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Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace (Assessment) | Level 2 | P13055 | Burton and South Derbyshire College

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The purpose of this qualification is to give learners the skills to support colleagues with mental health problems. These skills will be gained by increasing the learner’s knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions and the principles of mental health first aid and how this can be implemented in the workplace.

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Suicide Awareness and Prevention | P13026 | Burton and South Derbyshire College

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The course is aimed at anybody who wants to expand their knowledge of suicide awareness and prevention.  The course will provide a general understanding and in-depth knowledge of suicide awareness and prevention. Learners should be able to recognise the effects of suicide and suicidal thoughts on the affected individual, their loved ones and on wider society.  They will also understand how to recognise suicidal behaviour in children, young people and adults and how to support individuals.  

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Children and Young People’s Mental Health | Level 2 | P15897 | Burton and South Derbyshire College

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10% of children and young people (aged 5-16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem, yet 70% who experience mental health problems have not had the support they need.
This qualification will increase your knowledge and awareness of children and young people’s mental health. By completing the qualification, you will develop knowledge of mental health in children and young people which would support progression onto further qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care or education sector.
In this qualification, the term ‘children and young people’ refers to an age range of 5-18 years old.

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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This Padlet was updated on 24/06/2025.  It has sources from the course learning materials and additional sources to enhance your professional development. 

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This Padlet was updated on 24/06/2025.  It has sources from the course learning materials and additional sources to enhance your professional development. 

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In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely - as much as two decades early - due to preventable physical conditions.

Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet the gap between people needing care and those with access to care remains substantial. Effective treatment coverage remains extremely low.

Increased investment is required on all fronts: for mental health awareness to increase understanding and reduce stigma; for efforts to increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments; and for research to identify new treatments and improve existing treatments for all mental disorders. In 2019, WHO launched the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019-2023): Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health to ensure access to quality and affordable care for mental health conditions in 12 priority countries to 100 million more people.

In 2022, WHO launched the World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental health for All.

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Mental health problems are very common. In a single week, at least one in six of us has problems with our mental health, according to the government's major study of adults in England.

What are mental health problems?

Mental Health problems are difficult experiences that make it harder for us to get on with our lives. They include the painful feelings and thoughts that we all have at times - including periods of sadness, hopelessness and fear.

Mental health problems are not a weakness - they are just responses to what is happening, and what has happened, to us and around us.

For example, we might feel tense, worried and afraid - a common experience often described as 'anxiety'. This might affect our sleep, eating, work, studies and dealings with people in our lives, as well as alcohol and drug use. Other people might not know how we're feeling, unless we tell them.

Getting support from other people, and looking after our mental health, can help us get past problems like this and prevent them becoming more serious or long-term. Changing our lives to tackle the causes of our distress will also help - if this is possible. Most people who have problems with their mental health can get over them or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on.

Some mental health problems cause us more serious distress and problems with our lives, and may continue for years. For instance, hearing and seeing things that others can't see, or believing that other people are out to get us, can cause conflicts with other people. As a result, we may lose jobs, friends, children, housing and even our liberty and lives.

Diagnosing mental health problems: pros and cons

Mental health problems are not like cancer or heart disease, where scientific tests can reveal what is wrong. With mental health problems, it's our painful feelings and thoughts, and their effects on our lives, that are the difficulty. There's no 'hidden' part that only experts understand.

This may seem confusing, because people who work in mental health often use medical terms such as 'anxiety', 'depression', 'bipolar' and 'bulimia' to diagnose people's problems with their mental health. According to this view, getting the diagnosis right helps to get the treatment right.

Some people find it helps them to have a mental health diagnosis. It can come as a relief and help them understand and accept themselves - and also help others to do so. In addition, a diagnosis can help with getting benefits, support at work or with studies and treatment from health professionals.

Other people feel harmed by diagnosis. They feel worse about themselves as a result of the label they've been given, or fear it will make others wary of them - potential employers, friends, partners and mental health professionals, for instance.

More than a diagnosis

There is much concern that people with a mental health diagnosis are too often seen as no more their diagnosis, rather than as a whole, living person who changes as their live unfolds. This can have a profoundly harmful effect on their quality of life.

It's worth remembering that a mental health diagnosis is no more than a health professional's opinion about the experiences another person is having. Another professional might have a different opinion.

Diagnoses also change with society. Until the early 1970s, for instance, psychiatrists ruled that being gay was a 'mental illness'. Eventually, campaigners (including some psychiatrists) persuaded the influential American Psychiatric Association to change its view. Overnight, millions of people were 'cured'.

Despite the controversy around mental health diagnoses, medical terms remain the most common way to describe problems mental health.

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Mental health problems are very common. In a single week, at least one in six of us has problems with our mental health, according to the government's major study of adults in England. Mental Health problems are difficult experiences that make it harder for us to get on with our lives.

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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The evolution of mental health care over 75 years

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It was only 75 years ago that the term ‘mental health’ conjured up much different connotations than it does today. People with mental health issues…

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News and press releases from the Mental Health Foundation.

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Mind's ambassadors and celebrity supporters make huge contributions to our work, supporting fundraising events and raising awareness of mental health.

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Musicians Who Have Opened Up About Their Mental Health Struggles

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Stars who have spoken about their mental health and try to destigmatize mental health struggles include Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Adele, Kid Cudi and more.

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GUEST ARTICLE: The importance of accurate representation of mental health in the media - An article by Izzy Jackson - Changes Bristol

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The way in which the media represents people’s experiences of mental illness has been criticised as inaccurate and harmful. People with mental health conditions are often portrayed in horror, police procedurals, and thrillers as dangerous- the perpetrators of violent crime. Conversely, media can downplay mental health conditions, using them as a punchline with little acknowledgment […]

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What is stress?

Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It's very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.

But too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships - especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.

Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time can also lead to a feeling of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called burnout.

The tips on this page should help, but if you have been experiencing stress for some time and it's affecting your daily life or causing you distress, you should consider seeking further support.

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What is stress? Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It's very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.

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Causes of stress | Types of mental health problems | Mind - Mind

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Read about some possible causes of stress. These include lifestyle changes as well as problems with money, housing or work, and experiencing discrimination.

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Stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response. Chronic stress can cause negative health effects on your mood, immune and digestive systems, and cardiovascular health.

You're sitting in traffic, late for an important meeting, watching the minutes tick away. Your hypothalamus, a tiny control tower in your brain, decides to send out the order: Send in the stress hormones! These stress hormones are the same ones that trigger your body's "fight or flight" response. Your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles ready for action. This response was designed to protect your body in an emergency by preparing you to react quickly. But when the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it could put your health at serious risk.

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Everyone expresses stress from time to time. Anything from everyday responsibilities like work and family to serious life events such as a new diagnosis, war, or the death of a loved one can trigger stress. For immediate, short-term situations, stress can be beneficial to your health. It can help you cope with potentially serious situations. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates and ready your muscles to respond.

Yet if your stress response doesn't stop firing, and these stress levels stay elevated far longer than is necessary for survival, it can take a toll on your health. Chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your overall well-being. Symptoms of chronic stress include:

Your central nervous system (CNS) is in charge of your "fight or flight" response. In your brain, the hypothalamus gets the ball rolling, telling your adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones rev up your heartbeat and send blood rushing to the areas that need it most in an emergency, such as your muscles, heart, and other important organs.

When the perceived fear is gone, the hypothalamus should tell all systems to go back to normal. If the CNS fails to return to normal, or if the stressor doesn't go away, the response will continue.

Chronic stress is also a factor in behaviors such as overeating or not eating enough, alcohol or drug abuse, and social withdrawal.

Stress hormones affect your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. During the stress response, you breathe faster in an effort to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood to your body. If you already have a breathing problem like asthma or emphysema, stress can make it even harder to breathe.

Under stress, your heart also pumps faster. Stress hormones cause your blood vessels to constrict and divert more oxygen to your muscles so you'll have more strength to take action. But this also raises your blood pressure.

As a result, frequent or chronic stress will make your heart work too hard for too long. When your blood pressure rises, so do your risks for having a stroke or heart attack.

Under stress, your liver produces extra blood sugar ( glucose) to give you a boost of energy. If you're under chronic stress, your body may not be able to keep up with this extra glucose surge. Chronic stress may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The rush of hormones, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate can also upset your digestive system. You're more likely to have heartburn or acid reflux thanks to an increase in stomach acid. Stress doesn't cause ulcers (a bacterium called H. pylori often does), but it can increase your risk for them and cause existing ulcers to act up.

Stress can also affect the way food moves through your body, leading to diarrhea or constipation. You might also experience nausea, vomiting, or a stomachache.

Your muscles tense up to protect themselves from injury when you're stressed. They tend to release again once you relax, but if you're constantly under stress, your muscles may not get the chance to relax. Tight muscles cause headaches, back and shoulder pain, and body aches. Over time, this can set off an unhealthy cycle as you stop exercising and turn to pain medication for relief.

Stress is exhausting for both the body and mind. It's not unusual to lose your desire when you're under constant stress. While short-term stress may cause men to produce more of the male hormone testosterone, this effect doesn't last.

If stress continues for a long time, a man's testosterone levels can begin to drop. This can interfere with sperm production and cause erectile dysfunction or impotence. Chronic stress may also increase risk of infection for male reproductive organs like the prostate and testes.

For women, stress can affect the menstrual cycle. It can lead to irregular, heavier, or more painful periods. Chronic stress can also magnify the physical symptoms of menopause.
What are the causes of inhibited sexual desire? "
Stress stimulates the immune system, which can be a plus for immediate situations. This stimulation can help you avoid infections and heal wounds. But over time, stress hormones will weaken your immune system and reduce your body's response to foreign invaders. People under chronic stress are more susceptible to viral illnesses like the flu and the common cold, as well as other infections. Stress can also increase the time it takes you to recover from an illness or injury.
Keep reading: Learn tips on managing your stress "

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Constant stress can increase your risk for long-term health issues like heart attack and diabetes. Learn the toll stress can take on the body.

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Mayo Clinic Minute: How stress affects your body

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What is stress?

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger-whether it's real or imagined-the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the "fight-or-flight" reaction or the "stress response."

The stress response is the body's way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life-giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid a car accident.

Stress can have other positive aspects, sometimes referred to as "eustress." For example, it can help you rise to meet challenges such as keeping you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpening your concentration when you're attempting a game-winning free throw, or driving you to study for an exam when you'd rather be watching TV.

But while not all stress is bad for you, beyond a certain point, it stops being helpful and starts to cause major damage. Stress that feels overwhelming can have a negative impact on your health, mood, productivity, relationships, and your quality of life.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it's time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance. You can protect yourself-and improve how you think and feel-by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

How stress works: The stress response

When you feel threatened or in danger, your body's stress or "fight or flight" response is automatically triggered. Your nervous system releases a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action.

Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time, and enhance your focus-preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

Stress doesn't always look stressful

Psychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they're overwhelmed by stress:

Foot on the gas. An angry, agitated, or "fight" stress response. You're heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and unable to sit still.

Foot on the brake. A withdrawn, depressed, or "flight" stress response. You shut down, pull away, space out, and show very little energy or emotion.

Foot on both. A tense or "freeze" stress response. You become frozen under pressure and can't do anything. You look paralyzed, but under the surface you're extremely agitated.

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Eustress vs. distress

It can be helpful to think of stress as being on a spectrum. At one end, you have "eustress" or positive stress, the manageable levels of stress that can motivate you to meet challenges at work, school, or in your personal life. While eustress may take you out of your comfort zone, it can help you to meet the challenge of a job interview or first date, for example, or complete a project at school or work that means stretching yourself and learning new skills.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have "distress," the stress that makes you feel overwhelmed. This negative stress can damage your mood and outlook, disrupt your sleep, and trigger health issues such as depression and anxiety. Distress occurs when you feel you're under more stress than you can handle, whether it's from feeling too busy at work, not having enough money, or suffering an illness or bereavement.

Everyone experiences stress differently

Your individual perception of stress can also affect whether you experience positive eustress or negative distress in a situation. For example, if an impending work deadline leaves you feeling worried, exhausted, and overwhelmed by, you'll likely experience distress. On the other hand, if you the same impending deadline makes you feel excited about the positive affect it could have on your career, then stress you experience is more likely to be eustress, motivating and helpful.

Similarly, something that's stressful for one person may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it. While some of us are terrified of getting up in front of people to speak, for example, others live for the spotlight. And while you may enjoy helping to care for your elderly parents, your siblings may find the demands of caretaking overwhelming and stressful.

How stress can make you sick

Your nervous system isn't very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats. If you're super stressed over an argument with a friend, a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you're facing a true life-or-death situation. And the more your emergency stress system is activated, the easier it becomes to trigger, making it harder to shut off.

