Everybody experiences anxiety at times as it is a natural response to dangerous or challenging situations, but symptoms can vary from a feeling of unease through to a terrifying panic attack.  An anxiety disorder differs from normal anxiety in that it is more severe, longer lasting and impacts on a person’s day to day life.

As a result of our busy lifestyles, and with the added pressure of the pandemic, many more people are experiencing feelings of anxiety and seeking out help and support.

There are different types of anxiety that manifest in a variety of ways – physical, psychological and behavioural.  If you think anxiety may be affecting your life you can speak to one of the University Mental Health First Aiders who will be able to signpost you to help.  You can also make an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and support available.

Further Help and Support

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of actions people can use to improve their own wellbeing every day (MHFA England, Adult Manual, pg 94):

  • Connect – connect with family, friends, colleagues, support groups, community.
  • Be active – go for a walk, run, dance, play golf, do some gardening. Choose something that you enjoy!
  • Take notice – take time to notice what is around you, try and spot things you’ve not noticed before, take pleasure in noticing the sun on your face, the sound of birdsong, pay close attention to your senses when you eat.
  • Keep learning – this could be a new course or a new hobby, or something simpler like trying out a new recipe or learning more about gardening or a subject that interests you.
  • Give – smile at people, start conversations, give your time to help your community, shop for a neighbour, any small gesture that could brighten someone else’s day and won’t cost you a penny.

Websites

Anxiety UK

A national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected by anxiety through information and support.

Tel: 08444 775 774

No Panic

A charity which helps people who experience any kind of anxiety disorder. It specialises in self-help based recovery via a helpline and resources available on the website.

Tel: 0844 967 4848

OCD Action

A national charity focusing on obsessive compulsive disorder.

Tel: 0845 390 6232

Action for Happiness

A movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society, by helping people to take practical action drawing on the latest scientific research. It’s website provides many resources and evidence-based ideas for actions we can take to feel happier and help to reduce and prevent mental ill health.

Rethink Mental Illness

Provides a range of support, advice and information services relating to mental illness.

Tel: 0121 522 7007

Mind

Provides information on types of mental health issues, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy.

Tel: 0300 123 3393

Self-help books

10 Keys to Happier Living – A Practical Handbook (V. King)

A practical book covering the key areas we can take action in to enhance our happiness and psychological wellbeing and help reduce and prevent depression and anxiety.

A Head Full of Blue (N. Johnstone)

A personal account of the effects of suffering from depression, anxiety disorder and alcoholism.

Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (M. Williams & D.Penman)

Based on Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) this self-help book teaches simple meditation strategies to break the cycle of depression, stress and anxiety.

Overcoming Anxiety: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (H. Kennerley)

A self-help guide to anxiety based on cognitive behavioural therapy.