Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear. Everyone feels anxious at times, but for some people worry is hard to control and affects daily life — this is sometimes called generalised anxiety disorder [1]. Signs can be psychological (constant worry, restlessness, trouble concentrating) and physical (a faster heartbeat, tiredness, muscle tension or trouble sleeping) [1].

Things that may help include talking to someone you trust, regular exercise, good sleep and breathing exercises, and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol [1]. Talking therapies such as CBT can help, and some people are offered medicine; in England you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP first [1]. See a GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is not getting better [1].

If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online [2]. You can also call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or Childline on 0800 1111 if you are under 19 [2]. If anyone’s life is at risk — for example through serious self-harm or an overdose — call 999 or go to A&E [2].