If you tend to get stressed out frequently, like many of us in today's demanding world, your body may exist in a heightened state of stress most of the time. And that can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Health problems caused or exacerbated by stress include:

1. Depression and anxiety.

2. Pain of any kind.

3. Sleep problems, such as insomnia.

4. Autoimmune diseases.

5. Digestive problems.

6. Skin conditions, such as eczema, stress rash, or hives.

7. Heart disease and high blood pressure.

8. Weight problems.

9. Reproductive issues.

10. Thinking and memory problems.

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress

When you're stressed out, the hormones produced by your body in a stressful situation can trigger a variety of physical and emotional responses.

You may feel sick or dizzy, anxious, worried, or nervous, or become tense, angry, short-tempered, or even despairing.

Physically, you may react by sweating excessively, experiencing muscle aches, chest pains, blurred eyesight, or itchy skin.

But many symptoms of stress can be less immediately noticeable. That's because the most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. In fact, many of us simply get used to it. After a while, feeling constantly stressed can start to feel familiar, even normal. You don't notice how much it's affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll on your health and well-being.

That's why it's important to be aware of the common symptoms of excessive stress. These include:

Cognitive symptoms:

Emotional symptoms:

Physical symptoms:

Behavioral symptoms:

Is it stress or anxiety?

Causes of stress

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.

Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be internal or self-generated, when you worry excessively about something that may or may not happen, or have irrational, pessimistic thoughts about life.

Finally, what causes stress depends, at least in part, on your perception of it. Something that's stressful to you may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it. While some of us are terrified of getting up in front of people to perform or speak, for example, others live for the spotlight. Where one person thrives under pressure and performs best in the face of a tight deadline, another will shut down when work demands escalate. And while you may enjoy helping to care for your elderly parents, your siblings may find the demands of caretaking overwhelming and stressful.

Common external causes of stress include:

Common internal causes of stress include:

Top 10 stressful life events

According to the widely validated Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, these are the top ten stressful life events for adults that can contribute to illness:

What's stressful for you?

Whatever event or situation is stressing you out, there are ways of coping with the problem and regaining your balance. Some of life's most common sources of stress include:

Stress at work

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance, impact your physical and emotional health, and affect your relationships and home life. It can even determine the difference between success and failure on the job. Whatever your ambitions or work demands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress, improve your job satisfaction, and bolster your well-being in and out of the workplace.

Job loss and unemployment stress

Losing a job is one of life's most stressful experiences. It's normal to feel angry, hurt, or depressed, grieve for all that you've lost, or feel anxious about what the future holds. Job loss and unemployment involves a lot of change all at once, which can rock your sense of purpose and self-esteem. While the stress can seem overwhelming, there are many steps you can take to come out of this difficult period stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed sense of purpose.

Financial stress

Many of us, from all over the world and from all walks of life, are having to deal with financial stress and uncertainty at this difficult time. Whether your problems stem from a loss of work, escalating debt, unexpected expenses, or a combination of factors, financial worry is one of the most common stressors in modern life. But there are ways to get through these tough economic times, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.

Retirement

No matter how much you've been looking forward to it, retiring from work can bring stress as well as benefits. Escaping the daily grind and a long commute can seem like a great relief at first. But after a few months you may miss the sense of identity, meaning, and purpose that came with work, the structure it gave your days, and the social aspect of having co-workers. To help you through the stress of retirement, there are healthy ways to make adjustments and deal with this major life change.

Caregiver stress

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel that you're in over your head or have little control over the situation. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind - eventually leading to burnout. However, there are plenty of things you can do to rein in the stress of caregiving and regain a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life.

Grief and loss

Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life's biggest stressors. Often, the pain and stress of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can ease your sadness and help you come to terms with your loss, find new meaning, and move on with your life.

How much stress is too much?

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it's important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is "too much" differs from person to person. Some people seem to be able to roll with life's punches, while others tend to crumble in the face of small obstacles or frustrations. Some people even thrive on the excitement of a high-stress lifestyle.

Factors that influence your stress tolerance level include:

Your support network. A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against stress. When you have people you can count on, life's pressures don't seem as overwhelming. On the flip side, the lonelier and more isolated you are, the greater your risk of succumbing to stress.

Your sense of control. If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it's easier to take stress in stride. On the other hand, if you believe that you have little control over your life-that you're at the mercy of your environment and circumstances-stress is more likely to knock you off course.

Your attitude and outlook. The way you look at life and its inevitable challenges makes a huge difference in your ability to handle stress. If you're generally hopeful and optimistic, you'll be less vulnerable. Stress-hardy people tend to embrace challenges, have a stronger sense of humor, believe in a higher purpose, and accept change as an inevitable part of life.

Your ability to deal with your emotions. If you don't know how to calm and soothe yourself when you're feeling sad, angry, or troubled, you're more likely to become stressed and agitated. Having the ability to identify and deal appropriately with your emotions can increase your tolerance to stress and help you bounce back from adversity.

Your knowledge and preparation. The more you know about a stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope. For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less stressful than if you were expecting to bounce back immediately.

How well do you handle stress in your life?

Ask yourself which of these statements apply to you:

1. I have people I confide in when I'm feeling under pressure who make me feel better.

2. I feel comfortable expressing how I feel when something is bothering me.

3. In general, I feel in control of my life and confident in my ability to handle what comes my way.

4. I find reasons to laugh and feel grateful, even when going through difficulties.

5. No matter how busy I am, I make it a priority to sleep, exercise, and eat right.

6. I'm able to calm myself down when I start to feel overwhelmed.

Each "yes" answer represents an important stress coping skill. Each "no" represents an area to work on to better deal with stress and become more resilient.

Improving your ability to handle stress

Improving how well you handle stress means building your resilience. The more resilient you are, the better you're able to not just tolerate stress, but also cope with uncertainty and adversity, and rebound from setbacks in life.

Resilience isn't a quality that you're either born with or not. Rather, it's something that you can learn to build over time.

Building resilience can help you to:

Stay focused and productive in stressful circumstances.

Improve how well you communicate under pressure.

Feel more confident when facing hardships, setbacks, or uncertainty.

Maintain control of your emotions when you're stressed out-even strong ones like anger or despair.

[Read: Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience]
Tips to relieve stress and build resilience

Get moving. Upping your activity level is one tactic you can employ right now to help relieve stress and start to feel better. Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction from worries, allowing you to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and dancing are particularly effective, especially if you exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move).

Connect to others. The simple act of talking face-to-face with another human can trigger hormones that relieve stress when you're feeling agitated or insecure. Even just a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly look from another human being can help calm and soothe your nervous system. So, spend time with people who improve your mood and don't let your responsibilities keep you from having a social life. If you don't have any close relationships, or your relationships are the source of your stress, make it a priority to build stronger and more satisfying connections.

Engage your senses. Another fast way to relieve stress is by engaging one or more of your senses -sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, or movement. The key is to find the sensory input that works for you. Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm? Or smelling ground coffee? Or maybe petting an animal works quickly to make you feel centered? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Learn to relax. You can't completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body's relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities can reduce your everyday stress levels and boost feelings of joy and serenity. They also increase your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

Eat a healthy diet. The food you eat can improve or worsen your mood and affect your ability to cope with life's stressors. Eating a diet full of processed and convenience food, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress, while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help you better cope with life's ups and downs.

Get your rest. Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. At the same time, chronic stress can disrupt your sleep. Whether you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep so you feel less stressed and more productive and emotionally balanced.
[Read: Stress Management]

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Stress Symptoms, Signs, and Causes - HelpGuide.org

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Learn all about stress, including its effect on your health, common causes, the signs and symptoms of stress overload, and how to protect yourself.

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If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.
The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.

Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing can make your problems worse.

Some of the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting a positive outlook.

What you can do to address stress

Try these 10 stress-busting suggestions:

Be active

Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.

For more advice, read about exercise for depression.
Get started with exercise
Take control

If you think you cannot do anything about your problem, your stress can get worse.

That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing.

The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.

Connect with people

A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.

The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.

Talking things through with a friend may also help you find solutions to your problems.

Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.

Have some "me time"

Many of us work long hours, meaning we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy.

It's important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise.

You could try setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work.

Challenge yourself

Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.

It can also make you want to do things and be active.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping.

They might provide temporary relief, but in the long term, these crutches won't solve your problems. They'll just create new ones.

It's best to tackle the cause of your stress.

Help other people

Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, often become more resilient.

If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
Find out more about giving for mental wellbeing
Work smarter, not harder

Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that'll make a real difference.

Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that you will not have time for everything.
Get tips on how to manage your time better
Try to be positive

Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful.

Try writing down 3 things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.

Accept the things you can't change

Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over.

For example, if your company is making redundancies, you could focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.

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How to beat stress, including exercise, taking control, social networks, work-life balance, and being positive.

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Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.

But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason.

Symptoms of panic disorder

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe, and can include feelings of worry and fear. Panic is the most severe form of anxiety.

You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack.

This can create a cycle of living "in fear of fear". It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.

Panic attacks

During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.

A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.

Symptoms include:

a racing heartbeat

feeling faint

sweating

nausea

chest pain

shortness of breath

trembling

hot flushes

chills

shaky limbs

a choking sensation

dizziness

numbness or pins and needles

a feeling of dread or a fear of dying

a churning stomach

a tingling in your fingers

feeling like you're not connected to your body

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.

Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one.

Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack.

For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.

When to get help

See a GP if you've been experiencing symptoms of panic disorder.

They'll ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them.

They may also carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have regular and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks.

Treatments for panic disorder

Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.

Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms.

Talking therapies

You can refer yourself directly to a talking therapies service for treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

If you prefer, you can see a GP and they can refer you.

Your therapist may discuss with you how you react when you have a panic attack and what you think about.

They can teach you ways of changing your behaviour to help you keep calm during an attack.

You may need to see your GP regularly while you're having CBT so they can assess your progress.

Medicine

If you and your doctor think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed:

Antidepressants can take 2 to 4 weeks before they start to work, and up to 8 weeks to work fully.

Keep taking your medicines, even if you feel they're not working, and only stop taking them if your GP advises you to do so.

Referral to a specialist

If your symptoms do not improve after CBT, medicine and connecting with a support group, your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

The specialist will carry out an assessment and devise a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.

Things you can try yourself

What to do during a panic attack

The next time you feel a panic attack coming on:

stay where you are, if possible

breathe slowly and deeply

remind yourself that the attack will pass

focus on positive, peaceful and relaxing images

remember it's not life threatening

Preventing a further attack

It may help to:

read a self-help book for anxiety based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - ask your GP to recommend one

try activities like yoga and pilates, to help you relax

learn breathing exercises for stress to help ease symptoms

do regular physical exercise to reduce stress and tension

avoid sugary food and drinks, caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking, as they can all make attacks worse

For more help on how to deal with panic attacks, read about anxiety, fear and panic.

Support groups

Panic disorder can have a big impact on your life, but support is available. It might help to speak to other people with the same condition, or to connect with a charity.

You may find the following links useful:

Ask your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you.
Find mental health services in your area

Complications of panic disorder

Panic disorder is treatable so it's best to get medical help as soon as you can.

If you do not get medical help, panic disorder can escalate and become very difficult to cope with.

You're more at risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as agoraphobia or other phobias, or an alcohol or drug problem.

Having panic disorder may affect your ability to drive. The law requires you to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could impact your driving ability.

Visit GOV.UK for further information about driving with a disability or health condition.

Causes

As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood.

But it's thought to be linked to a combination of things, including:

a traumatic or very stressful life experience, such as bereavement

having a close family member with panic disorder

an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain

Panic disorder in children

If your child has the signs and symptoms of panic disorder, they should see a GP.

After taking a detailed medical history the GP will carry out a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.

They may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend a course of CBT for your child.

Read more about anxiety disorders in children or find out about mental health support for children and young people.

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Panic disorder is where you keep having panic attacks, often for no obvious reason. Includes symptoms, treatments and self-help tips.

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This page is about adults aged 18 and over with GAD. Find out about anxiety disorders in children.

Symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

The main symptom of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is feelings of stress or worry that affect your daily life and are difficult to control.

Other symptoms of GAD may include:

difficulty sleeping

feeling restless, irritable or finding it difficult to concentrate

getting tired easily

feeling tense

stomach problems

a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat (palpitations)

feeling lightheaded or dizzy

low mood or depression

There are also other types of anxiety disorder and it's common to have more than one at the same time. For example:

If you're not sure it's GAD

Most people feel anxious sometimes. It does not always mean you have GAD.

It's more likely to be GAD if you feel anxious most of the time and it affects your everyday life.

If you're not sure you have GAD, see our general advice about getting help with anxiety, fear and panic.

you think you might have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

you've been diagnosed with GAD and treatments are not helping

Other ways to get help

If you're 18 years old or over, you can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

If you're pregnant or have given birth within the last 12 months, your midwife, doctor or health visitor can also help you get support.

How generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is diagnosed

If you see a GP about symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), they'll ask you some questions about your worries and physical symptoms.

