What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal, human feeling of fear or panic. When we face stressful situations, it can set off our brain’s in-built alarm bell system, which tells us something isn’t right and that we need to deal with it. Our brain wants the difficult situation to go away, so it makes us feel more alert, stops us thinking about other things, and even pumps more blood to our legs to help us run away.

Most of us worry sometimes – about things like friendships or money – and feel anxious when we’re under stress, like at exam time. But afterwards we usually calm down and feel better.

But when you’re not in a stressful situation, and you still feel worried or panicky, that’s when anxiety can become a problem.

 

What are the Symptoms of anxiety?

You might start out just feeling generally anxious, but if your symptoms get worse or last longer than they should, it could be time to get some support. Symptoms include:

  • feeling nervous, on edge, or panicky all the time
  • feeling overwhelmed or full of dread
  • feeling out of control
  • having trouble sleeping
  • low appetite
  • finding it difficult to concentrate
  • feeling tired and grumpy
  • heart beating really fast or thinking you’re having a heart attack
  • having a dry mouth
  • trembling
  • feeling faint
  • stomach cramps and/or diarrhoea/needing to pee more than usual
  • sweating more than usual
  • wobbly legs
  • getting very hot

If you experience any of these symptoms above, it doesn’t mean you definitely have an anxiety problem. But if any of them are affecting your everyday life, it’s a good idea to tell someone you trust about how you’re feeling.

How can i get help for anxiety?

 

  • Email:[email protected]
  • Talk to someone who you trust.
  • Explore the websites below by clicking on the logos.

 

 

 

‘Kooth is an award winning online counselling and emotional well-being support service available to young people aged 11-18 years in Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire. 
Young people can log on to access self-help materials, mood tracking, goal setting and one-to-one chat sessions with a qualified counsellor. Kooth is a safe and confidential way for young people to receive emotional well-being and mental health support 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Young Minds – Advice and support.

 

The Mix – Essential support for under 25’s.

 

Childline – if you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, email or chat online about any problem big or small.

Mind mental health service.