialising can feel draining.

If you’re an introvert and social situations feel draining, it’s usually not because you lack confidence, it’s because of how your mind processes stimulation, combined with patterns of anxiety and overthinking.

You might feel like social situations affect you differently to other people. It’s not that you can’t do them, you can. And you can enjoy social situations.

But they can feel draining, effortful, or mentally tiring in a way that’s hard to explain.

And as someone who is more of an introvert, you might:

need time to recover after socialising
feel more comfortable in smaller groups
find too much interaction overwhelming
feel ‘on’ rather than relaxed
feel like you need time to recharge afterwards

From the outside, it may look like calmness and confidence. But internally, it can feel like a lot of effort.

This is more common than many people realise, particularly for people who are naturally more thoughtful and inward focused.

If this sounds familiar

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