It's important to try and be honest with them, even if it may be difficult to talk about your emotions. This will help them to diagnose or rule out an anxiety disorder.

A GP may diagnose GAD if you have the typical symptoms and:

you often worry about a wide range of things

feelings of anxiety are affecting your daily life

you're finding it hard to control your feelings

you have felt anxious a lot of the time for at least 6 months

Treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can help you to manage your symptoms, but it may take time.

The main treatments a GP may offer include:

talking therapies - usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the support of a therapist, either by yourself or in a group

medicines that can help to treat anxiety - usually a type of antidepressant called an SSRI

referral to a community mental health team with a range of specialists who can help to create a treatment plan for you

A GP will usually advise you to try talking therapies before they prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialist.

Things you can try to help with anxiety

If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), there are things you can try yourself that may help to ease the symptoms of anxiety.

Do

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor - you could also contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to

try recommended self-help therapies - such as books, online tools or courses that you can do in your own time

learn how to relax using calming breathing exercises or try activities such as yoga or pilates

try to get enough sleep - this can help you have the energy you need to cope with difficult feelings and experiences

exercise regularly - activities such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can reduce anxiety and stress and help you sleep better

eat a healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy levels stable

Don't

do not focus on the things you cannot change - focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

do not avoid situations that make you anxious - try slowly building up time spent in worrying situations to gradually reduce anxiety

do not drink lots of coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks - they contain caffeine which can disrupt your sleep and make it harder to control your anxiety

do not use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve anxiety as these can all contribute to poor mental health

Help and support for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), you can get support from your GP. They'll also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national and local charities such as Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and Anxiety UK that offer information and support for anyone affected by GAD.

Online or local support groups

There are charities that offer local or online support groups for anyone affected by GAD.

Support for family, friends and carers

If you care for someone who has GAD, you can get advice and support from charities.

More information and advice

You can read more information and advice about GAD on charity websites.

Causes of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) does not usually have an obvious cause, but there are some things that can increase your chances of having GAD.

These include having:

another anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder or social phobia

close relatives with anxiety disorders, depression or other mental health conditions

a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying

a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis

a history of drug or alcohol misuse

GAD is also more common in women than men.

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is when you feel scared, worried or panicked about something. It's a normal, human feeling and your body's natural response to stress or danger. Anyone can experience anxiety, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or faith.

We all feel anxious from time to time. Day-to-day things like friendship, money, exams or work can cause anxiety. Or certain situations, such as travelling home at night, starting a new school or giving a presentation. But the feeling usually passes once we feel safe or solve the problem we had. Generally the worries stop and we're able to carry on with our lives.

As humans evolved, our brains developed an inbuilt alarm system. It warns us when something isn't right and we need to keep ourselves safe. This alarm triggers what is known as the 'fight or flight' response - this is when your body prepares to either run away, fight, or freeze.

Think about what happens in your body when you feel anxious. You might feel a churning feeling in your stomach, dizzy or light-headed or hot and sweaty. These symptoms are all part of the fight or flight response.

This can make us feel like we're in physical danger, but it's important to remember that feeling this way doesn't necessarily mean you are in danger.

What happens to our body in fight-or-flight mode?

When our brains are in fight-or-flight mode, our thinking brain - the part that helps you think clearly, learn and solve problems - switches off. This makes it hard to stay calm and control your emotions and behaviour. We evolved to have this response to help us react to dangerous situations our ancestors faced, like being chased by a predator.

But in modern life, we don't tend to face dangers like this anymore. Instead, our anxiety can be triggered by more complicated situations or feelings where it might not help us to run away, fight or freeze. Yet we still experience the fight-or-flight response.

There are things you can do to help when you feel this way. You can use activities that soothe or distract you and bring your attention back to your body and senses. This calms the fight-or-flight response and switches the thinking brain back on so you can start to feel better.

When does anxiety become a problem?

Anxiety becomes a problem when it is more long term and you feel stuck in your worries or fears. They may last for a long time, even after a stressful situation has passed. You might feel upset and overwhelmed, as if your worries are too big to manage. Or they may stop you from doing everyday things.

When anxiety becomes a problem, it is sometimes called an anxiety disorder. There are different types of anxiety disorders and they can affect your life in different ways. Speaking to your GP, or someone else you trust, can help you find out what the problem is and how you can take care of yourself.

For more advice on reaching out for help, take a look at our guide.

Young people have told us that their anxiety has sometimes been dismissed as perfectionism or the normal ups and downs of being a teenager. But if it's impacting your life, it's important to get the help you need. Remember, however you're feeling is valid, even if you're not sure why you feel the way you do.

Anxiety can feel lonely and impact your self-esteem, but you are not alone. Things can improve and get better. Our section on looking after yourself if you have anxiety has lots of information to help you find what works for you.

We asked young people what it's like to live with anxiety. Here's what they said:

Just remember that if you're struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, you are not alone.

What causes anxiety?

There are lots of things that can cause anxiety. It could be how you feel in specific situations, however big or small, or life events that are out of your control. It might be because of something that happened in the past, worries about the future or things that you know could happen.

We all experience stressful situations in different ways. What makes you feel anxious might not make someone else feel anxious at all. That doesn't make your feelings wrong. We all have different things that we find difficult and that's okay.

Sometimes it's really clear what's making us anxious, but sometimes it's not. You might feel like your anxiety comes out of nowhere and this can be upsetting and confusing. But how you feel is valid. There's no right or wrong thing to feel anxious about.

Some common things that can cause anxiety include:

Discrimination and anxiety

Experiencing discrimination against your identity can also be a big source of anxiety. This could be because of your race, religion, abilities, sexuality, gender identity or something else. You might experience abuse, injustice or be scared to be yourself. Discrimination is never okay, and you deserve to feel proud of who you are.

We know that if you're experiencing discrimination, talking to someone you trust can really help. But it can help to talk to someone who understands you and your background. See the bottom of this page for a list of organisations that work with specific groups of young people to offer tailored support.

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Illustration by @fiorenza_art. A sitting fox has a thinking bubble with a heart inside and text on their tail reads, 'at this very moment, someone somewhere feels the same way you do. And that makes me feel a bit less alone.'

Real stories from young people about what caused their anxiety

Symptoms and signs of anxiety

Anxiety looks and feels different for everyone. We might notice anxiety in:

stomach problems, such as pains, feeling sick or diarrhoea

heart beating really fast

fast, shallow breathing

feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint

grinding your teeth

shaking or trembling

sweating more than usual

nervous, on edge and unable to relax

overwhelmed

like something bad is going to happen

out of control

tired and grumpy

needing reassurance or worrying you've upset someone

self-conscious

Anxiety is a healthy human emotion that we all feel sometimes. That means most of us will have felt some of these feelings at some point. So if some of these symptoms feel familiar, that doesn't mean you have a problem.

But if any of them are affecting your everyday life or causing you distress, it's a good idea to tell someone you trust or speak to your GP. We have lots of advice and information in our guide on how to talk to your GP.

These physical symptoms can be so frustrating and a huge discomfort. And when we don't know how common they are, it can leave us feeling all alone.

Types of anxiety disorders

Understanding different types of anxiety disorders can help you understand your own experience better and explain it to people you trust. As there are many ways to experience anxiety, you might recognise your experience in more than one anxiety disorder, or you might not recognise your experience here at all. That doesn't mean that your experience isn't valid.

The important thing is that you speak to your GP if you are struggling with anxiety, however that looks. They can help you find the support that's right for you, whatever you're going through.

If you have GAD you might find it difficult to control your worries. You can feel symptoms of anxiety often or all the time. This might be completely out of the blue or triggered by a range of situations. This can include situations where you might not expect to feel anxious.

Symptoms of GAD can include:

feeling restless, irritable or on edge

being unable to control worries

having difficulty concentrating

getting tired easily

sleep problems

pain such as headaches, muscle aches and stomach aches

It's normal to experiences nerves, worry or stress when you're studying. Especially when you have exams or assignments coming up. But if your anxiety feels too overwhelming and you're finding it hard to cope, it's time to reach out for help. Speaking to someone you trust is the first step towards getting support. This could be someone at school or university, your GP or someone close to you.

Our bloggers share their experiences of anxiety

Treating anxiety disorders

Illustration by Emily @21andsensory. Black text in the centre of a white background reads, 'believe in yourself and magic will happen.'

Feeling constant anxiety can be a sign that something isn't right, and you may need some help figuring out what that is. Your GP can suggest different types of treatment that can help if they think you're suffering from anxiety. They can also offer regular check-ups to see how you're doing.

There are a few different ways of treating anxiety disorders. Your treatment will depend on your age and the cause of your anxiety. You might try one, or end up using a combination of treatment options. The important thing is to find what works best for you.

Take a look below at the different types of treatment you may be offered.

Talking therapy can help you get to the root of what is causing your anxiety. One of the most common types of talking therapy used to treat anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). With CBT, you work with a therapist who helps you understand your thoughts and feelings. They then help you explore ways to change how they affect you. You also learn practical techniques to help you relax and cope better in everyday life.

Have a look at our counselling and therapy guide to find out more about different types of talking therapies and what happens in a therapy session.

Applied relaxation can help you manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. The focus is to learn how to relax your muscles in a particular way. You can then use this technique when you're in situations that usually cause anxiety.

Take a look at Eve's blog on how Progressive Muscle Relaxation helps her when she feels anxious or panicked.

If anxiety is stopping you from going to the doctor

It can be difficult if making appointments and going to the doctor gives you anxiety. If your anxiety is stopping you from getting treatment, let your GP know. They will be able to make arrangements to help.

For example, they could arrange phone calls or home visits. You could take someone with you to appointments or ask someone to call the GP for you. It's okay to tell your GP if you are struggling and need to make adjustments.

You may have heard that waiting times for mental health support can be quite long. The reality is that this will vary on the type of support that your GP thinks you need and where you are in the country. The waiting times vary in different areas. If you would like to know more about this, it's okay to ask your GP when they refer you. They may not know exactly, but they might be able to give you a rough timeframe.

This can feel really frustrating. But it's important to remember that how you're feeling is valid, however long you have to wait for support. Also, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself while you're waiting. Take a look at some tips that young people have told us helped them.

I noticed behaviours, mindsets and thought patterns that were having a negative effect on my mental health, and I still use the techniques I learnt in CBT to cope with these.

To this day, I still use these methods if I feel a wave of anxiety coming on, and they have truly helped me become stronger and more able to cope with difficulties in life.

Ways to look after yourself if you have anxiety

If you're struggling with anxiety, there are things you can do and support available to help you feel better. Different techniques will work for different people, and there might be one or two activities that you know you can use at different times.

For example, breathing and mindfulness. This could help you feel calm before doing something that you know makes you anxious. But this might not help in an anxious moment. Instead, you might move or stretch your body, play a game, or focus your attention on your senses and what's around you.

Below are some coping technique ideas that you can try.

Self-help techniques for anxiety aren't a replacement for getting help or a way for you to fix anxiety on your own. They are ways of looking after your mental health, like we would our physical health. Take a look at some ideas below.

Keeping a diary of your thoughts, worries and about times when you feel anxious can help you recognise signs or patterns in your anxiety. This empowers you to know when you need to ask for help or do something to help yourself.

Playing games with your friends or on your own is a great way to take time out from daily life. This could be sports, jigsaws, card games or video games. There are also lots of apps to help us relax and feel calmer, such as puzzles, classic arcade games or playing with patterns and colours.

Express yourself in creative ways. This could be anything from drawing and painting to photography or baking. Keeping ourselves busy and making something can help us manage our worries and feel present.

Relax by listening to a playlist of songs or a podcast that you find soothing. Or rewatch your favourite TV show or movie that feels familiar to you.

How to make a self-soothe box

Our Activists explain what a self-soothe box is, how it can help you when you're feeling anxious or panicky, and what they have in theirs. Have a look at Eve's blog for more ideas on what you could put in your self-soothe box.

What is a self-soothe box?

In its simplest form, self-care is just the little things we do to look after our mental health. Alongside relaxing activities, self-care can also be showing ourselves compassion, setting boundaries or not comparing ourselves to others. Self-care will look different for everyone.

Take a look at our guides for more advice on finding out what self-care means for you.

Our bloggers share their coping techniques for anxiety

How to support a friend with anxiety

It can be difficult to know what to do if your friend or someone close to you is struggling with anxiety. It's normal to feel worried, confused or scared of saying or doing the wrong thing. But remember that it's not your responsibility to fix anything. Sometimes just listening to how they're feeling can be a really big help.

If a friend opens up to you about struggling with anxiety, here are some things you can do to support them.

It's important to remember to look after your own mental health too and only support them in ways that feel manageable for you. It's not all on you to support your friend with anxiety. For more information and advice, have a look at our guide on supporting a friend with their mental health.

We never really spoke of my troubles explicitly; he just knew that I was struggling and was always on hand to suggest fun activities and encourage me to do them with him.

Where to get help

If anxiety is taking over, you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you get through this.

