What is anxiety?
Anxiety is something everyone experiences. It is a normal response to situations that feel threatening or pressured, like exams, interviews, or starting somewhere new. A bit of anxiety can actually help you focus.
It becomes a problem when it does not switch off. When the worry sticks around even when there is nothing specific to worry about, or when it starts affecting your daily life.
What it can feel like:
- Feeling nervous or on edge all the time
- Feeling overwhelmed or full of dread
- Heart racing, tightness in your chest
- Trembling, feeling faint
- Stomach problems, sweating
What can help
If your anxiety feels too intense or lasts too long, that is a sign to talk to someone.
Contact our Therapy Service at therapyservice@atomix.ac.uk for a drop-in or to arrange weekly sessions.
Things you can also try:
- Breathing and grounding. Breathe in for four, hold, out for six. Or try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can feel, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
- Mindfulness. Apps like How We Feel are free, and Calm and Headspace offer free trials. Any of them can help you build a routine.
- Give yourself time to worry. Set aside 15 minutes in the day when you are going to do nothing but worry. Sounds counterintuitive, but it can help you let go of worries for the rest of the day.
- Write it down. Keeping a journal of how you are feeling can help you spot patterns and work out what helps.
- Challenge unhelpful thoughts. When your brain tells you the worst will happen, try reframing: what is the evidence? What would you say to a friend thinking the same thing?
For parents and carers: Young Minds guide to supporting your child with anxiety.