How does anxiety differ from depression? What help is there for sufferers of anxiety?

Anxiety is more than encountering everyday stress, it can be a constant worry and tension, even if there is little to stimulate it – however, anxiety can also be hidden as many people are not aware that they are actually affected by it, and so may see their symptoms as another condition or illness.

Anxiety can include mental health problems such as panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorders. It therefore differs from depression (feelings of extreme, long-lasting sadness), although it is estimated that a large proportion of people diagnosed with depression do suffer from anxiety too.

Self Help Services offer CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and cCBT (Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to assist people overcome anxiety.

Self-help books and CDs are available to help with anxiety through the ‘Books on Prescription’ service available at your local library.

Anxiety UK is a national charity that provides support to people struggling with anxiety through information and telephone support. Anxiety UK’s helpline can be contacted by calling 03444 775 774.

Further information about anxiety can also be found via Mind, Sane and the NHS website.

For local services see St Helens Think Wellbeing

Kind To Your Mind campaign has a range of resources, self care apps and information on local crisis support lines.