This page was reviewed in June 2023. It was co-created by young people with lived experience of anxiety. We will next review the page in 2026. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.

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Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders | Signs and symptoms

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Anxiety is a feeling of fear or panic that many young people experience. Find out about the causes and symptoms of anxiety and where to get help.

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National charity helping people with Anxiety - Anxiety UK

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Become a Member of Anxiety UK. We pride ourselves on being user led, with many on our staff and volunteer team having personal experience of anxiety.

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A phobia can develop during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
They can be linked to a frightening event or stressful situation. However, it's not always clear why some phobias occur.

Specific or simple phobias

Specific or simple phobias, such as a fear of heights (acrophobia), usually develop during childhood.

Simple phobias can be linked to an early negative childhood experience. For example, if you're trapped in a confined space when you're young, you may develop a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) when you're older.

It's also thought that phobias can sometimes be "learnt" from an early age. For example, if someone in your family has a fear of spiders (arachnophobia), you may also develop the same fear yourself.

Other factors in the family environment, such as having parents who are particularly anxious, may also affect the way you deal with anxiety later in life.

Complex phobias

It's not known what causes complex phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia. However, it's thought that genetics, brain chemistry and life experiences may all play a part in these type of phobias.

The physical reactions (symptoms) a person experiences when faced with the object of their fear are real and aren't simply "in their head".

The body reacts to the threat by releasing the hormone adrenaline, which causes symptoms such as:

sweating

trembling

shortness of breath

a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

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A phobia can develop during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. They can be linked to a frightening event or stressful situation. However, it's not always clear why some phobias occur. Specific or simple phobias, such as a fear of heights (acrophobia), usually develop during childhood.

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Fear of flying courses

Nearly one in six of us has some sort of anxiety about flying, but now there's a solution. Conquer your fear of flying and take off with confidence. Find out more about what courses are available at Manchester Airport, then sit back, relax and ascend.

Fly and Be Calm

Do you have a fear of flying? There is now a quick and easy solution that can be downloaded and used instantly: The Fly and Be Calm Fear Eraser.

In essence Fly and Be Calm works in three steps:

1. Bring up as much fear as possible at the thought of flying. In other words your problem emotional state is activated. Rate the fear on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest).

2. Try as hard as possible to hold onto your fear whist listening to the 10 minute fear eraser.
Rate the feeling again and replay if any fear remains. Once all fear is gone try to bring up fear. Completion occurs when you are unable to bring up an fear even when trying.

3. As anyone who is scared of flying will know, the fear can often be physically felt. For some it is a tightness in the chest or head, whilst for others it is a churning in the stomach. This fear of flying cure quite literally removes this physiological response to nothingness.

Most will experience complete calmness after just one or two listens, though for some a little more repitition is required. Once the fear has gone, additional tracks are provided to create a positive expectancy of the flight and to lock in place the feelings of calm.

Fly and Be Calm is based on psychological technology which was initially devised to help trauma victims and other such people suffering from major emotional suffering. These tools and techniques are used by therapists all over the world and indeed many UK schools have begun utilising these methods to help children with a range of emotional difficulties.

If you require fear of flying help, no matter what you have tried before it is worth experiencing Fly and Be Calm. They offer a money back guarantee (see website for details) and because it works in a very different way to any other method on the market it is worth trying.

Passengers can input voucher code "FABC10" to claim a £10 discount off the full price.

For further details see www.flyandbecalm.co.uk

Virgin Atlantic Flying Without Fear course

The acclaimed Virgin Atlantic Flying without Fear course has helped thousands of people to conquer their phobia. Catering for people who are too frightened to get on board as well as those who dislike flying, it's also there for would-be passengers who just want to know more about how an aircraft works, meet the pilots and ask questions.

The full day course includes meals, coffee breaks, a relaxation CD and a real flight. At the end of the day, everyone who successfully completes the programme will receive a certificate of achievement signed by Richard Branson. Free membership of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and 2,000 bonus miles is also included. Book now

British Airways Flying with Confidence

The course features a morning session in which a British Airways pilot gives a detailed presentation, followed by lunch. The afternoon session covers the psychological aspects of aerophobia, concluding with a flight on a British Airways aircraft. With cabin crew and psychologists on hand, the pilot provides a running commentary from the flight deck, explaining the different phases of the flight. Book now

easyJet Fearless Flyer Course

easyJet offers an online course for those who need help in a hurry. For £89, it offers a seven day pass to view the entire online course, led by a senior easyJet captain and therapist, as well as the full course notes. You will also receive a Fearless Flyer MP3 player to use during the flight with captain commentary and relaxation techniques, as well as access to a private members' site with advanced coaching and techniques. Buy now

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Nearly one in six of us has some sort of anxiety about flying, but now there's a solution. Conquer your fear of flying and take off with confidence. Find out more about what courses are available at Manchester Airport, then sit back, relax and ascend. Do you have a fear of flying?

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Countries, territories and areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region:

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Would you like to know how rates of mental ill health differ between men and women, or what the stats say about homelessness and mental health?

Here you can find a selection of the key statistics related to mental health.

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This section contains a selection of the key statistics on mental health. Want to know how rates of mental ill health differ between men and women or what the stats say about homelessness and mental health? Browse this section to find out.

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Is depression caused by a chemical imbalance?

The human brain is extremely complicated. Because antidepressants work by changing brain chemistry, some people have assumed that depression is caused by changes in brain chemistry which are then 'corrected' by the drugs. Some doctors may tell you that you have a 'chemical imbalance' and need medication to correct it.

But the evidence for this is very weak, and if changes to brain chemistry occur, we don't know whether these are the result of the depression or its cause.

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The human brain is extremely complicated. Because antidepressants work by changing brain chemistry, some people have assumed that depression is caused by changes in brain chemistry which are then 'corrected' by the drugs. Some doctors may tell you that you have a 'chemical imbalance' and need medication to correct it.

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Sadness is something we all experience from time to time. For some, this feeling is temporary and goes away on its own. But for others, this persistent feeling of emptiness, unhappiness, and hopelessness becomes a regular part of their day.

If your mood has changed over the last few weeks and engaging in routine daily tasks is getting more difficult, you may have depression, and you're not alone.

Depression, a mood disorder that can cause mild to severe symptoms, can affect how you feel, think, and manage daily activities.

What Depression May Feel Like

Many people believe that depression needs to be debilitating and cause significant problems in their life in order to seek help. What they don't realize is that some of the more subtle signs of this disorder are often the first indication that something is going on. Here are some examples of how depression may feel to you.

Depression feels like there is no pleasure or joy in life. According to Anjani Amladi, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, it's so much more than being sad. According to Amladi, "depression robs people of things they once loved, and for many people, they feel like nothing will bring them joy again."

Concentration and focus become much more difficult, which makes any kind of decision-making challenging. Amladi says that sometimes people describe this as being in a fog as they are unable to think clearly or follow what is happening around them.

For many with depression, it feels like there is no way out. Everything feels hopeless like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Amladi says this can lead to a feeling of failure and worthlessness. In more serious cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Depression also has a significant impact on sleep. This often manifests as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nighttime awakening, or feeling tired upon waking despite getting an adequate number of hours of sleep. "This can lead to a feeling of exhaustion and low energy which can prevent people from even being able to get out of bed, or perform daily activities like showering, eating and brushing their teeth," Amladi says.

Sometimes depression can be physically painful. Amladi says it is not unusual for people with depression to feel body aches, headaches, muscle tension, and even nausea.

How It Feels According to People With Depression

Leela R. Magavi, MD, psychiatrist, and regional medical director for Community Psychiatry, says the most common question asked in her practice is: "How does depression feel?"

"Some people ask me this question for comfort and to ensure that they are not alone with their experience, while others feel so confused by their tumultuous feelings that they struggle to clearly identify their inner experience," she says.

With that in mind, here are some of the responses Magavi hears in her sessions:

"Depression feels like a weight on my chest, which brings me down everywhere I go."

"Depression is receiving praise at work but still feeling worthless."

"Depression is the loneliness I feel when I see other couples and families laughing and enjoying their lives."

"Depression is feeling like I am a failure as a person, family member, and friend."

"Depression is when I cannot take care of my children because I cannot take care of myself."

"Depression is not brushing my hair and teeth because I simply cannot move."

"Depression is smiling when others laugh, hiding behind the fabricated mask, and wishing I could just disappear."

"Depression is my life and shadow, which haunts me every day."

Christian Sismone, someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety her entire life, says it's important to provide a non-clinical perspective. She shares these examples:

"Depression makes my mind feel like a turtle running in chunky peanut butter." Sismome says this is most evident when she is not able to have clear thoughts.

"Depression feels like I'm suffocating in my emotions, and at times I feel as though I can breathe, but only through a straw." Being someone who attempted to end their life 10 years ago, Sismome says the complicated emotion of depression can feel too great.

"Depression can feel like an old friend that doesn't quite fit, but you know the ins and outs." For Sismone, learning how to work with depression instead of running away from it, helped her move forward.

What Are the Different Types of Depression?

Since depression is such a complex disorder, it can be difficult to define and diagnose with just one set of generalized criteria. Because of this, other categories define different types of depression.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the two most common forms of depression are major or clinical depression and persistent depressive disorder.﻿﻿﻿﻿

Persistent depressive disorder dysthymia is diagnosed after a person has symptoms of depression that last for at least two years.

Other forms of depression include:

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depressive symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

Sadness

Loss of interest or pleasure in actives you used to enjoy

Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and pessimism (expecting only bad things to occur)

Irritability

Difficulty sleeping

Changes in appetite

Lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

Increase in aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems

Lack of self-care (not bathing, grooming, etc)

Withdraw from social activities

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Tips for Friends and Family

If you have a friend or loved one dealing with depression, you might be wondering if there are things you should look or listen for. The good news, according to Kevin Gilliland, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and executive director of Innovation360, is you don't need to have a great understanding of what depression feels like to you, just try to be curious about what depression feels like for them.

His advice? Try to understand it enough so that you stay aware of the symptoms and look for the little things that indicate your loved one is doing well or that they are struggling.

"What's most important is that we are trying to care for them and when we are aware of their struggle, we can check on them and ask what we can do to help, " Gilliland says.

A Word From Verywell

Depression is a serious mental health issue. Although symptoms can look different depending on the severity, it's not uncommon to experience many of the feelings described above.

That said, if you're experiencing more than a few symptoms of depression or are worried that your symptoms are worsening, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your doctor or mental health expert.

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Sadness is something we all experience from time to time. For some, this feeling is temporary and goes away on its own. But for others, this persistent feeling of emptiness, unhappiness, and hopelessness becomes a regular part of their day.

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Maybe your mother had it. Or your uncle or your sister. Watching a family member experience depression can be difficult. But does it mean that you'll also have the condition?

Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is the most common form of depression. The Stanford School of Medicine estimates that 10 percent of Americans will experience this type of depression at some point in their lives.

This type is also more likely to be shared by siblings and children. A person who has a relative with depression is almost five times as likely to develop it compared to someone who doesn't have a relative with depression.

Research has explored the potential connection between genes and depression. Is depression hereditary, or are other factors involved?

A British research team isolated a gene that appears to be prevalent in multiple family members with depression. The chromosome 3p25-26 was found in more than 800 families with recurrent depression.

Scientists believe that as many as 40 percent of those with depression can trace it to a genetic link. Environmental and other factors may make up the other 60 percent.

A person who grows up with someone with depression may be more susceptible to the condition. A child who watches a depressed parent or sibling may learn to mimic that person's behavior under certain conditions. For example, a child who sees a parent spend days in bed may not think it unusual.

Gender may also be a factor. One study found that women had a 42 percent chance of hereditary depression, while men had only a 29 percent chance.

Serotonin levels and depression have also been linked. Serotonin is the "feel good" chemical that allows communication between brain neurons.

It's possible that an imbalance in serotonin can lead to mood disorders and other issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks.

There are many theories about the serotonin-depression link. Researchers continue to study serotonin as the key to the genetic connection.

If you or a loved one has depression, you might wonder whether the condition is curable. But there's no clear-cut answer here. Just as depression itself is complex, so is its timeline.

You might notice a variation in your own family members who have depression. Some might experience temporary clinical depression and take medications for up to 12 months.

For others, depression is a lifelong experience in which symptoms peak from time to time. In these cases, cognitive behavioral therapy is a viable long-term option that can help you manage your symptoms and improve quality of life.

Other forms of therapy, like psychodynamic therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, can also be used to help treat depression.

Depression can be treated. The key is to be aware of your symptoms and notify your doctor if you don't think your current treatment plan is working. It's also important to be aware of any symptoms that come back after you experience any form of remission.

Many researchers believe there's no single gene that puts someone at risk for depression. It's more likely a combination of genes that lead to the disorder. The causes of bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders may also be traced to a combination of genetic factors.

The question remains: Should someone whose parent or sibling experiences depression be worried? The answer: not necessarily.

