Anxiety is a natural reaction to stressful situations and is felt by everybody at certain points in their lives. However, in some cases it occurs without an apparent cause and can be linked to mental disorders such as depression. To find out more, take a look at some of the support organisations and charities featured below.
Charities and Organisations
Anxiety UK
A registered charity established in 1970 and run by people who have lived with anxiety. Their work is supported by a high-profile advisory panel.
No Panic
A charity set up to provide help, support and information for people suffering from problems which include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias and panic attacks.
Counselling
Counselling is often an excellent option for people struggling to cope with anxiety, with methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy among the most widely-used approaches.
CBT practitioners address the thought processes that trigger the anxiety and provide relaxation techniques to help alleviate symptoms.
Helplines
First Steps To Freedom – 0845 120 2916
Their helpline is open from 10am to 2am and provides fact sheets and information such as audio tapes and books that may prove helpful to those suffering from anxiety-related conditions.
No Panic – 0808 808 0545
A voluntary charity that provides help to those suffering from panic attacks and phobias. Their free-phone telephone service is available seven days a week, 10am – 10pm
Anxiety Explained
Anxiety can manifest itself both physically and psychologically. Physical symptoms include stomach pain, a quick heart-rate, shortness of breath and a dry mouth. Irritability, anger or poor concentration are also symptomatic of the condition.
If a person experiences some of the above reactions without a recognisable cause, it may be due to an anxiety disorder. There are five main types:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Social Phobia Disorder
In extreme cases, an individual may experience sudden anxiety attacks without warning. They can be very upsetting for the sufferer and cause them to worry about where and when the next attack will take place.
In such instances, some kind of anxiety treatment should be sought to help deal with these kinds of attacks. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the UK so there is plenty of help and support available.
