Mental Health Awareness Week: Handling Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction that everyone feels in moments of fear or tension, and if anxiety becomes a daily occurrence, even when experiencing something new and exciting, there are solutions. you should take action or seek help to deal with it. Whether your anxiety levels are high for the first time or have been bothering you for years, support is just one anonymous phone call away.

pressure

The pressures that affect everyone, most notably the cost of living crisis, are having a negative impact on the disability community. At this time, it is important to take care of your own mental health and seek support when needed. Niamh Nicholson is his Coordinator for Partnerships and Helplines. anxiety ukis a charity that helps people affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.

“Everything that’s going on will affect people who have never experienced anxiety before, as well as those who do,” Niamh stresses. “It started during the pandemic, when people started experiencing physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, but some already had it, and it’s getting worse.

“The cost of living crisis will add to these concerns, as the world situation really affects people’s general anxiety levels, even the war in Ukraine.”

When anxiety becomes a barrier to daily life and affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks, it’s time to access solutions and find support.

“The first thing to do is be able to recognize anxiety and know that it’s okay,” says Niamh. “We encourage people to check themselves regularly to see how they are feeling, whether they have anything on their minds right now, whether they have many concerns, and whether they have a big list about their condition. It’s a good idea to think about whether you have a management, consider whether you need a little more help, and if so, ask for help in the next step.

“It also helps to focus on the little things you can do to make your life better each day.”

reach out

Seeking support and advice can feel intimidating at first. It may make your feelings worse. But once you have access, you can change your mind. The Anxiety UK Helpline is a free and impartial service accessible to anyone wanting to take the first step.

“Our helpline is staffed by friendly volunteers who take calls from all over the country,” explains Niamh. “People turn to us for advice and guidance on anxiety, stress, and even specific phobias. There are cases.”

A short conversation with someone who understands how you feel can make a big difference in itself.

“As a user-driven charity, we experience anxiety both directly and when caring for loved ones with anxiety,” Niamh reveals. “People with such experiences are great for supporting others. .

“Just talking to someone can be really therapeutic in and of itself.”

When you call one of these helplines, volunteers can discuss your feelings and offer tips and guidance on what might help or what additional support you may need.

“You may need a little more information on how to stay healthy in general,” Niamh advises. “It could be breathing and relaxation exercises, exercising and eating well, making sure you’re sleeping well, and going outside for some fresh air. It can break down a huge barrier to knowing what’s going on inside.

“Accessing a support group can be a highly therapeutic way to share your thoughts and feelings with like-minded people in a safe space. , working with a therapist can help you take action.” Plan how you will deal with your anxiety. “

There are many supportive methods for dealing with anxiety, but simple approaches are often very effective.

“When you’re feeling insecure, you can forget the basics — the simple things that help you protect yourself,” Niamh stresses. “When was the last time you spent time outside? It’s very good to go out and it clears your head.”

Even light outdoor exercise, such as walking or gardening, can help flush out accumulated stress hormones and relieve both the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety.

“By doing these simple things, like taking a brisk walk, eating well to give yourself energy to cope with everything, and getting quality sleep, you can handle the day’s stress and worries. ,” Niamh explains. “Nature is freely available to all of us and has a really positive effect on our health.

“Remember that you can take things at your own pace and have complete control over your journey, but even these little things can help.”

help others

If you are caring for a loved one, or if you spend a lot of time with a close friend or family member and notice that they are feeling more anxious, starting a conversation may help. .

“You can start the conversation with simple words like ‘Are you okay?'” advises Niamh. “Ask how things are going, remember it’s okay to dig a little deeper, and tell them you know there’s a lot going on right now.

“Just being there can help, but let them open up when they want. You can’t force someone who isn’t ready to ask for help. Be supportive, but also be patient.”

Whether you want access to the tools yourself or help a loved one deal with anxiety, free, unbiased support is always nearby. By checking yourself, implementing simple remedies, and seeking help when needed, fear does not have to dominate your daily life.

Access Anxiety UK resources online (www.anxietyuk.org.uk) or contact the helpline by calling 03444 775 774 or texting 07537 416905.

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