Situational depression is often only temporary and brought on by major life events. Other types of depression can be lifelong. In any case, there are many treatments that can help you manage in everyday life. Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional to explore treatment options.

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Maybe your mother had it. Or your uncle or your sister. Watching a family member experience depression can be difficult. But does it mean that you'll also have the condition? Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is the most common form of depression.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It's important to get help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last for months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

With the right support most people make a full recovery.

Depression during pregnancy

Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common, affecting more than 1 in 10 women.

Other mental health symptoms that can occur during or after your pregnancy include anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis.
Read more about mental health in pregnancy

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth.

This is often called the " baby blues" and is so common that it's considered normal.

The "baby blues" do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby

withdrawing from contact with other people

problems concentrating and making decisions

frightening thoughts - for example, about hurting your baby

Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually.

Speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if:

you think you may be depressed

Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.

Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including talking therapy

depression is an illness like any other

it's not your fault you're depressed - it can happen to anyone

being depressed does not mean you're a bad parent

it does not mean you're going mad

your baby will not be taken away from you - babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.

These include:

self-help - things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet

talking therapy - a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

antidepressants - these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that's safe to take while breastfeeding

Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Causes of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.

There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life

a history of mental health problems during pregnancy

having no close family or friends to support you

a difficult relationship with your partner

recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement

physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence

Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.

It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Preventing postnatal depression

There are things you can do during pregnancy to help you keep well, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having someone you can talk to and turn to for support.

Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to a GP or your mental health team if:

you have a history of depression or mental health problems

someone in your family has had mental health problems after childbirth (for example, your mother or sister)

This is so they can offer you appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to a midwife, who can support you or refer you to specialist mental health services if needed. If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.

The mental health team, maternity team and GP will work closely with you during your pregnancy and after you have given birth.

Myths about postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.

These include:

postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression - in fact, it's as serious as other types of depression

postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes - it's actually caused by many different factors

postnatal depression will soon pass - unlike the "baby blues", postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem

postnatal depression only affects women - research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby

These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It's a common problem. Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common.

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Postnatal depression in dads and co-parents: 10 things you should know | NCT

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It’s understandable that we focus on mums in the postnatal period but let’s not forget the dads and co-parents who also need support.

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Self-care for postnatal and perinatal mental health problems

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Tips for new parents to help you look after your mental health, including building support and managing daily tasks.

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Bipolar Disorder | Types, Symptoms and Treatments | Bupa UK

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Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, causes severe mood swings. Find out more about bipolar symptoms, types, treatments, and medication options.

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Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Bipolar Disorder: The Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, affects 2 in 100 people. Find out about diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

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A diagnosis of bipolar can be disorientating for family and friends - read other people's stories and learn how to help and support your loved one who is living with bipolar.

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Living a Healthy Life With Bipolar Disorder

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Advice for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder through exercise, stress reduction, and more.

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Heston Blumenthal Opens Up On His Terrifying Bipolar Diagnosis | This Morning

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Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition. It causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

hallucinations - hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind

delusions - unusual beliefs not based on reality

muddled thoughts and speech based on hallucinations or delusions

losing interest in everyday activities

not wanting to look after yourself and your needs, such as not caring about your personal hygiene

wanting to avoid people, including friends

feeling disconnected from your feelings or emotions

People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality. Schizophrenia does not usually cause someone to be violent.

When to get medical advice

If you're experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, see a GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better.

There's no single test for schizophrenia. It's usually diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health care professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Causes of schizophrenia

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. But most experts believe the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

It's thought that some people are more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia, and certain situations can trigger the condition such as a stressful life event or drug misuse.

Treating schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medicine and therapy tailored to each individual.

In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

People with schizophrenia usually receive help from a community mental health team, which can offer day-to-day support and treatment, depending on the needs of each individual.

Many people recover from schizophrenia, although they may have periods when symptoms return (relapses).

Support and treatment can help reduce the impact the condition has on daily life.

Living with schizophrenia

If schizophrenia is well managed, it's possible to reduce the chance of severe relapses.

This can include:

recognising the signs of an acute episode

taking medicine as prescribed

talking to others about the condition

There are many charities and support groups offering help and advice on living with schizophrenia.

Most people find it comforting talking to others with a similar condition.

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Find out about schizophrenia - a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms.

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Positive and negative symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into:

positive symptoms - any change in behaviour or thoughts, such as hallucinations or delusions

negative symptoms - where people appear to withdraw from the world around then, take no interest in everyday social interactions, and often appear emotionless and flat

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are where someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that do not exist outside their mind. The most common hallucination is hearing voices.

Hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them, even though people around them cannot hear the voices or experience the sensations.

Research using brain-scanning equipment shows changes in the speech area in the brains of people with schizophrenia when they hear voices. These studies show the experience of hearing voices as a real one, as if the brain mistakes thoughts for real voices.

Some people describe the voices they hear as friendly and pleasant, but more often they're rude, critical, abusive or annoying.

The voices might describe activities taking place, discuss the hearer's thoughts and behaviour, give instructions, or talk directly to the person. Voices may come from different places or 1 place, such as the television.

Delusions

A delusion is a belief held with complete conviction, even though it's based on a mistaken, strange or unrealistic view. It may affect the way the person behaves. Delusions can begin suddenly or may develop over weeks or months.

Some people develop a delusional idea to explain a hallucination they're having. For example, if they have heard voices describing their actions, they may have a delusion that someone is monitoring their actions.

Someone experiencing a paranoid delusion may believe they're being harassed or persecuted. They may believe they're being chased, followed, watched, plotted against or poisoned, often by a family member or friend.

Some people who experience delusions find different meanings in everyday events or occurrences.

They may believe people on TV or in newspaper articles are communicating messages to them alone, or that there are hidden messages in the colours of cars passing on the street.

Confused thoughts (thought disorder)

People experiencing psychosis often have trouble keeping track of their thoughts and conversations.

Some people find it hard to concentrate and will drift from one idea to another. They may have trouble reading newspaper articles or watching a TV programme.

People sometimes describe their thoughts as "misty" or "hazy" when this is happening to them. Thoughts and speech may become jumbled or confused, making conversation difficult and hard for other people to understand.

Changes in behaviour and thoughts

A person's behaviour may become more disorganised and unpredictable.

Some people describe their thoughts as being controlled by someone else, that their thoughts are not their own, or that thoughts have been planted in their mind by someone else.

Another feeling is that thoughts are disappearing, as though someone is removing them from their mind.

Some people feel their body is being taken over and someone else is directing their movements and actions.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

The negative symptoms of schizophrenia can often appear several years before somebody experiences their first acute schizophrenic episode.

These initial negative symptoms are often referred to as the prodromal period of schizophrenia.

Symptoms during the prodromal period usually appear gradually and slowly get worse.

They include the person becoming more socially withdrawn and increasingly not caring about their appearance and personal hygiene.

It can be difficult to tell whether the symptoms are part of the development of schizophrenia or caused by something else.

Negative symptoms experienced by people living with schizophrenia include:

losing interest and motivation in life and activities, including relationships and sex

lack of concentration, not wanting to leave the house, and changes in sleeping patterns

being less likely to initiate conversations and feeling uncomfortable with people, or feeling there's nothing to say

The negative symptoms of schizophrenia can often lead to relationship problems with friends and family as they can sometimes be mistaken for deliberate laziness or rudeness.

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The symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into: positive symptoms - any change in behaviour or thoughts, such as hallucinations or delusions negative symptoms - where people appear to withdraw from the world around then, take no interest in everyday social interactions, and often appear emotionless and flat Hallucinations are where someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that do not exist outside their mind.

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Schizophrenia is usually treated with an individually tailored combination of talking therapy and medicine.
Most people with schizophrenia are treated by community mental health teams (CMHTs).

The goal of the CMHT is to provide day-to-day support and treatment while ensuring you have as much independence as possible.

A CMHT can be made up of and provide access to:

social workers

community mental health nurses - who have specialist training in mental health conditions

occupational therapists

pharmacists

counsellors and psychotherapists

psychologists and psychiatrists - the psychiatrist is usually the senior clinician in the team

During your first episode of schizophrenia, you should initially be referred to an early intervention team.

These specialist teams provide treatment and support, and are usually made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers and support workers.

Depending on your needs, you may be in regular contact with just 1 or 2 members of the team or you may need help from the entire CMHT.

Care programme approach (CPA)

People with complex mental health conditions are usually entered into a treatment process known as a care programme approach (CPA). A CPA is essentially a way of ensuring you receive the right treatment for your needs.

There are 4 stages to a CPA:

assessment - your health and social needs are assessed

care plan - a care plan is created to meet your health and social needs

key worker appointed - a key worker, usually a social worker or nurse, is your first point of contact with other members of the CMHT

reviews - your treatment will be regularly reviewed and, if needed, changes to the care plan can be agreed

You'll work together with your healthcare team to develop a care plan. The care plan may involve an advance statement or crisis plan, which can be followed in an emergency.

Your care plan should include a combined healthy eating and physical activity programme and support for giving up smoking, if you smoke.

Your care co-ordinator will be responsible for making sure all members of your healthcare team, including your GP, have a copy of your care plan.

Further information

Managing acute episodes

People with schizophrenia can experience what is known as an acute schizophrenic episode. During an acute episode the symptoms of psychosis, where a person is unable to tell the difference between reality and their imagination, can become overwhelming.

During this time, a person may require a more intensive level of care than a CMHT can provide, to help keep them safe from harm.

Crisis resolution teams (CRT)

A treatment option is to contact a home treatment or crisis resolution team (CRT).

CRTs care for people with serious mental health conditions who are currently experiencing an acute and severe psychiatric episode, sometimes called a 'crisis'.

The aim of a CRT is to support people without having to admit them to a hospital (but they can arrange admission if needed).

The CRT aims to treat people in the least restrictive environment possible, ideally in or near their home. This can be in your own home, in a dedicated crisis residential home or hostel, or in a day care centre.

CRTs are also responsible for planning aftercare once the crisis has passed to prevent a further crisis occurring.

Your care co-ordinator should be able to provide you and your friends or family with contact information in the event of a crisis.

Treatment in a hospital or clinic

People who are undergoing a very severe schizophrenia episode may require in-patient care at a hospital or psychiatric clinic.

If a person's care team think they would be best cared for in a hospital or clinic, they will explain that to the person and encourage them to admit themselves for care.

There may be times when a person refuses to go into hospital but the clinic feels that they do not have the mental capacity to make an informed decision about their own care. Read more about how health professionals assess a person's capacity to make a decision.

In situations like this the Mental Health Act (2007) does legally allow a person to be compulsorily detained at a hospital or clinic. It must be thought that detention is necessary to protect:

that person's health and safety

the health and safety of others

Sometimes the wards need to be locked for the safety of the people being cared for.

All people being treated in hospital will stay only as long as is absolutely necessary for them to receive appropriate treatment and arrange aftercare.

An independent panel will regularly review your case and progress. Once they feel you're no longer a danger to yourself and others, you'll be discharged from hospital. However, your care team may recommend you remain in hospital voluntarily.

More serious acute schizophrenic episodes may need to be cared for in a psychiatric ward at a hospital or clinic.

If the care team think a person would be best cared for on a ward, they will talk to the person and encourage them to admit themselves voluntarily to hospital.

Rarely, if a person's care team feels they are not able to make the decision for themselves they may need to be admitted under the Mental Health Act (2007). This is sometimes called 'compulsorily admission'.

It's only possible for someone to be compulsorily admitted to a hospital if they have a severe mental health condition and it's in the best interests of:

the person's own health and safety

the health and safety of others

All people being treated in hospital will stay only as long as is absolutely necessary for them to receive appropriate treatment and arrange aftercare.

An independent panel will regularly review the person's progress. Once they feel the level of risk has lowered, the person can be discharged from hospital. However, the care team may recommend they stay in hospital voluntarily.

Advance statements

If it's felt there's a significant risk of future acute schizophrenic episodes occurring, you may want to write an advance statement.

An advance statement is a series of written instructions about what you would like your family or friends to do in case you experience another acute schizophrenic episode. You may also want to include contact details for your care co-ordinator.

An advanced statement can also give instructions on how you want to be cared for if you're not in a position to make decisions about treatment yourself.

These instructions can include your wishes regarding your treatment and who you would like to be contacted, such as a family member or a friend, in the event of a crisis.

Advanced statements are not legally binding, so health professionals will always act in your best interest when required, but they will follow your wishes whenever possible.

If you want to make an advance statement, talk to your care co-ordinator, psychiatrist or GP.

Further information:

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are usually recommended as the initial treatment for the symptoms of an acute schizophrenic episode. They work by blocking the effect of the chemical dopamine, or other chemicals on the brain.

Antipsychotics can usually reduce feelings of anxiety or aggression within a few hours of use, but may take several days or weeks to reduce other symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusional thoughts.

