Do you ever feel like your stomach is tied in knots? That you can’t stop fretting or worrying? That you want to hide away from the world and never come out?

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It may not seem like it, but these feelings are very normal and very human. It’s our body’s own personal response to stress and it can cause us a multitude of unpleasant sensations, both physical and emotional.

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Some anxiety is normal
 

In life the occasional bout of anxiety is to be expected. After all, we all get worried about some things – it might be a big job interview, public speaking, going to the dentist, meeting new people or lots of other common worries. But anxiety can become far bigger than that. Anxiety can become a very real and debilitating mental health problem when it impacts your ability to live your life as fully as you want to.

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What are the signs of anxiety?
 

If you’re feeling anxious, you might experience one or more of the following:
 

• Heart palpitations (fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart)

• Trembling or shaking

• Panic attacks

• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

• Sweating

• Racing thoughts

• Stomach issues (pain, feeling sick or running to the loo)

• Trouble concentrating

• Sleep problems 

• Withdrawal

• Unable to relax 

• Feeling restless 

• Constant worrying 

• Irritability 

What causes anxiety?
 

Stress is often one of the main causes of anxiety. This could be how much stress you’re under now, or what you’ve experienced in the past.

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Some other triggers for anxiety may include:
 

Financial worries 

Being abused, bullied or harassed 

Emotional or physical abuse 

Loneliness 

Working long hours or burning out 

Being unemployed

Uncertainty of world events

Drug use

Alcohol use

Relationship difficulties 

Side effects of medication

Homelessness

Coping with anxiety
 

If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, it’s important to find treatment and tools to help you cope. It’s also important to identify and manage your own personal triggers. Your GP, or a mental health professional, are the best people to guide you and will talk you through the best treatment options available. 
 

When it comes to anxiety, we believe knowledge is power. The more you know, the more equipped you’ll become to manage your symptoms. There are lots of different ways you can manage your anxiety. Here are a few things that might help:
 

Therapy

Exercise

Medication

Support groups

Creativity

Breathing exercises 

Mindfulness

Meditation

Changes in diet

Tools and resources to help with anxiety
 

UpbeatLiverpool

PSS anxiety management booklet

Paddy’s relaxation video, etc

YouTube videos