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What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal, if unpleasant, part of life, and it can affect us all in different ways and at different times. Anxiety is something that can persist whether or not the cause is clear to the sufferer.
Anxiety can make a person imagine that things in their life are worse than they really are, and prevent them from confronting their fears. Some people have a very identifiable cause for their anxiety; a traumatic incident, lots of stressors or have undergone a significant life event (moving house, getting divorced, having surgery). However, some people do not have an identifiable cause for their anxiety and this causes them some distress. Often people use something positive that they can do to manage their anxiety, such as yoga, exercise, reading, listening to music or spending time with family or friends.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Common physical symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Increased muscle tension
- Hyperventilation (over breathing)
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Shaking
- Palpitations
- Increased perspiration
- Tension headaches
Common psychological symptoms
- Thinking you may lose control of your mind/thoughts
- Thinking you might die
- Feeling detached from your environment and the people in it
- Feeling like wanting to run away/escape from the situation
- Feeling on edge and alert to everything around you
Retrieved from: www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/anxiety-information
Getting support
- The Brain Charity can offer counselling, and stress and relaxation treatments, at our centre in Liverpool (check our events calendar). We also have our own library, which has a wide range of information on neurological conditions, and on living with a condition.
- We can also help you with support and advice about benefits and work, wherever you are in the UK.
Other places to find support
- Anxiety UK
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Infoline: 03444 775 774 or 0333 212 5820 Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5.30pm - Mind, the mental health charity
www.mind.org.uk
Helpline 0300 123 3393 Mon-Fri 9.00am-6.00pm
Find support from Mind near you:
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds - SANE
Provides care and emotional support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers.www.sane.org.uk
Saneline 0300 304 7000 4.30pm-10.30pm daily - Carers UK, support for carers
Helpline open on Mondays and Tuesday between 10am and 4pm - 0808 808 7777
www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support
Find support from Carers UK near you:
www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/local-support - The Samaritans
A safe place to talkwww.samaritans.org
Phone free any time on 116 123 - Shout
For support in a crisis, text Shout to 85258. Free and anonymous 24/7.www.giveusashout.org