Your doctor may recommend a physical examination, and possibly some scans, such as an ECG. It's important that your doctor gives you a thorough physical examination before you start taking antipsychotics, and that you work together to find the right one for you.

Antipsychotics can be taken orally as a pill, or be given as an injection known as a depot. Several slow-release antipsychotics are available. These require you to have one injection every 1 to 4 weeks. You will usually be given the lowest dose possible that it thought able to effectively control symptoms.

You may only need antipsychotics until your acute schizophrenic episode has passed.

However, most people take medication for 1 or 2 years after their first psychotic episode to prevent further acute schizophrenic episodes occurring, and for longer if the illness is recurrent.

There are 2 main types of antipsychotics:

typical antipsychotics - the first generation of antipsychotics developed in the 1950s

atypical antipsychotics - newer-generation antipsychotics developed in the 1990s

The choice of antipsychotic should be made following a discussion between you and your psychiatrist about the likely benefits and side effects.

Both typical and atypical antipsychotics can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them and the severity will differ from person to person.

The side effects of typical antipsychotics include:

shaking

trembling

muscle twitches

muscle spasms

Side effects of both typical and atypical antipsychotics include:

drowsiness

weight gain, particularly with some atypical antipsychotics

lack of sex drive

blurred vision

constipation

dry mouth

Antipsychotics can also cause side effects which may need to be monitored while you are taking them. These include:

an increase in your blood cholesterol levels

changes in your blood sugar levels

your blood pressure can become both higher or lower than usual

Tell your care co-ordinator, psychiatrist or GP if your side effects become severe. There may be an alternative antipsychotic you can take or additional medicines that will help you deal with the side effects.

If you do not benefit from your antipsychotic medicine after taking it regularly for several weeks, an alternative can be tried. It's important to work with your treatment team to find the right medicine for you.

Do not stop taking your antipsychotics without first consulting your care co-ordinator, psychiatrist or GP. If you stop taking them, you could have a relapse of symptoms.

Your medicine and any side effects will be closely monitored for the first few months. After this your medicine should be reviewed at least once a year.

Further information

Talking therapies

Talking therapies can help people with schizophrenia cope with the symptoms of hallucinations or delusions better.

They can also help treat some of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy or a lack of enjoyment and interest in things you used to enjoy.

Talking therapies for schizophrenia work best when they're combined with antipsychotic medication.

Common talking therapies for schizophrenia include:

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

family therapy

arts therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to help you identify the thinking patterns that are causing you to have unwanted feelings and behaviour, and learn to change this thinking with more realistic and useful thoughts.

For example, you may be taught to recognise examples of delusional thinking. You may then receive help and advice about how to avoid acting on these thoughts.

Most people require a series of CBT sessions over the course of a number of months. CBT sessions usually last for about an hour.

Your GP or care co-ordinator should be able to arrange a referral to a CBT therapist.

Family therapy

Family therapy aims to support the person with schizophrenia and the people they live with or are close to, such as partners or family members.

It can help everybody that may be affected by schizophrenia, not just the individual living with the condition.

It usually involves informal sessions over the course of 6 months.

Family therapy sessions may include:

discussing information about schizophrenia

exploring ways of supporting somebody with schizophrenia

deciding how to solve practical problems that can be caused by the symptoms of schizophrenia

planning what to do in a crisis situation

If you think you and your family could benefit from family therapy, speak to your care co-ordinator or GP.

Arts therapy

Arts therapies are designed to promote creative expression. Working with an arts therapist in a small group or individually can allow you to express your experiences with schizophrenia.

Some people find expressing things in a non-verbal way through the arts can provide a new experience of schizophrenia and help them develop new ways of relating to others.

Arts therapies have been shown to alleviate the negative symptoms of schizophrenia in some people.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that arts therapies are provided by an arts therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council who has experience of working with people with schizophrenia.

Want to know more?

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Schizophrenia is usually treated with an individually tailored combination of therapy and medicine.

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Delusions vs. Hallucinations: What Are the Differences?

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This article explores the types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of delusions and hallucinations.

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There are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Why is the number of people with dementia increasing?

The increase in the number of people with dementia is driven by an ageing population. Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia; the chances of developing dementia rises significantly with age.

How many people will have dementia in the UK in the future?

There are projected to be over 1million people with dementia in the UK by 2025. This is projected to rise to nearly 1.6million in 2040.

These numbers demonstrate the increasing scale and impact of dementia. There is an urgent need for action to be taken to meet current and future care needs.

Who is affected by dementia?

Dementia mainly affects people over the age of 65, though dementia can affect younger people too.

Our new figures, announced in December 2021, are based on the number of people with dementia over 65 only. This is because there is very little research and data on the estimated numbers of people with dementia under 65. There is an urgent need for more research to be carried out in this area.

Why is it important to know how many people have dementia?

Understanding the number of people with dementia is vital to make sure the right support is available to help people with dementia to live well. It is important when planning the provision of support services, local and national health and care strategies, and dementia research

Not everyone with dementia has a diagnosis. This is why it is important to have an estimate of the total number of people with dementia, both with or without a diagnosis. In 2020 diagnosis rates for dementia fell below two thirds.

What is the impact of coronavirus on the number of people living with dementia?

During the pandemic we have sadly seen a high number of deaths of people with dementia - higher than would have been expected in a 'normal' year.

These deaths are either a direct result from COVID-19, or from the impact of lockdown on the progression of dementia symptoms. In our report, Worst hit: dementia during coronavirus, we shined a light on the impact of coronavirus on people with dementia and those who care for them.

How is the 900,000 statistic calculated?

The figure was calculated using estimates of the number of people with dementia published in a report we commissioned from the London School of Economics (LSE) in 2019. We also looked at data published from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on deaths in people with dementia.

We have done analysis taking both data sets into account to reach a new updated estimate.

More information can be found in our methodology document.

With rising numbers of people living with dementia, our work to help create a world where every person affected by dementia gets the support and care they deserve is vital.

Join our campaigns

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How many people have dementia in the UK?

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There are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

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What is Dementia? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Around 944,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, and someone develops the condition every three minutes.

Dementia causes changes in memory, thinking, personality and behaviour, but symptoms vary depending on which type the person has. Understanding the various types of dementia means people can get the right support to help them live better with the condition.

Here's what you need to know about some of the most common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

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Different types of dementia: A simple guide

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Getting a diagnosis of the specific type of dementia you have will mean you can get the right support to help you live better with the condition.

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Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.

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The way a person with dementia feels and experiences life is down to more than just having the condition. Their relationships, environment and support all shape their experience too. Carers, friends and family can help the person with dementia to feel valued and included.

How to help someone with dementia

Support should be sensitive to the person as an individual. This is called person-centred care. Support should also focus on promoting their wellbeing and meeting their needs. It's important to focus on what the person still does have, not on what they may have lost. Concentrate on what the person feels, rather than what they remember.

The person with dementia may be experiencing a world that is very different to that of the people around them. To understand and support the person, try and see things from their perspective and recognise their coping strategies.

Coping strategies a person with dementia might use

Practical strategies - setting up reminders or prompts, preparing advanced decisions or a lasting power of attorney for the future

Social strategies - relying on family help, seeking spiritual support, joining new activity groups

Emotional strategies - using humour, focusing on short-term pleasure or living for the moment, focusing on positive aspects

Health improvement strategies - exercising more, adopting a healthier diet, cutting down on alcohol and smoking

Responses to dementia

The way a person reacts to dementia will depend on their personality, their previous experiences, their understanding of dementia, the social and emotional support they receive, and their environment. People may adopt different coping strategies at different times.

Some people may not acknowledge that they have dementia. They may deny that they are experiencing difficulties. Others may be aware that things are becoming harder but feel that is a normal part of ageing rather than part of dementia.

Identity

A person's sense of identity - who they think of themselves as - is shaped by many things, including their relationships, roles in the family and community, hobbies and occupation. For example, a person may identify themselves as a keen gardener.

Changes caused by dementia may lead to changes in their sense of identity. It is important that family, friends and carers are aware of this because they are able to influence how a person with dementia sees themselves. They should try to treat the person with dementia as an individual rather than defining them by the condition or focusing on negative aspects such as lost abilities.

For anyone receiving professional care, This is me is a leaflet that can be used to record details about identity.

Changes in behaviour

As their condition progresses, a person with dementia may start to behave in ways that are challenging and distressing, both for themselves and those around them. For example, a person with dementia may:

become restless or agitated

shout out or scream

become suspicious of others

follow someone around

ask the same question repeatedly.

These out-of-character behaviours can occur because the person has a need that isn't being met and they cannot communicate it. For example:

they might be thirsty, hungry or in pain

they may have misunderstood something and feel threatened

they may be frustrated or bored.

Relationships, roles and responsibilities

Relationships form a central part of our identity. Relationships often change when someone has dementia. People with dementia can easily become isolated or avoided by those around them. They may lose contact with friends and family, who may not know how to react to them.

As dementia progresses, some aspects of the relationship may become harder, such as the ability of a person with dementia to support those around them. However, many positive elements of the relationship (such as affection) will remain. Carers and those around the person with dementia may find it helpful to focus on these positive aspects.

Carers can help by supporting existing relationships and encouraging the person with dementia to join social groups, community activities, religious activities or hobbies. Dementia cafés provide an opportunity to meet other people, talk about living with dementia and take part in group activities. The GP surgery, local library or council office will also have information about other social groups.

Find services and support in your area with our service search finder.

Carers and others can also help in creating a dementia-friendly community. This is a community in which local people have an understanding of dementia, which empowers people with dementia to feel confident and be able to contribute to their community.

Carers: looking after yourself

Dementia may also change the relationships between the person and those closest to them. A partner, friend or child may find themselves becoming defined as a carer. This is often a role that is taken on without a conscious decision being made and many people may not think of themselves as a carer.

A carer may find they have an increasing number of roles in a relationship. While taking on more responsibility may be necessary, it is important that the person with dementia continues to feel involved with, and able to contribute to, the relationship.

Carers often have to balance supporting the person's emotional needs with their own. For example, accessing replacement/respite care may help. A person with dementia may feel confused, anxious or isolated if their usual carer is temporarily replaced by respite care, but it is equally important for carers to have time to rest and recuperate.

The impact of dementia on the individual

Most people living with dementia experience problems with their memory and thinking. This can lead to loss of:

Self-esteem and confidence

Social roles and relationships

The ability to carry out hobbies

Everyday life skills (for example, cooking and driving)

However, the person will still keep some of their abilities. They will still feel an emotional connection to people and their environment, even later on in the condition.

Dementia will affect a person's day-to-day life. There are approaches carers can take to lessen the impact of any changes and help the person keep a sense of normality for as long as possible.

Communicating

People with dementia often experience difficulties communicating - for example, problems with finding the right word or following a conversation. Other factors that may affect communication include pain, other conditions, side effects of medication and sensory impairments.

Tips for carers on communication:

If the person finds speech difficult, speak slightly more slowly and use simple words and sentences.

A person with dementia may use their behaviour and body language to communicate, such as gestures, eye contact and facial expressions.

Try to maintain eye contact. This will help the person focus on you.

Try to avoid sudden movements and tense facial expressions, as these may cause upset or distress.

Try not to stand too close or stand over someone when talking - it may be intimidating.

Make sure the person is included in conversations. Try not to speak on their behalf, complete their sentences or allow others to exclude them.

Listen to the person. Give them plenty of time, remove distractions like background noise. They may be trying to communicate feelings, not just facts.

Avoid asking too many questions. Consider giving options or asking yes or no questions.

We have more advice on how to communicate with a person with dementia.

Independence

Where possible, it is important that families, friends and carers support the person with dementia to do things for themselves rather than 'taking over'. This increases the person's wellbeing and helps maintain their dignity, confidence and self-esteem.

Carers and others should avoid assuming the person isn't able to contribute or understand what is happening. It is important for the person to be involved as much as possible. This can mean enabling the person with dementia to do things their way, within reason.

However, carers will need to balance independence against safety concerns.

Tips for carers on maintaining independence

Do things together - try to do things with the person, rather than for them.

Focus on the things the person can do, rather than those they can't.

Allow plenty of time for tasks and offer reassurance and encouragement if needed.

Break down tasks into smaller steps.

Focus on the process of a task rather than the completion.

My Life, My Goals is a free self-help guide for people in the early stages of dementia, providing a focus on feeling more confident and in control.

About the guide

Maintaining a positive relationship

A healthy relationship between carer and the person with dementia is an important factor in making sure the person has a good quality of life. It is important to find ways of maintaining the relationship.

Tips for carers on relationships

Try to focus on the relationship as it is now, rather than thinking of how it used to be.

Consider ways to support the relationship, such as life story work, reminiscence, creative activities (such as art and music) and shared hobbies.

If there are long-standing difficulties in the relationship, try to find opportunities to spend time apart, or consider other social support (for example, a carers' support group or online forum). You could also consider counselling and relationship support.

