Anxiety
What is it
Most people worry sometimes and feel anxious when stressful things happen, like exams or arguments. Our brains make us aware of what’s going on and try to prepare us to manage it. It’s part of the human response to fear or panic.
People with anxiety feel worried or panicky even when stressful things aren’t happening – and their worry starts getting in the way of their daily life. People with anxiety may worry a lot about the future and going through ‘what if…’ scenarios in their head. They may avoid certain situations because they’re worried that they might go badly.
Feelings and behaviours
- Feeling nervous, on edge, or panicky all the time
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling full of dread
- Feeling out of control with yourself or situations you’re in
Physical signs
- Having trouble sleeping (finding it difficult to get to sleep or waking up lots)
- A reduced appetite (being less hungry)
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Having a low mood or feeling tired lots
- In some cases, feeling your heart beating really fast or thinking you’re having a heart attack
- A dry mouth
- Feeling like you have wobbly legs or feeling yourself trembling
- Stomach cramps or diarrhoea
- Needing to pee more than usual
- Sweating more than usual
What’s going on
Interviews, art, blogs, and tips about mental health and wellbeing.
The Rootd app is designed to help people who experience panic attacks and anxiety.
The Molehill Mountain app is designed to help autistic people understand and manage anxiety.
Ideas for different ways to help anxiety with creative examples. You don’t need a diagnosed anxiety order to give these a go.
An overview of four tried-and-tested anxiety apps available through the Best For You app library.
Get support for how you’re feeling
Get mental health support for young people
Information about mental health services (including CAMHS) if you’re a young person in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, or Westminster.
Digital mental health support for young people across the UK
Information about apps, websites, and other digital tools that exist to support you with your mental health and wellbeing.