Understanding anxiety: what it is and what helps

If you have ever lain awake replaying a conversation, felt your heart race before a meeting, or found yourself avoiding situations that used to feel manageable, you are far from alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health experiences in the UK — and one of the most misunderstood.

What anxiety actually is

Anxiety is your body's alarm system. It is designed to keep you safe by preparing you to respond to threat. The problem is that modern life throws up plenty of triggers that can set that alarm off even when you are not in physical danger.