Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.
Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will 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, we will 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 affect us physically and mentally. If you are feeling anxious, you might notice your heart rate increasing, headaches, loss of appetite, breathlessness or chest pain. (If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional to rule out another physical cause). Anxiety might make you feel tense or nervous, find it hard to relax, feel tearful or have problems sleeping and concentrating. Friends or family might notice you are more irritable than usual, or more withdrawn. Or perhaps you seem fine on the outside but feel panicky inside
What works will be different from person to person. Things that might be helpful include being active, getting out in nature, practising breathing techniques, getting support to tackle money worries or eating well. Talking to a friend, or spending time with loved ones, is often a good first step
Taking action to address specific causes of anxiety can also help – for example, contacting a money advisor, discussing workplace stress with your employer, or seeking support if you are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination.
If anxiety is severely affecting your everyday life, you should contact your GP who can offer additional support and help. No one should struggle alone. You can also visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week
UPDATES
A 28 year old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for damaging a Ford Ranger parked in Grampian Court, Perth on Saturday 13th May.
A 45 year old man was arrested for breaking in to a property in Bowling Green Avenue, Kinross on Thursday 11th May.
A 23 year old man was arrested for possession of a knife in Park Grove, Spittalfield on Saturday 13th May.
An 18 year old man was arrested for possession of a knife in East High Street, Crieff on Sunday 14th May.
Two men aged 38 and 45 will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for camping without a permit in the Camping Management Zone of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park near St Fillans on Saturday 13th May.
During the last week 3 drivers have been found to be without insurance, 3 had no licence and 2 had no MOT
RECENT INCIDENTS
Between 12:30pm and 2:30pm, Wednesday 10th May, a white Specialized Mountain Bike was stolen from a garden in Rannoch Road, Perth. (CR/58415/23)
About 12pm, Sunday 14th May, the occupier of a property in Northfield, Guildtown returned to his property to find 3 wooden garden chairs, a stainless steel framed BBQ and a picnic table had been stolen from his garden. (CR/60517/23)
Between 11pm, Wednesday 10th and 6am, Thursday 11th May, a blue Landrover Freelander was vandalised whilst parked in Meethill Road, Alyth. (CR/59480/23)
Between 8pm, Saturday 13th and 7am, Monday 15th May, items of fishing equipment were stolen from a hut on the banks of the River Tay at Pitnacree near Grandtully. (CR/60505/23)
Between 3pm and 8pm, Saturday 13th May, an Apple Mac Book, camping battery, binoculars and items of clothing were stolen from a red Citroen Berlingo parked on the unclassified road leading from the A827 to Ben Lawers Dam. (CR/60162/23)
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.