By Beds SU
Monday, 15 May 2023
Today kickstarts Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is Anxiety in the effort of increasing people’s awareness of symptoms and solutions. To help you find out more we have put together the following overview of what Anxiety is, the symptoms to look out for, how to manage it and the support available to you.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common emotions we can experience. Whether you’re stressed over the cost-of-living, looking for accommodation, exam and essay deadlines or going into a class without knowing anyone beforehand. These are all situations where we can feel worried, tense or fearful.
If these feelings of fear and danger, caused by circumstances, are ongoing and restrict you from doing the things you want to do then you may have an anxiety disorder. This is not something you face alone as 1 in 10 of us in the UK live with an anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms?
Anxiety can take the form of both mental and physical symptoms. Mental symptoms can include:
- Uncontrollable overthinking and racing thoughts
- Feelings of dread, panic or ‘impending doom’
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Physical symptoms can include:
- Racing heartbeat and heavy breathing
- Sweating and shaking
- Headaches, dizziness and fainting
There are of course other symptoms and everyone’s experience with anxiety will differ. A good way of recognising your own symptoms is keeping a mood diary, noting down symptoms you’re experiencing and particularly what makes them better or worse.
How to Manage it
There are various ways you can help reduce the impact of anxiety. Mental Health UK provides various self-help methods such as:
- Making time for yourself
- Occupy your mind with something such as a hobby, exercise or music
- Getting enough sleep and keeping a routine
- Spend time with friends or meet other people through activities such as volunteering, sport or in a society
- And as mentioned, keeping a mood diary will help you be aware of your symptoms and what makes them better or worse
It’s important to find out what works for you. Things won’t change overnight but over time you may notice your symptoms improving.
Help available
Talking about your anxiety is also a great way of relieving its impact. At the bottom of the article are resources and helplines run by charities specialising in supporting those with Mental Health problems and Anxiety.
If feelings of anxiety are affecting your life, make an appointment to speak with your GP. This can be face-to-face or over the phone, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. They may ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as your personal life. It may be difficult but it's important to be honest and open in order for them to make an accurate diagnosis.
Additional support from Beds SU
Watch out on our social media pages for more information on Anxiety. You can also check out our advice pages or contact our team of advisors for one-to-one confidential talks about anything that is affecting your personal life or studies. We are always here to help!
Additional support from the University
The University also offers personal support for students experiencing mental health difficulties and a Counselling Service for any problems affecting your academic work and life.
Throughout this week, the University have many events running at the Luton campus, Bedford campus and online. These range from talks on anxiety, exercises and arts and craft sessions to relax your mind. You can see all times and locations on the schedule.
Resources on Mental Health and Anxiety
- Mental Health Foundation – their mission is “to help people thrive through understanding, protecting, and sustaining their mental health.”
- Mental Health UK – works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support people affected by mental health problems.
- Mind – Mind offers information and advice to people experiencing mental health problems.
- Anxiety UK – A charity offering advice and helplines for those affected by anxiety, stress, phobias, panic attacks and anxiety-based depression.
- The Disability Resource Centre – Local charity supporting anyone with a disability or health condition in Luton, Milton Keynes and across Bedfordshire