When unexpected things happen some anxiety is completely understandable and in many cases it is necessary because it provokes action, however sadly generalised anxiety recording rates increased in both genders aged 18–24 between 2014 and 2018 and as shown here continue to rise.
1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week in England
In 2021, those aged 16 to 29 years were most likely to have some form of anxiety, while the least likely group by quite a large margin was those aged 70 and over.
There are differences between the genders too. In 2022/23, an average of 37.1% of women and 29.9% of men reported high levels of anxiety. Both these figures increased significantly between 2012 and 2015
It is perhaps not surprising, that there was an increase in people reporting high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 24.2% reporting high levels of anxiety during 2020/2022.
Because of the limits of NHS time and resources approximately only 1 in 3 adults with a common mental health problem are currently getting treatment in the form of talking therapies, medication or both.
In the grips of anxiety peoples work patterns may begin to suffer and as a result people may experience increasing money worries. Drinking more than safe levels of alcohol or eating more may happen in the mistaken belief that it helps to relieve the anxiety and stress they are feeling.
But imagine feeling a similar level of worry and fear even when there seems little to warrant it.
Anxiety is no fun, and it's one of the most debilitating and difficult things for people to deal with, but help is available. It is simple to learn coping strategies that will give you the ability to help yourself. Understanding anxiety and what triggers it is also important and it perhaps here that the improvement can begin.
Most important of all though, is not to put up with anxiety, getting yourself the help you need will help things begin to feel better.
Contact me if you need help.
It is also vital to understand my office is a confidential, safe and relaxing place to visit, but in some cases I also offer appointments online.