Don't be afraid to talk to people about the changes in the relationship - this could be a friend, family member or professional (such as a counsellor).

Decision-making

A person's ability to make decisions for themselves is called 'mental capacity' (often just 'capacity'). It means being able to weigh up different options, decide on one and communicate the decision.

A person with dementia may eventually lose capacity to make certain decisions (for example, choices about finances), but it should always be assumed that a person has capacity unless it can be shown otherwise.

Any decision made for a person with dementia must be in their best interests. The decisions should take the least restrictive option and be based on the person's previously expressed wishes. For more information, see our page on the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

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Understanding and supporting a person with dementia

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Gaining a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia can help you support someone with the condition to live well. We cover topics such as identity, changes in behaviour, and the practical impact of dementia on the individual and carer.

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Arts therapy for people with dementia through poetry and creativity

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Arts 4 Dementia works to empower and inspire people with early-stage dementia. Learn how the charity aims to provide arts stimulation within the community through poetry and more.

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Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

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Vicky McClure and Our Dementia Choir perform at Nottingham City Hospital for Dementia Action Week

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An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.
Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly affected.

With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder.

Types of eating disorders

The most common eating disorders are:

anorexia nervosa - trying to control your weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or doing both

bulimia - losing control over how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put on weight

binge eating disorder (BED) - eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

A person may have an OSFED if their symptoms do not exactly fit the expected symptoms for any specific eating disorders.

OSFED is the most common eating disorder.
Find out more about OSFED on the Beat website
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is when someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat or does both.

Beliefs about weight or body shape are not reasons why people develop ARFID.

Possible reasons for ARFID include:

negative feelings over the smell, taste or texture of certain foods

a response to a past experience with food that was upsetting, for example, choking or being sick after eating something

not feeling hungry or just a lack of interest in eating

Find out more about ARFID on the Beat website

Check if you have an eating disorder

If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape

avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved

eating very little food

making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat

exercising too much

having very strict habits or routines around food

changes in your mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed

You may also notice physical signs, including:

feeling cold, tired or dizzy

pains, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs (poor circulation)

feeling your heart racing, fainting or feeling faint

problems with your digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea

your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height

not getting your period or other delayed signs of puberty

You can read more about the symptoms of:

Warning signs of an eating disorder in someone else

It can be very difficult to identify that a loved one or friend has developed an eating disorder.

Warning signs to look out for include:

dramatic weight loss

lying about how much they've eaten, when they've eaten, or their weight

eating a lot of food very fast

going to the bathroom a lot after eating

exercising a lot

avoiding eating with others

cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly

wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss

Getting help for an eating disorder

If you think you may have an eating disorder, see a GP as soon as you can.

A GP will ask about your eating habits and how you're feeling, plus check your overall health and weight.

They may refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists.

It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

Getting help for someone else

It can be difficult to know what to do if you're worried that someone has an eating disorder.

They may not realise they have an eating disorder. They may also deny it, or be secretive and defensive about their eating or weight.

Let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see a GP. You could offer to go along with them.

Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder.

The eating disorder charity Beat also has information on:

Treatment for eating disorders

You can recover from an eating disorder, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

If you're referred to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists, they'll be responsible for your care.

They should talk to you about the support you might need, such as for other conditions you have, and include this in your treatment plan.

Your treatment will depend on the type of eating disorder you have, but usually includes a talking therapy.

You may also need regular health checks if your eating disorder is having an impact on your physical health.

Your treatment may also involve working through a guided self-help programme if you have bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Most people will be offered individual therapy, but those with binge eating disorder may be offered group therapy.

Read more about the different treatments for:

Treatment for other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) will depend on the type of eating disorder your symptoms are most like.

For example, if your symptoms are most like anorexia, your treatment will be similar to the treatment for anorexia.

What causes eating disorders?

We do not know exactly what causes eating disorders.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse

you've been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight

you're really worried about being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancers, models or athletes

you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist

you've been sexually abused

Find out more

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Read about the different types of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, including what possible causes and treatments available.

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Thousands of people have shared their experiences on film to help you understand what it’s like to have a health condition such as breast cancer or arthritis.

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What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have a huge impact on someone's mental and physical health. They can affect anyone with any body shape or lifestyle - regardless of their gender, culture, age or ethnicity.

Lots of young people who develop an eating problem or disorder are also going through other mental health issues. This can include anxiety or stress, feeling low or depressed, or struggling with their self-esteem.

Young people can use their behaviour around food and eating to try to cope with these difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences. They might limit how much they eat, consume large quantities of food quickly, or use methods such as making themselves sick to get rid of food from their body.

While it can sometimes be hard to understand from the outside, doing these kinds of things might:

make someone feel they have a way of coping when things are difficult

make someone feel in control, or give them a way of reducing anxiety or panic when they're overwhelmed

numb or reduce uncomfortable or distressing feelings

Over time, these kinds of thoughts and behaviours around food might become very fixed and difficult to change - and may start to take over daily life. When this happens, it can have a hugely negative effect on a young person's social life and their relationships with friends and family. It can also lead to very serious physical health problems, and affect a young person's physical growth and development. In very serious cases, and without the right kind of support and treatment, eating disorders can cause death.

But if someone gets the right professional help, the eating disorder can be treated and they can get better. The earlier they get help, the easier this will be. There are lots of common stereotypes about what someone with an eating disorder will look like. As a parent or carer, it's important to understand that a young person's weight or appearance does not determine whether they have a problem. Whatever's going on, it's important to find help as soon as you notice behaviours around food that are concerning. The sooner they get support, the easier it will be for the young person to change their behaviour and find other ways of coping. Getting help early can also prevent physical health problems from developing.

Different types of eating disorders

Some eating problems develop or fit into a certain type of eating disorder. But if your child has an eating problem that's affecting their day-to-day life, they still need professional help to find out what's going on - even if you're not sure that they have an eating disorder.

There are some common eating disorder diagnoses.

People with anorexia generally try to keep their weight low by limiting how much food they eat or doing lots of exercise, or both. They may have "rules" about what they eat, or when and where they eat. And they may think they are bigger than they are, and feel very scared about gaining weight.

Some people with anorexia also try to 'get rid' of food from their body, for example by making themselves sick or using laxatives.
Without support, anorexia can lead to serious physical health problems - so it's important to get help as early as possible.

ARFID stands for 'avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder'. This used to be known as selective eating disorder.

People with ARFID avoid certain foods or types of food, restrict the amount of food they eat, or both. Unlike with anorexia, people with ARFID don't necessarily do this to lose weight.

Common reasons people with ARFID may limit their food intake include:

sensory sensitivity to the appearance, smell, texture, temperature or taste of certain foods

feeling scared about eating if they have had a frightening experience with choking or vomiting after eating

having a limited interest in food, including not realising when they feel hungry

People with bulimia "binge-eat" or over-eat, and then "purge" to get rid of the food. They might do this by making themselves sick, using laxatives or over-exercising. They may feel guilty about what they have eaten and want to remove the food from their body. Or, completing a cycle of bingeing and purging might feel like it's giving them a sense of control when things are difficult.

Bulimia can cause serious damage to someone's body, so it's important to get help as early as possible.

People with binge-eating disorder regularly eat large quantities of food in a short time. They feel like they are not in control of this, or that they are unable to stop. In a binge-eating episode, people may eat a lot faster than usual or eat when they're not hungry, and feel embarrassment or shame afterwards.

Unlike with bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder do not usually "purge" afterwards (try to get rid of food in their body).

OSFED stands for 'other specified feeding or eating disorder'. This is the diagnosis often given to someone if their symptoms do not fit with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder. This is the most common eating disorder in the UK.

People with OSFED may experience a range of different symptoms. Some examples of what OSFED might look like include:

Atypical anorexia - where someone is experiencing all the symptoms of anorexia, but their weight remains in a "normal" range.

Lower frequency binge-eating disorder - where someone experiences the symptoms of binge eating disorder, but episodes of binge eating do not happen as often.

Lower frequency bulimia - where someone experiences the symptoms of bulimia, but the cycles of bingeing and purging do not happen as often.

Night eating syndrome - where someone eats a lot at night or after dinner, or wakes up in the night to eat.

Purging disorder - where someone purges, as with bulimia, but it is not part of a binge/purge cycle.

Pica involves experiencing cravings to consume things that are not for eating, or feeling like you cannot stop yourself from eating these things. This can include substances such as soap, chalk or dirt. Sometimes, the person may feel urges to consume substances that are dangerous, so it's important to get help as early as possible.

You can find out more about each of these conditions on the Beat website.

If you'd like to hear from other parents and carers who have supported their child with an eating disorder, and personal stories from those who have struggled with them, you might like to listen to this BBC podcast. Please keep in mind that this podcast discusses some very serious experiences - only listen if it's helpful for you, and at a time that's right for you.

Signs that your child might be developing an eating problem or disorder

Every child and young person will show, or not show, what's going on in different ways. The signs that they're struggling might also look different depending on what type of eating problem they have.

While it's not always easy to tell, some early signs that your child is developing an eating problem or disorder might include:

becoming more controlling or limiting about what, how much or when they eat - including avoiding eating with other people

obsessing about their body shape, having an inaccurate view of their body shape, or feeling afraid of putting on weight

leaving the table quickly after meals (for example to hide food or be sick)

exercising a lot, or much more than they used to

seeming different in themselves - including seeming more tired than usual, or finding it difficult to concentrate

wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss

losing or gaining weight

As a parent or carer, it's not always easy to know what's going on - and a young person with an eating problem may try to hide what they're doing. But you know your child, and you know when something is wrong.

If you've noticed changes that are worrying you, the next steps are to open up a conversation with your child and to get professional advice. You don't need to wait for your child to lose or gain weight before getting professional help - ask for advice now.

Getting help and treatment

1. Making an appointment with a GP

If you're worried that your child is developing an unhealthy relationship with food, it's important to make an appointment with a GP. This is the first step to getting them the right help.

Make a list before the appointment of the concerning behaviours you have noticed. Or, if your child wants to go by themselves, encourage them to make a list of the things they're experiencing. The more honest and specific you can be, the easier it will be to get the right help.

Beat have a really useful resource on seeking GP treatment that you can both use to help you prepare for the appointment. They also have a binge-eating disorder leaflet you can take to the GP if your child is struggling with binge-eating problems.

People with eating disorders can find it hard to see they have a problem. Be clear about the fact that you're concerned and that you can see they need some help.

If your child will not go to an appointment at the moment, you can still speak to the GP yourself to get advice about what to do next.

For more advice, see our guide to getting help from the GP.

Getting support from the GP

Seeing your GP as quickly as possible, and asking for support for your child is essential. Early intervention is key to your child's recovery. If your GP does not take your concerns seriously, keep persisting in asking for a referral to an eating disorders team.

2. Getting a GP referral for specialist help

After talking to your child, the GP can make a referral for a specialist assessment. Depending on where you live and your child's age, this is usually done by one of the following services:

CAMHS, which is the NHS mental health service for children and young people

your local adult NHS mental health service

a specialist eating disorder unit

Professionals working in one of these teams will talk to your child to find out what the problem is. They will then decide what kind of treatment will help. While this is happening, the GP may also refer your child to a paediatrician for a physical health assessment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for NHS treatments. They very clearly recommend that GPs should make a referral for specialist assessments if there is any concern that a young person has an eating disorder. The NICE guidelines specifically state that they should not wait to see whether things get worse before doing this.

This is because getting early help can make a big difference - and because it's important to get help before an eating disorder starts to affect a young person's physical development.

If you do not think the GP is taking enough action, you can always ask the surgery to make you an appointment with a different doctor. You can also outline what the NICE guidelines say.

Depending on where you live, your child may be able to contact CAMHS or adult mental health services directly. You may also be able to refer them as their parent or carer. You can find this information online, or ask your GP surgery how things work in your area.

3. Receiving specialist treatment

The type of support and treatment your child has will depend on the type of eating disorder they have been diagnosed with. It may include:

family therapy

individual therapy developed specifically for eating disorders

group therapy developed specially for eating disorders

Your child's physical health may also be monitored during and after treatment.

Your child may receive treatment locally while they're at home. Or, if their symptoms are more serious, they may go into hospital to get treatment and support.

If you are worried about your child's physical health or they become very unwell, for example if they are experiencing chest pains or feeling faint, they need to see a doctor straightaway.

Take them straight to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance.

You can also call 111 if you're concerned but they do not need to be seen immediately.

If your child needs urgent mental health support, for example if you are worried that they are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, you can find advice on our urgent help page.

Educate yourself around eating disorders, this will enable you to give your child the best possible support. Charities such as Beat offer peer support and online development for carers on similar journeys to those you are facing.

How can I support my child?

Getting professional advice as early as you can is one of the most important things you can do to support your child. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that need specialist treatment - and the earlier your child gets support, the easier it will be for them to change their thinking and behaviour.

Alongside getting professional help, there are also things you can do to support your child at home.

