Managing anxiety

Anxiety: What it is and what can help

If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Around 8 million people in the UK live with some form of anxiety disorder. It’s one of the most common mental health challenges—and also one of the most misunderstood.

The good news? There are ways to manage it. Small shifts can ease the pressure day-to-day. And there are longer-term strategies, too—backed by research and real-life experience.

So, what is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease—like worry or fear—that can show up in all kinds of ways. For some, it’s a buzzing sense of dread about the future. For others, it’s a loop of thoughts about the past. Either way, anxiety can take over your headspace and make it hard to be present.

When is it more than just worry?

Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But if that worry sticks around, gets worse, or starts to interfere with everyday life, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. That’s when reaching out for support matters. And no—there’s absolutely no shame in that.

Right now, fewer than half of people with generalised anxiety disorder seek help. That has to change.

What can help?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are tools that many people find helpful—both for getting through tough moments and for building long-term resilience.

• Short-term steps might be things you can do today—like grounding exercises, breathing techniques, regular exercise, or talking to someone you trust.
• Longer-term strategies might include therapy, lifestyle shifts, or learning new ways to respond to anxious thoughts.

Everyone’s path looks different. But support is out there, and change is possible—one step at a time.