Ways to combat anxiety ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week
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Anxiety is the theme of the annual Mental Health Awareness Week which starts on Monday.
The spotlight is put on mental health in a bid to raise awareness while encouraging people to reach out for help and to also support others.
There is hope that the theme will kickstart a nationwide conversation, to encourage people to share their own experiences and any helpful ideas on how to manage anxiety – something that can affect people physically and mentally.
What is anxiety?
If you are feeling anxious, you might notice your heart rate increasing, headaches, loss of appetite, breathlessness or chest pain – if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional to rule out another physical cause. Anxiety might make you feel tense or nervous, find it hard to relax, feel tearful or have problems sleeping and concentrating. Friends or family might notice you are more irritable than usual, or more withdrawn. Or perhaps you seem fine on the outside but feel panicky inside.
We all feel anxious from time to time. Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us. For example, in the current cost-of-living crisis, more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation. But it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming.
Help is at hand
There are things that we can all do to protect our mental health and manage anxiety.
What works will be different from person to person. Things that might be helpful include being active, getting out in nature, practising breathing techniques, getting support to tackle money worries and eating well. Talking to a friend, or spending time with loved ones, is often a good first step.
'Lessen the stigma'
Highland Council in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week.
The council's health, social care and wellbeing committee chairman David Fraser said: “We are all experiencing additional stresses and uncertainty because of global factors, Covid-19 pandemic recovery and the cost-of-living crisis. This means many of us across Highland are likely to be feeling the effects of reduced mental health.
"Help lessen the stigma around mental health and anxiety by reaching out to family and friends, often by making people aware that you are there for them can be a welcome relief to those struggling.
“There are local mental health support groups across Highland, many of whom share lived experience of mental health issues. They offer a confidential, friendly listening service and can help direct you to local groups/support in your area.”
Click here for information on Highland Mental Wellbeing and to locate groups in your area.
