Anxiety

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Below, you will find a short video and further information to help you

So..

What is Anxiety?

Most people feel anxious or scared sometimes, but if it’s affecting your life there are things you can try that may help.

Support is also available if you’re finding it hard to cope with anxiety, fear or panic.

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.

It’s not always easy to recognise when anxiety is the reason you’re feeling or acting differently.

Physical: faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat, feeling lightheaded and dizzy, headaches, chest pains, loss of appetite, sweating, breathlessness, feeling hot, shaking

Mental: feeling tense or nervous, being unable to relax, worrying about the past or future, feeling tearful, not being able to sleep, difficulty concentrating, fear of the worst happening, intrusive traumatic memories, obsessive thoughts

Changes in behaviour: not being able to enjoy your leisure time, difficulty looking after yourself, struggling to form or maintain relationships, worried about trying new things, avoiding places and situations that create anxiety, compulsive behaviour, such as constantly checking things

Specialist support

Below, you will find organisations and charities who are best suited to assist you

Samaritans

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor.
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Breathing exercises

This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.
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Exercise

Exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing.
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Let's talk..

Things you can try to help with anxiety, fear and panic

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. You could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to

use calming breathing exercises

exercise – activities such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can help you relax

find out how to get to sleep if you’re struggling to sleep

eat a healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy levels stable

consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer support on the Mind website

listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides

Do Not:

do not try to do everything at once – set small targets that you can easily achieve

do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

do not avoid situations that make you anxious – try slowly building up time spent in worrying situations to gradually reduce anxiety

try not to tell yourself that you’re alone; most people experience anxiety or fear at some point in their life

try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve anxiety as these can all contribute to poor mental health

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