Beat have a really useful resource to help you start a conversation if you're worried about your child.

Young people who have been through this say it helps when parents:

show they are able to talk about it and do not shy away from the issue

remember that this might be a difficult conversation for their child to have

are open minded and focus on finding out what it's like for their child

avoid making assumptions about why their child is behaving in this way

address what they want to talk about directly and use 'I' statements - for example, you could say, 'I've noticed that ...', or 'I'm really concerned because ...', and then ask, 'can we have a chat about it?'

You can find some simple tips on things you can do to help your child to feel understood in our blog on how to really listen to your child.

It's completely understandable if things feel all-consuming at times. But try to keep your focus on the person your child is, rather than just seeing the eating disorder. Talk about other things and spend quality time together doing activities you both enjoy. Keep normal routines and family life going as much as possible. This might feel hard sometimes, but young people who have been through this say just how important it is.

Certain points of the day, such as meal times, might feel really challenging. This is understandable, but if things feel tense, it can be more anxiety-provoking for your child.

It can help to:

give yourself permission to step away for a moment if you feel yourself becoming stressed, and come back when you're calmer

think about activities you could do during meals, such as playing a game together or watching TV, which can help to take the pressure off everyone

avoid having serious conversations during mealtimes or other family activities, so that your child can enjoy the social time too

There are stories of recovery on social media that can be positive for young people to see. But some social media content promotes disordered eating and can be damaging for young people with eating problems. This is often called 'pro-anorexia' (or 'pro-ana') and 'pro-bulimia' (or 'pro-mia') content. Social media will also advertise things like weight loss programmes that can be harmful to see.

Talk to your child about what they're seeing online, and about how they can make sure it's having a positive influence on them. Your child can use our advice on creating a positive social media community in our young person's guide to social media and mental health. Or they could try finding an online community at Beat (their online chat spaces are fully moderated).

It's really important that young people feel able to socialise with friends and family. But it can be difficult when social events often revolve around food. Think together about events such as big family meals or trips with friends ahead of time.

Young people who have been through this say it can be helpful to:

decide what they are going to eat beforehand, for example if they are going to a restaurant with friends

plan in downtime around social events to help them cope with stress

have a back-up plan if things feel too difficult - for example, eating in a separate room just with you if eating with everyone together is too much

allow themselves to enjoy the event and socialise too, without the occasion being all about what they're eating

When things feel tough, remind yourself that your child is not choosing to do this and cannot simply decide to stop. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions and it does take time for things to get better. Try not to take their behaviour personally and remember to see yourselves as a team working together.

It is essential that the carer takes good care of their own mental health, and that other family members do too. Reach out to friends and family members who are willing to listen and to offer support.

Looking after yourself

This can be an incredibly tough, or in some cases traumatic, thing for parents and carers to go through. You may be feeling really worried about your child's mental and physical health. When the situation is very serious, some parents tell us they feel like they're firefighting all the time. This is exhausting, and can start to affect your wellbeing too.

Our tips can help you to look after yourself during this time as well your child.

Alongside looking after yourself, it's also important to think about how your other children might be affected by the situation. Remember to check-in with them about how they're doing, and to make space for quality time together.

Useful helplines and websites

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

You may also find helpful...

This page was reviewed in June 2023. It was created with a parent or carer with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with an eating disorder. We will next review the page in 2026. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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Eating Disorders and Problems | Parent Guide

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If you're worried your child has an eating disorder or problem, read our tips and advice on how to find professional help and how to support them at home.

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There is separate information about ADHD in adults.

Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

being easily distracted

finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions

forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

having high energy levels

fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet

talking noisily

feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still

finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.

ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.

Many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if they're under the age of 5. This does not mean they have ADHD. It could be a sign of something else, like being tired, anxious or stressed.

Getting help for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If you're worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, talk to one of their teachers. An older child or teenager may choose to speak to a teacher themselves.

The teacher will usually make a referral to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

The SENCO can discuss support in the classroom or with homework, or help with building confidence and friendships.

If you're still worried or you think your child needs additional support, you may want to make an appointment with a GP.

At the GP appointment, the doctor will ask about the child or young person's symptoms and how these affect their life. They may consider other conditions that could cause these symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety.

People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

The GP or SENCO may recommend support groups or training for parents in your area.

Asking for an ADHD assessment

If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment.

While waiting for a referral or assessment, the child or young person should continue to get support at home and in school. You can also contact your local council for advice, and to ask if there's a family hub in your area.

Family hubs support children and young people aged 0 to 19 (and up to 25 for people with special educational needs or a disability).

What happens at an ADHD assessment

The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The specialist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. They'll also ask about your child's development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

There may be some forms to fill in before the appointment or as part of the assessment.

The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school.

They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available.

Waiting times for ADHD assessments

Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment.

You may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. Read about Right to Choose and your choices in the NHS.

You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.

Find out more about diagnosis pathways for children on the ADHD UK website.

How to manage ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

There are different ways to support a child or young person with ADHD, including lifestyle changes, changes at school and at home, or medicines.

It depends on their symptoms, and not every child needs help or support from a health professional.

Talk to a SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), or a school nurse where available, about changes that could help a child or young person.

Finding out more about ADHD can also help parents, children and young people better understand the condition.

If your child or teenager has been referred to an ADHD service, a specialist will be able to give you more information and advice about how to help them.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help support a child or young person with their ADHD symptoms.

Support at school and at home

Discuss with a SENCO what adjustments or support may help at home and school.

This may include:

splitting up tasks, like doing homework or sitting down to eat, into 15 to 20 minute slots with a break in between each slot

giving clear and simple instructions one at a time in a calm voice

writing a to-do list and putting it somewhere easy to see

giving praise when a child or young person does well, or making a reward chart

Medicine

ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. This includes:

medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, such as methylphenidate

melatonin for problems sleeping, when other methods for improving sleep have not worked

Children and teenagers may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for them.

A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a "shared care agreement" between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP. Not everyone with ADHD needs to or wants to take medicine.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings.

ADHD and mental health

People with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

They are also at higher risk of suicide.

If you're concerned about a child or young person, help and support is available right now if they need it. They do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Find out about mental health support for children and young people

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families.

There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury or being autistic.

Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.

Help and support for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

There are ADHD support groups locally and online.

There are also a number of organisations and charities that offer information and support about ADHD.

ADHD UK

Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.

ADHD Foundation

Information for anyone affected by a neurodivergent condition, including ADHD.

ADHD Adult UK

Information and peer support for parents of children with ADHD, and for adults with ADHD.

Young Minds

Mental health support for young people.

AADD-UK

Charity which lists support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.

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Find out about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and teenagers, the symptoms of ADHD, how to get a diagnosis and how to manage it.

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NHS England » Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Programme update

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Agenda item: 6 (public session)
Report by: Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer, Catherine Hinwood, ADHD Programme Director and Claire Fuller, National Medical Director for Primary Care
Paper type: For discussion
28 March 2024

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ADHD masking involves camouflaging symptoms in order to fit in, gain acceptance, and reduce stigma. Explore examples of masking ADHD and find helpful ways to cope.

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The list below aims to include solely those that have spoken directly about their ADHD and includes links to sources. It is important to celebrate those who publicly talk about their ADHD.

The information purposely does not include individuals who are rumoured to have ADHD but for whom there is not primary evidence. To help reduce misinformation on those individuals we've listed them here.

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The list below aims to include solely those that have spoken directly about their ADHD and includes links to sources. It is important to celebrate those who publicly talk about their ADHD. The information purposely does not include individuals who are rumoured to have ADHD but for whom there is not primary evidence.

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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
OCD can affect men, women and children. People can start having symptoms from as early as 6 years old, but it often begins around puberty and early adulthood.

OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep it under control.

Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

If you have OCD, you'll usually experience frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.

A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house.

Women can sometimes have OCD during pregnancy or after their baby is born. Obsessions may include worrying about harming the baby or not sterilising feeding bottles properly. Compulsions could be things such as repeatedly checking the baby is breathing, and intrusive, unwanted and unpleasant thoughts, images or urges. These can cause anxiety and lead to repetitive behaviours.

If you keep getting these thoughts and they have an effect on your daily life, speak to your GP or health visitor. They can support you or refer you to a specialist mental health team if you need it.

Getting help for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD are sometimes reluctant to seek help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.

OCD is a health condition like any other, so there's nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Having OCD does not mean you're "mad" and it's not your fault you have it.

There are 2 main ways to get help:

If you think a friend or family member may have OCD, try talking to them about your concerns and suggest they get help.

If you're under 18, or want to get help for someone under 18, find out how to get mental health support for children and young people.

It's unlikely OCD will get better without proper treatment and support.

Treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

There are some effective treatments for OCD that can help reduce the impact it has on your life.

The main treatments are:

CBT will usually have an effect quite quickly. It can take up to 12 weeks before you notice the effects of treatment with SSRIs, but most people will eventually benefit.

If these treatments do not help, you may be offered:

an alternative SSRI

a combination of an SSRI and CBT

an antidepressant called clomipramine

Some people may be referred to a specialist mental health service for further treatment.

Causes of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

It's not clear what causes OCD. A number of different factors may play a part, including:

family history - you're more likely to develop OCD if a family member has it. It may be learned behaviour, or possibly because of your genes

differences in the brain - some people with OCD have areas of unusually high activity in their brain or low levels of a chemical called serotonin

life events - OCD may be more common in people who have been bullied, abused or neglected, and it sometimes starts after an important life event, such as childbirth or a bereavement

personality - neat, meticulous, methodical people with high personal standards may be more likely to develop OCD, also people who are generally quite anxious or have a very strong sense of responsibility for themselves and others

Support groups

Living with OCD can be difficult. In addition to getting medical help, you might find it helps to contact a support group or other people with OCD for information and advice.

The following websites may be useful sources of support:

OCD Action, OCD-UK and TOP UK can also let you know about any local support groups in your area.

Social care and support guide

The social care and support guide has advice about where you can get support if you:

need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled, including family members

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Overview - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

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Find out about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), what causes it, where to get help, and what the main treatments are.

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Did the pandemic give me OCD? An expert shares his views

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Is it reasonable to wonder if the stressors of the pandemic exacerbated or even induced OCD in susceptible people? Let’s dig a bit deeper.

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Many people find it hard to talk about OCD. You might worry that people won't understand. You might have kept your OCD secret for such a long time that it feels very scary to put some of your experiences into words. Strengthening the relationships around you may help you feel less lonely and more able to cope.

Talk to someone you trust about your OCD. Find a quiet space to talk where you won't be interrupted. You could show them this information (especially our page for family and friends) to help them understand. Some people find it helpful to write their feelings down and then talk about this together.

Spend time with friends and family. You might not feel ready to talk openly about your OCD yet. But spending more time with friends and family may help you feel more comfortable around them and, in time, more able to share your experiences.

"Sharing the obsessive thoughts made them feel less powerful.​"

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Many people find it hard to talk about OCD. You might worry that people won't understand. You might have kept your OCD secret for such a long time that it feels very scary to put some of your experiences into words. Strengthening the relationships around you may help you feel less lonely and more able to cope.

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Find a therapist (enter your state)Search

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Mindfulness for OCD: How It Works & Techniques to Try

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Mindfulness practices can be implemented in OCD treatment to help individuals observe their intrusive thoughts in a non-judgmental manner without engaging in compulsions. Becoming mindful of the present moment helps an individual learn that intrusive thoughts will come and go and do not need to be acted on. Mindfulness for OCD can reduce the distress

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.

These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life.

Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD.

These can include:

serious road accidents

violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

serious health problems

childbirth experiences

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others do not.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations, such as severe neglect, abuse or violence, may be diagnosed with complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event.

It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life, as this can affect a child's development.
Find out more about complex PTSD

When to get medical advice

It's normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks.

You should see a GP if you or your child are still having problems about 4 weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.

If necessary, your GP can refer you to mental health specialists for further assessment and treatment.

How post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is treated

PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event.

Any of the following treatment options may be recommended:

watchful waiting - monitoring your symptoms to see whether they improve or get worse without treatment

antidepressants - such as paroxetine or sertraline

talking therapies - such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

You can refer yourself directly to a talking therapies service.

Social care and support guide

You can get support if:

you need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

you care for someone regularly because they're ill or disabled or because of their age, including family members

Find out more about social care and support

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Overview - Post-traumatic stress disorder

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

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How to Find Connection When You Really Need It

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It can be difficult when you feel alone and like you have no one to talk to. Learn about what you can do if you find yourself thinking, “I need someone to talk to.”

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Tips to look after your mental health during traumatic world events

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Scary world news can affect our mental health. After learning about global events that cause uncertainty, you may feel fear, anxiety or a loss of control over your own life and plans.

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Fergal Keane on PTSD, depression and the secret to happiness

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Prompted by Blue Monday, the BBC’s special correspondent reflects on his struggle to find balance and joy in life - and a surprisingly straightforward solution.