This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is focusing on anxiety, a common emotion that can sometimes become a mental health problem. The week aims to increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, it aims to keep up the pressure to demand change, making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
Anxiety can be caused by many things, including exam pressure, relationships, starting or losing a job, significant life events, and financial worries. According to a recent mental health survey, anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems experienced by adults, with a quarter of adults reporting feeling so anxious that it stopped them from doing things they wanted to do some or all of the time. The week seeks to address this issue by providing practical steps individuals can take to manage their anxiety effectively.
In the UK, over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time. A quarter of adults reported feeling so anxious that it stopped them from doing things they wanted to do some or all of the time, and six in ten adults experienced this feeling at least some of the time. Less than 50% of people with generalised anxiety disorder access treatment. However, there are practical steps people can take to manage their anxiety, and focusing on anxiety for Mental Health Awareness Week can increase awareness and understanding of the issue.
To better manage their mental health, individuals can take practical steps like getting comfortable thinking and talking about their inner experiences, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help through talking therapies or hypnotherapy. Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders is crucial to effective treatment. Hypnotherapy may help individuals change their relationship with anxious thoughts and feelings. Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is at least as effective as behavior therapy and cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) treatments that employ imagery and relaxation techniques for anxiety disorders. Other studies have shown that hypnotherapy is significantly useful in reducing anxieties such as stage fright.
By focusing on anxiety for Mental Health Awareness Week, the hope is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help if needed. The week aims to provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Ultimately, the focus on anxiety during Mental Health Awareness Week seeks to create a more supportive and understanding society for those who may be struggling with anxiety.
While there’s many things you can do to better your mental health, sometimes you need to talk to a professional. If you’re feeling stressed, depressed or overly anxious we have fully qualified and insured hypnotherapists on our therapists finder.
