This Year’s Theme
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from the 15th to the 21st May with the theme ‘Anxiety’. Currently, over 8 million people in the UK have an anxiety disorder.
Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety. It also aims to provide information and guidance on how to find help and support. Your mental health matters, today and always!
What is Anxiety?
We have all likely experienced worry and anxiety at some point in our lives. These are normal reactions to certain situations such as passing an exam or concerns about money. However, those living with an anxiety disorder have intense levels of anxiousness frequently which can impact their day-to-day lives.
It is easy to dismiss someone as ‘just worrying’ or ‘overreacting’ which can be harmful when they want to reach out for help. As a result, Mental Health Awareness Week wants to challenge these assumptions and share the truths about the condition.
Anxiety can affect our mental health and overall wellbeing by causing high levels of stress and hopelessness. Other symptoms of anxiety include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and racing thoughts. There may also be behavioural symptoms, such as avoiding social interactions or certain situations that trigger stress. Anxiety can also impact an individual physically by causing a racing heartbeat, nausea, and stomach problems.
Anxiety can be managed with the right support and healthy coping strategies.
Types of Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Phobias
- Separation anxiety
There are also some common types of anxiety which might impact our lifestyle. For example, social anxiety and the fear of public spaces or health anxiety which can make us anxious about experiencing health related issues.
Where can I get support?
Mind UK
Mental Health Foundation
NHS Mental Health
Young Minds