What is anxiety?
Anxiety is the mind and body’s response to uncertainty, challenge, pressure, or perceived threat. Everyone experiences anxiety at times. It can show up before important events, periods of change, difficult conversations, or when life feels demanding.
In small amounts, anxiety can be useful — helping us stay alert, prepare, and respond to situations. When anxiety becomes intense, frequent, or starts affecting everyday life, it can become difficult to manage. 
Why do people experience anxiety?
There is rarely one single cause. Anxiety often develops through a combination of factors.
Life pressures and stress
Periods of ongoing pressure can increase anxiety levels. Examples might include:
Learned patterns
People sometimes develop habits of anticipating problems or preparing for worst-case outcomes. These habits often begin as attempts to stay safe or in control.
Body and lifestyle factors
Physical wellbeing can influence anxiety. Sleep disruption, lack of rest, illness, changes in routine, high stress levels, and reduced recovery time can all affect how anxious we feel.
Personal vulnerability
Some people notice they react more strongly to uncertainty or stress than others. This does not mean anything is wrong — people differ in how they experience and process situations.
How anxiety can keep itself going
Anxiety can become a cycle:
Trigger → Thoughts → Physical sensations → Actions → More anxiety
Example:
A difficult email arrives
↓
“I’ve done something wrong”
↓
Heart racing, tense muscles, difficulty concentrating
↓
Avoid opening messages or over-checking work
↓
Short-term relief, but more worry later
Recognising this cycle can help identify where change is possible.
Signs anxiety may be affecting you
You might notice:
In your body
In your thinking
In your behaviour
Practical ways to respond
Notice patterns
Ask:
Focus on what is actionable
Separate:
Choose one small next step where possible.
Support your body
Simple foundations matter:
Reduce avoidance gradually
Where safe and appropriate, taking small steps toward situations rather than avoiding them can help rebuild confidence.
When to seek extra support
Consider additional support if anxiety:
-
affects sleep, work, relationships, or daily activities,
Speaking with a manager, wellbeing service, GP, or mental health professional can help.
This page is intended as general wellbeing information and is not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment.
Podcasts
Websites
Books
(Workbook that offers a structured, evidence based CBT program to identify, challenge, and reframe anxious thoughts. It is organized into a ten session course)
(Designed as a practical guide for emotional overwhelm, this book provides tools for specific moments of struggle, such as feeling unmotivated or needing to calm down)
Apps
(Log emotions daily, helping them identify patterns and triggers. It is particularly useful for those looking to understand their mental health better)
(Provides strategies to manage negative thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and stress, mimicking a personal digital coach)
Videos
Worksheets
thoughtrecordsheetanxiety.pdf
Helplines
Podcasts
Social Media
Amanda | Regulated Living & Mental Health Educator (@amandaontherise) • Instagram photos and videos
Joshua Fletcher (@anxietyjosh) • Instagram photos and videos