And how to cope
Figures show an increasing number of people are concerned about mental health but experts say there are plenty of simple steps we can take to keep ourselves in good psychological shape
fear that persists over time. instance, you wouldn’t usually cribe anxiety as your response to meone coming at you holding a fe but you might describe rying about what that might be as an anxious response. t’s the thought process of mething bad happening to mething we cherish, which be anything from normal mination right up to that essant buzzing in your mind.” scenarios and plan for them. But for some of us, the anxious thought becomes disproportionate to risk. It becomes overwhelming and starts to limit our ability to live life and do the things we want to do.” Anxiety doesn’t hit people like lightning. There will often be a set of causes and experiences that explain why they’re responding in a certain way.
Rowland said: “It’s often much ASK FOR HELP SOCIETY has a responsibility so fewer of us are at risk of mental ill health – and we need a culture where it’s safe to ask for help.
Rowland said: “If you’re worried about your health, reach out to friends and get as much information more logical than people understand. If someone has experienced a form of bullying then social anxiety is a common and understandable response.
“If the response to an event has become a dysfunctional way of responding to other people or the world, it can be a serious problem but it can be managed.” If anxiety is a response to past experiences, then it’s not totally implausible to think a detox could as you can. There are also lots of people who haven’t seen a doctor and that’s OK as long as they’re finding the support they need.
“We would always advise that if people are feeling unwell, to take it seriously and seek help. Visiting a GP is a smart thing to do.” ease symptoms. Rowland said: “The starting point is asking, ‘What’s the root of the anxious thought and what is it trying to communicate?’ We would suggest anything that helps someone to stop, take stock, reflect and do something different to what they’re currently doing.”
Exercise, relaxation, healthy eating, avoiding toxins such as alcohol, having space for silence and reflection, and reconnecting to nature are all positive steps.
Rowland added: “They’re so simple people dismiss them thinking it must be more complex. We’ve lost the art of living in a way that doesn’t trigger high anxious responses.”
Anxious thoughts can overwhelm and limit the ability to do the things we want to do
Where people need to be careful is how sustainable a detox is.
Rowland said: “The idea of living a healthy life, which a detox suggests, is great but we should take small steps towards taking control in a way that can be sustained into the future.
“We talk about recovering from rather than being cured of anxiety because we all experience ups and downs throughout life. But it’s possible to live symptom-free for a long period and live in a way that provides freedom and autonomy with greater levels of calm.”