Local NHS shares advice on anxiety for Mental Health Awareness Week
Anxiety is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May 2023. In support, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are sharing information to help people know what to do if they are experiencing feelings of anxiety.
Anxiety is a feeling of being worried, tense or afraid. It is normal to feel anxious sometimes, especially if you are dealing with a stressful event or changes in life. But it is important to know that if these feelings are stopping you from doing the things in life you normally do, NHS Talking Therapies services can help.
NHS Talking Therapies support people in Barnsley, Calderdale and Kirklees. They offer help in a supportive and non-judgemental environment and understand that people experience anxiety in different ways. They work with GPs and aim to give you the skills and techniques to manage your mental wellbeing, alongside options such as one to one support, face to face sessions, telephone support and online therapies and courses.
People can be referred to NHS Talking Therapies by their GP, or people can refer themselves over the phone or online. People living in Barnsley can call 01226 644900 or visit www.barnsley-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk People living in Calderdale and Kirklees can call 01484 343700 or visit https://kirklees-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk or www.calderdale-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk.
Kate Iddon, a cognitive behavioural therapist working in NHS Kirklees Talking Therapies and Tom Brown, a cognitive behavioural therapist working in NHS Barnsley Talking Therapies say: “Most people will experience anxiety. But it is when stress and worry start to impact on your day-to-day life, that NHS Talking Therapies can help. Some people might not know what to expect when they speak to a professional about their mental wellbeing but our trained professionals can give you tailored techniques and therapies to help you manage those feelings in a friendly and supportive way. It is easy to speak to us, either get in touch with your GP about a referral or contact our Talking Therapies services directly.”
People can also use ‘choose well for mental health’ guides which helps you to know what support is best able to help. The guides, which are available for adults as well as for children and young people, give practical information to help you look after your own mental health and wellbeing, know where to go for help and support if you need it, and what to do if you, or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
You can find the choose well for mental health guides on our website here, or by searching online for ‘choose well for mental health’.
