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The caregivers guide to anxiety (instant download)

£3.99

Written by our CEO Nicky, the guide is the first of its kind in the UK, and offers information and advice to individuals supporting those with an anxiety disorder. It contains practical tips and methods to enable caregivers to provide support in a way that is beneficial to both the person with anxiety, as well as the caregiver.

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Signs your friend/loved one is experiencing anxiety

They dont' feel well

Anxiety causes various unpleasant physical symptoms. Your friend might frequently complain of having chest pains or a racing heart. They might often feel sick and have no appetite, or always seem tired.

Something seems wrong.

Anxiety causes various unpleasant physical symptoms. Your friend might frequently complain of having chest pains or a racing heart. They might often feel sick and have no appetite, or always seem tired.

They dont' feel well

Anxiety causes various unpleasant physical symptoms. Your friend might frequently complain of having chest pains or a racing heart. They might often feel sick and have no appetite, or always seem tired.

They become more negative.

This might involve focusing on the worst-case scenarios and obsessing over potential problems or situations that haven’t happened yet. As anxious-based thoughts are irrational, simply explaining that their thoughts are unfounded won’t always reassure them.

So, what can you do? Here are a few simple things that could help someone living with anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression:

Be reliable

It can make a world of difference to your friend or loved one if they know that they have someone they can depend on. Letting them know that you’re always there if they need you can be very reassuring.

Ask them how you can help

Anxiety conditions can affect different people in very different ways. What is helpful for some people might not be for others, so it’s important to ask what you can do rather than simply giving advice. Some people might not be able to tell you how you can help, but it’s good to allow them to try.

Encourage them to try new things

This can act as a great distraction. Is there an art class that they’ve always wanted to try or maybe something that they’ve never thought about? The great thing about this is that it could be something that you could do together.

Don’t only focus on anxiety

While it’s important for people to feel able to open up about anxiety, try to make sure that this isn’t the only thing that your relationship focuses on. Remind them that anxiety doesn’t define a person; they are much more than anxiety. Encourage them to do things that they enjoy, such as exercising, spending time outdoors and socialising.

Encourage them to explore support

There are various support options available, and different ones can work better for different people. Whether it’s self-help resources, support groups or accessing discounted therapy through Anxiety UK, the most important thing is that they know that there’s help available - and they just need to find out what works best for them.

Encourage them to take daily exercise

Exercise can have a huge impact on someone’s mental well-being. Whether it’s walking, running or joining a local sports team, this is something that you can do together, with both of you feeling the benefits. So put on those trainers and encourage them to do the same!
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About us

Anxiety UK is a national registered charity formed in 1970, by Katharine and Harold Fisher, for those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression.

To read more please click here.

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Contact us

Anxiety UK, Nunes House, 447 Chester Road, Manchester M16 9HA

Support channel details:
Helpline: 03444 775 774
Text: 07537 416905
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Admin: 0161 226 7727

Please note that our admin line 0161 226 7727 operates 12pm-1pm.

If you are trying to get in touch outside of these hours, please send an email to [email protected]
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Caroline FrankauCaroline Frankau
18:49 07 Mar 23
Joining Anxiety UK has had a very positive impact on my health and well-being. I thoroughly recommend their services.
Jonathan BeeverJonathan Beever
11:25 10 Oct 22
Niamh Shepherd gave an interactive online talk at my work today! it was one of the best Anxiety presentations i have seen and very well delivered, From my colleagues and I, thank you!
Natalie DunningNatalie Dunning
10:43 07 Oct 22
Used the service for a vulnerable relative. The therapist appointments were a nightmare and were incorrectly set up via Anxiety UK, he never got the perks or discounts for the mindfulness app and everyone I spoke to was either completely clueless and when I spoke to the manager he was so rude that I worried for the vulnerable people using the service!
natnat
17:31 26 Sep 22
I had my CBT through Anxiety UK and it has been a really positive experience treating my generalised anxiety disorder. The Anxiety UK team is very professional and helpful and I was actually recommended by a friend who also had a positive experience with their CBT. I would definitely use Anxiety UK again if I needed to!
sophie jorgensen-rideoutsophie jorgensen-rideout
11:35 22 Sep 22
AnxietyUK has been so helpful to me - I joined to access affordable therapy, though I was worried there might be a long wait list. This was absolutely not the case, and I was assigned a therapist super quickly! They were also super helpful when unfortunately our schedules didn't align, and I was matched with a therapist with availability that matched mine. I really recommend AnxietyUK to everyone- they also have fantastic group resources and I think it's really really helpful, especially if you can't afford private therapy and the wait lists in your area are too long.
Susie KocherSusie Kocher
14:31 20 Aug 22
I found the therapy I received through Anxiety UK a crucial and affordable form of support during a very difficult time.For this I am forever grateful and will without a doubt use their services if needed again in the future.Thank you so much.
Joan TrelogganJoan Treloggan
12:28 03 Aug 22
Felt I was being listened to and felt I belonged. It was very reassuring. Unfortunately I am very deaf and missed most of the sharing. Is it possible to have subtitles please. A very sincere thank you for being there for me. What swift service you give.
Henry BrookHenry Brook
09:55 18 Jun 22
Very nice to know this support is out there as quite often hard to actually get an opportunity to speak to someone in person these days. Had my first session last week and so far so good. Very happy with the way things are going so far and also pleased with how smoothly it was set up and assessed as to what I was after and a service that fitted around my work and life balance.
Richard EvansRichard Evans
04:12 22 Mar 22
Through a period of some significant challenge, the services offered by Anxiety UK has been fantastic, and whilst there is a long road head, progress is positive and forward.I’m extraordinarily grateful for the help and support during a challenging time, both to the Anxiety UK and my Professional Institute, The Chartered Institute of Building and their respected benevolent fund.I'm about a third the way through a 16-week program and the benefits and rewards are already coming through.Thanks again, eternal appreciation.Rich
GregGreg
16:56 18 Mar 22
Speedy, understanding and professional. If you're struggling, don't be ashamed to seek out the help you need.
Avis GoughAvis Gough
20:57 15 Feb 22
Found it reassuring I'm not the only person struggling or that I'm doing things wrong
Margaret AllanMargaret Allan
17:11 01 Feb 22
I can't recommend Anxiety UK enough as they were a godsend to me while I waited on my psychology Appointment with NHS which took over a year.During this time I used most of the resources that can be found on the Anxiety UK website. One of the resources I used was the counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I paid for this but my fee was really small and worth every penny. Therapists are all qualified Healthcare Professionals who give up their time to help.Personally I feel Anxiety UK offers a fantastic service which fills that much needed gap between being referred to NHS and your actual appointment time which nowadays due to Covid can be up to a year in waiting time.Please don't wait and suffer just visit the Anxiety UK website and see for yourself !!
Tori FentonTori Fenton
20:19 30 Nov 21
Amazing experience! Everyone was so welcoming and non judgemental. It was really reassuring to know that I’m not on my own. A lovely bunch of people, very empathetic and willing to share their experiences as well as their own coping mechanisms.
Manisha GosarManisha Gosar
14:36 13 Nov 21
Very approachable, helpful and value for money
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