Anxiety

What is anxiety?

We all experience feeling anxious from time to time. Anxiety can be described as a feeling of unease, such as fear or worry. It is normal to feel anxious about things in daily life, for instance taking an exam or going for an interview.

The feelings of anxiety usually pass after the event has taken place. If those feelings continue and our worries become overwhelming and harder to control, then it can affect our lives.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

• Feeling tired, on edge, restless or irritable
• Feeling a sense of dread
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep problems
• Feeling sick, dizzy, sweaty or short of breath
• Headaches and stomach aches
• Trying to avoid situations or put off doing things you are worried about
• Experiencing a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat, (contact your GP if this persists)
• Feeling the need to repeatedly check things or seek assurance from others

Self-help advice to manage anxiety

There is not always one reason to why we are anxious. Sometimes we just don’t know what is making us feel this way. We hope you find the information below useful.

• Try understanding your own anxiety – sometimes it is useful keeping a diary to identify what affects you and what you need to take action on.
• Try and shift the focus of how you are feeling in that moment – try breathing exercises or practice mindfulness. See our videos below and information on mindfulness.
• Find out more about anxiety and how it can be managed. See our self-help resources below.
• Learn new skills to manage your anxiety. Try one of our free self-help courses below.
• You may find it helpful to get involved in activities going on in your local area. Find out what’s going on in your area by visiting our in your area page.
• You don’t need to experience these feelings alone. Talk to someone you trust or see our ‘helplines’ section below. And if you or someone you know need urgent help – go to our urgent help page immediately.

If you need further help managing anxiety

If the information, advice, resources and courses on this page have not been helpful and/or you think you need more help, there are many free support services available.

If you live in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, and are aged over 18, you can make an appointment with a Psychological Health Practitioner (PHP) or GP by contacting your local GP surgery. PHPs are NHS mental health practitioners who provide a free service for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.

If you are under 18 or worried about someone aged under 18 and need urgent advice/self-referral to local mental health and wellbeing services in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, contact SPACE-Wellbeing.

Or alternatively contact another approved helpline. Some services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.