#ToHelpMyAnxiety
This week – 15th-21st May 2023 – is Mental Health Awareness Week, an initiative started by the Mental Health Foundation 21 years ago. They created this space to support wider thinking about mental health, tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their and others’ mental health. You can learn more about the Mental Health Foundation by clicking here.
The theme for this year is ‘Anxiety’. Anxiety is a normal emotion that we’ve likely all experienced at some point in our lives but sometimes it can get out of control and become very overwhelming.
There are lots of reasons why we might feel anxious: relationship difficulties, work or exam pressures, starting a new job (or losing one), or other big life events. We might also feel anxious about money and meeting our basic needs, like buying food or paying our bills.
Anxiety can affect us both physically and mentally and it will look different for everyone. Some people might notice their heart rate increasing, headaches, loss of appetite, or chest pain while others may find it hard to relax, have trouble sleeping or concentrating or feel tearful and easily overwhelmed. Friends or family members might notice that you are more irritable than usual, or more withdrawn. Perhaps you seem fine on the outside but feel panicky inside.
While it is normal to feel anxious sometimes, there are things we can do that might help and what works will vary from person to person.
Below are some resources that the KeepingWell NCL Hub have selected to support you in managing your anxiety.
Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques use the five senses to connect you with the present and move your attention away from what’s going on in your mind. You can use them when you feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings.
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/the-butterfly-hug-a-simple-grounding-technique/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/grounding-techniques/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/podcast/jane-orourke-7-minute-grounded-breathing-meditation/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/using-safe-place-imagery/
Tools and resources
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/headspace-app-for-nhs/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/unmind-for-nhs-staff-app/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/nhs-practitioner-health/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/anxiety-uk/
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/the-no-panic-helpline/
You’re not alone!
https://keepingwellncl.nhs.uk/resource/the-importance-of-building-connections-and-seeking-help/
If you feel that it might be helpful to talk to someone, you can refer yourself for one-to-one support from the KeepingWell NCL Hub by emailing keepingwell.ncl@nhs.net or speaking to one of the team live via our Healthchat, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
