If fear or anxiety is affecting your ability to live a full life, there is support available to you, such as the following options.
Anxiety therapy
Talking therapies have proven to be very effective in helping people with anxiety management. Depending on your fear and anxiety symptoms and causes, your GP may recommend one of the following talking therapies:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT)
If you would like more information on a suitable talking therapy for your anxiety, your GP may be able to help.
In England, you can also refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.
In Scotland the Living Life service can be accessed through NHS 24.
In Wales, Silver Cloud is accessible through their website.
In Northern Ireland visit Community Wellbeing for support.
Anxiety medications
If anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life, your doctor may talk to you about the option of anxiety medications. Medications for anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).7
Anxiety medications treat the symptoms rather than the root causes. Therefore, while they often play an important role in anxiety management, they may be most useful when combined with other treatments, such as talk therapy.
Anxiety support groups
Local anxiety support groups can help you learn a lot about anxiety management as they bring together people with similar experiences. In such groups, opportunities to share stories and provide tips and encouragement for coping with anxiety are openly given.
Mind and ReThink Mental Illness both offer online support forums. If you would like details of in-person support groups near you, your doctor, library, or local Citizens Advice Bureau can help.
