We all feel anxious from time to time. For some, it is a tense feeling suffered occasionally, such as before having a medical test or job interview or over a longer period of financial worries. For others, it is an all-consuming disorder affecting them daily. Recognising when we feel anxious is always the first step so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming. Anxiety can have both physical and mental symptoms and can affect your behaviour. Some people with anxiety may appear to be fine on the outside while still having symptoms. You may have developed ways of hiding your anxiety so that other people don’t notice it. Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, see a GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.
During this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week charities, companies and individuals across the UK will be reflecting on the theme of Anxiety. Starting the conversations. Reminding themselves and others It’s Okay To Talk. Discussions may be of personal experiences or more broad, sharing methods and resources on how we can manage and improve feelings of anxiety. All with the aim of reducing the likelihood they develop into more serious mental health problems. Charities such as Mental Health Foundation will also be talking to politicians and decision-makers about what action can be taken as a nation to support good mental health.
“This Mental Health Awareness Week we’re encouraging everyone to get involved by sharing their experiences of anxiety and the things that help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety. We hope people all over the UK will take part and help us to normalise conversations about anxiety and mental health. We hope the week helps people to feel more confident in talking about anxiety and how it affects them. Most importantly, we hope people understand more about what they can do to manage anxiety and what other support is available.”
Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation
Here at VOLOCO, we know that both awareness and action are required to make a difference regarding mental health.
Action
- Discussing Anxiety in our team catch-up. A weekly video chat was first introduced during the COVID-19 lockdowns and continued ever since to ensure social interaction was maintained and encouraged between our geographically spaced team.
- Wellbeing check-ins. We have introduced regular one-to-one, in-person, informal chats to ensure all team members are heard, supported and working in a way that reflects the work/life balance they desire.
- Financial donations via our charities of the year.
Awareness
- Sharing information and resources from our charities of the year Mates In Mind and ANDYSMANCLUB through our social media channels.
Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23rd year, runs from 15-21 May and is hosted by the charity, Mental Health Foundation.
Further information and resources
Mental Health Foundation: What is anxiety? What are the symptoms? How you can help yourself and get support. Click here.
Anxiety UK: Helpline: 03444 775 774 or Click here.
Mind: Tips and advice about anxiety and panic attacks. Click here.
Mind: Information and support on all mental health topics. Click here.
ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity who have created a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives. This is achieved by offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. Find out more here.
Mates In Mind is a construction-focused, UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. Find out more here.
