Anxiety

If someone is feeling anxious, let them know that everyone gets anxious sometimes and it’s okay.  Let them know they can talk to you and make time to listen. It can be helpful to support them to learn about anxiety, what it is and how it works.

What is anxiety? 

Someone might feel nervous, stressed, anxious or ‘on edge’ when they are getting ready to do something that is difficult for them. They might have noticed their heart is beating more quickly, they feel a bit sick and dizzy, or their legs feel weak. Everyone gets anxious now and then, anxiety is the brain giving a message that an individual is not safe. This can be helpful when they need to get out of danger or when they need to perform really well at something. In fact, a little bit of anxiety can help an individual to succeed in a test, sports match or a singing performance. The problem is when our brain thinks we are in danger when we are actually okay. This is when anxiety starts to become a problem.

Anxiety can affect people quite differently, depending on what they worry about. If someone worries about getting ill you might find that they check their body for signs theyare unwell, or pay close attention to sensations in their body. If someone is worried about what other people think about them, you might find that they try to stay away from social situations, or plan out things to say.  They might be scared of a type of animal, or of being sick. An individual might worry about lots of different things, and even worry about worrying!   panic attack is what we call a sudden feeling of anxiety that causes strong physical symptoms. Panic attacks can be scary but can’t cause you any physical harm.

Top tips for supporting someone with their anxiety:

1. Let them know they can talk to you and make time to listen
2. Find out more about anxiety to help you understand what they’re going through
3. Ask them how you can help!
4. Support them to use breathing strategies and relaxation, maybe offer to do it with them
5. Encourage them to face their fears in little steps, but don’t put pressure on them if they’re not ready to do this yet, go at their pace
6. Support them to find professional help, maybe offer to go to the appointment with them
7. Look after yourself and remember you won’t be able to support them all of the time.

– Nadiya Hussain faces anxiety