Are you (like me) a Downton Abbey addict? I came to it late on, and then had the guilty pleasure of being able to watch two series in a row on Netflix. I am now completely hooked, and watch it every Sunday whilst Mr Chalk rolls around on the floor at his aikido class, which is a blessing because he hates it and, were he at home, there would be a lot of eye-rolling and tutting. Strictly is another programme which engenders similar types of behaviour, and we won’t even mention Corrie.

Anyway, there was a lot going on last night, not least the awful assault on Anna, which was very upsetting. Before this, however, it looked as though Mrs Patmore was going to keel over with a heart attack, as the house party was getting all too much for her. However, once they settled her down and called the doctor, it was found to be merely a ‘panic attack’, which I am sure many people thought were a relatively new phenomenon due to modern-day stress. I am so relieved that Mrs Patmore is ok, and I hope she will find a way to share the load a bit more. She is a marvellous comic character, and is, in many ways, the lynchpin of the ‘downstairs’.

I see many people who suffer from panic attacks, brought on by anxiety (albeit for other reasons than for having to cook for a party of 50 landed gentry) but the symptoms are probably very similar to those suffered by Mrs Patmore, that is shortness of breath, becoming very hot and maybe feeling as if you are having a heart attack. I find that hypnotherapy (even just one session) can have a very positive effect in reducing the incidence and severity of panic attacks. This can be further helped by advice on relaxation techniques that can be carried out at home.

I do hope Mrs Patmore manages to take it a bit easier next week.

Take care,
Wendy x