Someone I know needs help with…
Anxiety

If someone you care about is feeling anxious, let them know that everyone gets anxious sometimes and it’s okay. Let them know hat they can talk to you and make time to listen. It can be helpful to support your friend/family to learn about anxiety, what it is and how it works.
What is Anxiety?
A person you care about might feel nervous, stressed, anxious or ‘on edge’ when you are getting ready to do something that is difficult for you. They might notice 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 your brain giving you a message that you are not safe. This can be helpful when someone needs to get out of danger or when you 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 is worried about getting ill you might find that they check their body for signs that they’re 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. They might worry about lots of different things, and even worry about worrying!
A 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.
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Top tips for supporting someone you care about with their anxiety:
- Let them know they can talk to you and make time to listen
- Find out more about anxiety to help you understand what they’re going through
- Ask them how you can help!
- Support them to use breathing strategies and relaxation, maybe offer to do it with them
- 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
- Support them to find professional help, maybe offer to go to the appointment with them
- Look after yourself and remember that you won’t be able to support them all of the time.
– Nadiya Hussain faces anxiety
Get Help Now!
Here are a list of services that can help. The icons below tell you the type of support available.

Talking Therapies

Mind

CALM

Nottinghamshire Crisis Sanctuaries

Base 51

Be U Notts

The Mix

Crisis Line

Text Shout

Anxiety UK

No Panic
Which services can I access?
Some of the services available operate only within city or the wider county area. Pop your postcode in below to quickly check which services are available to you
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