Encouraging people to share their own experiences and any helpful ideas on how they manage anxiety.
Anxiety is usually a natural response to pressure, feeling afraid or threatened, which can cause physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms. Anxiety is something we can all experience from time-to-time. It's particularly common to experience some anxiety while coping with stressful events or changes, especially if they could have a big impact on your life. If we don’t know how to cope with our feelings of anxiety, they can get out of control and stop us from doing the things we need or want to do. The more often and the longer we feel anxious, the more it can become a problem. Dealing with anxiety can be difficult but there are some things we can do to manage these tough feelings. Have a look at the What can we do to cope with feelings of anxiety? booklet from Mental Health Foundation and Managing anxiety advice from Every Mind Matters to get some tips.
You can also register for a free #ToHelpMyAnxiety: Webinar for Mental Health Awareness Week from Stress Management Society. Hosted on 17th May 2023 at 12.00pm, the webinar is a must-attend for anyone who wants to learn more about anxiety and its impact on mental health, and for those who want to gain valuable insights into managing anxiety in their daily lives.
COST OF LIVING CRISIS AND ANXIETY
Mental Health and The Cost-of-Living Crisis: Another pandemic in the making? report from Mental Health Foundation has revealed that currently more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation. Many people are finding it hard to cope with rising bills, soaring energy prices and high inflation rate. Constantly worrying about having enough money to pay bills or buy household essentials can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. And as individuals, as families, as communities – we can’t afford to ignore the impact it has on our mental health.
Recently we’ve had more calls about the cost of living crisis with people anxious about housing situations and rising costs. We do know that money worries impact everyone’s mental health (...) - Sarah, Mind's Infoline worker
Find out about what you can do to protect your mental, emotional and physical health during the cost-of-living crisis and how you can help support others.
Mental Health and Money Advice - clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.
Cost-of-living and mental health - advice from Mental Health Foundation
Money and mental health - practical tips on managing your money and improving your mental health from Mind.
Money problems and mental health - a guide from Money Helper.
FINDING SUPPORT
If your feelings of anxiety are not going away and are having a negative impact on your life, seek help. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional about support available in your local area or contact one of the helpline services:
Anxiety UK - 03444 775 774 (open Mon-Fri: 09:30-17:30)
Rethink Mental Illness - 0808 801 0525 (open Mon-Fri: 9.30am - 4.00pm). You can also use their webchat service from 10.00am – 1.00 pm Monday to Friday, or email them at advice@rethink.org.
Mind - 0300 123 3393 (open Mon-Fri: 9am to 6pm)
If you live in England, in most areas you can refer yourself for free, non-urgent NHS talking therapies, which provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
You can also try to find help in your local area with Hub of Hope - mental health support signposting tool created by Chasing the Stigma charity.
Mental Health Foundation has also prepared a list of organisations and charities that can help and guide you through the cost-of-living crisis.