Living with anxiety

On the theme of 'anxiety', this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15^th – 21^st May. With the help of Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, we’re looking at ways to help anyone living with anxiety.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues people experience, so if you’re struggling then it’s important to remember you’re not alone.

Whether it’s a feeling of unease in pressured situations or worrying about doing something, these can be different types of anxiety that might be part of your everyday life. However, for some, those anxious feelings are harder to control and can develop into episodes of anxiety. These feelings can become unbearable and have a negative effect on your life. If you feel this way, know that many people experience anxiety and it is highly treatable.

Ben’s research found that 1 in 8 people in the automotive industry are diagnosed with anxiety and 1 in 7 are diagnosed with depression, and more than 1 in 10 people in the UK – that’s over 8 million people in the UK living with one of these mental health conditions. 

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety can take many forms and differs from person to person. When you’re feeling anxious, your body will activate its fight or flight response and you may recognise some of the symptoms below, though it is unlikely that you will experience all of them.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Pounding heart
• Difficulty in taking a breath
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle pains
• Headaches
• Feeling of tension

Emotional symptoms of anxiety

• A feeling of impending doom
• A feeling of loss of control
• A sense of dread
• Feeling ‘on edge’
• Seeking lots of reassurance from other people
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

Sometimes it might be difficult to work out whether your symptoms are totally related to anxiety, or they might be related to a different illness. Anxiety can be a symptom in its own right as well as a symptom of a wide range of other conditions, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and physical conditions. Contact your GP who will be able to tell you more.    

How can I get support?

Anxiety can make certain tasks or situations seem like they are too much to take on and we can feel overwhelmed; but there are ways to beat it. It can often be beneficial to try a variety of treatments and see what works best for you. What works for one person might not work for someone else, so don’t be discouraged if the first technique you try doesn’t immediately have the effect you want it to.

For some people, it could be enough to have therapy, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). If therapy alone doesn’t resolve the anxiety, then a dual treatment plan with medication might be recommended and can be an effective solution.

Self-care tips

Living with anxiety can be very difficult, but there are steps you can take that might help. These include:

• Breathing techniques
• Eat a balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• Exercise
• Meditation
• Talk to someone
• Physical distractions
• Try to manage your worries
• Join a support group such as Anxiety UK or join the forum and community chat at No More Panic