The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May) is “anxiety” and increasing the awareness and understanding of anxiety.
It’s natural to feel anxious, worried or scared in certain situations but it can sometimes be difficult to control these feelings.
Symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and can be both physical and psychological. They might include a fast heartbeat, headaches and feeling shaky. Anxiety can also lead to sleep problems, poor concentration, irritability and changes in appetite. In more severe cases, it might result in panic attacks, feeling unable to see people or carry out your job and generally not enjoying life.
To help combat some of the symptoms of anxiety, read our collated list of resources below.
Tower Hamlets Council has compiled a series of resources for residents of the area. There is also information from Good Thinking, a free NHS-approved digital service. We also have signposted resources from Employee Assistance Programmes provider CiC to support primary care colleagues during this time and beyond.
Tower Hamlets Council resources
Tower Hamlets Council is supporting everyone living, working or studying in Tower Hamlets to know about what anxiety is, how to spot it, how to address it, and where to access support.
For urgent mental health support, refer to Tower Hamlets Connect’s Urgent Care and Support section. There is information on services such as Tower Hamlets Home Treatment Team and Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line.
There are many services available for young people who may need support with their mental wellbeing. This includes Kooth: a free and anonymous online community that supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Further mental health support in Tower Hamlets
Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham: offers a range of mental health support, advocacy, employment support, bereavement support and more such as the Sakinah Project.
The Maryam Women’s Services at East London Mosque: provides information, advice and guidance for women including a professional and confidential counselling service for women of all backgrounds provided by female therapists.
Visit the Tower Hamlets Council Mental Health Awareness Week page below.
What is Good Thinking?
Good Thinking is a free NHS-approved digital service that has helped more than 730,000 Londoners look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. Good Thinking is available 24/7 on any device, completely anonymous and provides personalised advice, support and resources to help people struggling with:
other mental health concerns such as trauma, bereavement and eating disorders.
Good Thinking provides a range of resources to help Londoners improve their mental wellbeing, including:
Resources from CiC
Care Group Employee Assistance Programmes provider CiC has curated a list of resources for us to share.
Understanding Anxiety
See a tip sheet which includes practical information on how to spot the warning signs of anxiety.
Recognising Anxiety
Why is recognising anxiety important? More people are being affected by anxiety and fewer are speaking up or seeking help.
This blog article talks us through how to recognise anxiety and how it affects people with severe mental illness.
Always consult your GP if you’re in any way concerned about your mental health. If you are in crisis, contact emergency care immediately.
