Mental Health Awareness Week (15 to 21 May) focuses on anxiety - Camden Rise

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 15 to 21 May - and this year’s theme is anxiety. Anxiety is a really normal emotion in all of us - but it’s important for us to recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that it doesn’t get out of control and become a mental health problem.  

There are some simple things you can try to help manage these feelings. Next time you’re feeling anxious, give them a go and see how you feel: 

• Focus on your breathing
• Move your body
• Write your anxious thoughts down
• Spend time in nature
• Talk to a loved one about how you’re feeling. 

If your feelings of anxiety are not going away, are having a negative impact on your life, or often prevent you from doing things you need or want to do, you can speak to your GP or find support on the emotional wellbeing section on Camden Rise. Or check out these organisations and links below:

• Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing and mental health support for young people aged 11 to 18
• Brandon Centre is a place for young people in Camden aged under 25 to get help with personal challenges from people who are professionally trained. The counselling and psychotherapy service is free and confidential
• Every Mind Matters gives helpful tips to support children and young people to stay mentally healthy
• Young Minds provides young people with tools to look after their mental health and empower parents, and adults who work with young people, to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives
• Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service
• Youth wellbeing project on Hampstead Heath. This programme supports young people who struggle with school attendance, due to anxiety or other reasons. It aims to promote mental wellbeing by giving participants a chance to engage with nature on Hampstead Heath. You'll take part in activities, such as hands-on conservation sessions, nature-based art activities and forest-school style experiences. Find out more here